Dr. King Yin Chow – Ophthalmologist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Yin Chow 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 Scarborough in Scarborough, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Chow focuses on delivering compassionate and comprehensive care. His role encompasses a broad spectrum of services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic offers a full spectrum of eye care services, designed to be patient-friendly and accessible, in a welcoming environment that emphasizes quality, safety, and personalized attention.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. Since 2014, he has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist with over 10 years of specialized experience. Dr. Chow is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His certifications include comprehensive training in medical and surgical eye care, ensuring that patients receive the latest and most effective treatments available in ophthalmology.

Dr. Chow’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye conditions seeks to prevent vision loss and maintain optimal eye health. Additionally, he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care, and he is proficient in Cantonese, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Scarborough.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Chow addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Chow addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.

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

• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• 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): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.

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

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. Chow practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Scarborough, ON. The clinic is conveniently situated in a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to public transit routes and nearby medical facilities and optical services. Patients can find the clinic in proximity to several parking options, including accessible spots for those with mobility needs. The facility is designed to be welcoming and accessible, providing a professional environment for comprehensive eye care. Surgical procedures are often performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, also situated in Scarborough’s eye clinic neighborhood, ensuring high standards of safety and quality. The clinic’s location makes it easy for patients to access a full range of ophthalmological services, from routine check-ups to advanced surgical interventions, in a comfortable and patient-centered setting.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chow and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Chow, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Chow 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, he diagnoses and treats a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

How does Dr. Chow treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Chow 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chow?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Chow for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Chow's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 663-3731.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chow?

A visit to Dr. Chow is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Chow for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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 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. Chow's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chow specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Chow, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. A ophthalmologist provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

a specialized eye clinic in Scarborough
Unit 5, 2855 Markham Rd
Scarborough, ON M1X 0C3

Office Phone: (416) 663-3937 | Office Fax: (416) 663-3731

Dr. Chow 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. Chow, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Chow's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chow-King-Yin/0250809-88447