Dr. Karin Oliver – Ophthalmologist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Karin Oliver is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at the McGill Academic Eye Centre in Montréal, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care within the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective treatments. As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, she offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a patient-friendly environment designed to be accessible, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone seeking eye care.

Dr. Oliver holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2010, accumulating over 14 years of specialized experience. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including her license from the CMQ (license number 10430). Her expertise encompasses a wide range of ophthalmic subspecialties, supported by ongoing professional development and adherence to the latest clinical guidelines.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Oliver is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to deliver precise and effective treatments. She emphasizes early detection and proactive management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. Committed to the well-being of her patients in Montréal, she provides consultations and treatments in both English and French, fostering clear communication and trust.

Dr. Karin Oliver provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Oliver addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Oliver addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Oliver addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acut or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Karin Oliver is necessary.

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Oliver.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Oliver practices at the McGill Academic Eye Centre located in the vibrant Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighborhood of Montréal, QC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Biosphère, making it easily accessible by public transportation via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) (Métro, Bus). The eye centre offers a professional, welcoming environment designed to ensure comfort and accessibility for all patients. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, providing ease of access for patients seeking comprehensive eye care in a friendly setting.

How does Dr. Oliver treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Oliver will develop a personalized treatment plan which can involve daily eye drop medications to reduce eye pressure, in-office laser treatments to improve fluid drainage, or surgical interventions if medications and lasers are insufficient to control the pressure and protect your vision.

Are services from Dr. Oliver covered by provincial health insurance?

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Oliver for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Oliver's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Oliver?

Dr. Oliver treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, she may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Oliver?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Oliver for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.

Does Dr. Oliver perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Oliver, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Oliver would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

McGill Academic Eye Centre
5252 boul de Maisonneuve O, 4e étage
Montréal, QC H4A 3S5

Office Phone: (514) 934-1934 | Office Fax: (514) 934-8223

Dr. Oliver is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Oliver, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Oliver's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=10430