About
Dr. Kevin David Smith is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As an Ophthalmologist, he offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a patient-friendly environment designed to ensure comfort, accessibility, and personalized care for all patients.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Canada). With over 32 years of specialized experience since 1992, Dr. Smith has established himself as a highly skilled ophthalmologist. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which confirms his expertise and adherence to rigorous professional standards. Throughout his career, he has committed to ongoing education and staying current with advancements in ophthalmology to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Smith’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. He prioritizes early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Additionally, Dr. Smith collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, and he is proficient in French, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Ottawa.
Dr. Kevin Smith provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Smith addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Smith addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Smith addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
- 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. Kevin Smith is necessary.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Smith.
All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.
Dr. Smith's primary eye clinic is situated in a specialized eye care centre in Ottawa, ON, conveniently located near the Chinatown Gateway. The clinic is easily accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus) and offers accessible, comfortable facilities designed for a wide range of patients. The practice is situated in proximity to Ottawa Hospital in the Highland Park, Carlingwood West neighborhood, where surgical procedures are often performed. Patients can find convenient parking options nearby, ensuring easy access to comprehensive eye care in a professional and welcoming environment.
- Are services from Dr. Smith covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Smith's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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. Smith's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.
- Does Dr. Smith perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Smith. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Smith can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Smith?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Smith receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Smith's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (613) 596-0848.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Smith?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Smith manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. Providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- How does Dr. Smith treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Smith 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith 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.
a specialized eye clinic in Ottawa
2148 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2A 1H1
Office Phone: (613) 596-0300 | Office Fax: (613) 596-0848
Dr. Smith is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Smith, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Smith-Kevin-David/0045258-59236