Dr. Krishna Beejady Gururaja Rao – Ophthalmologist | Kingston, ON

Dr. Krishna Beejady Gururaja Rao is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at South Walkerville Medical Centre in Kingston, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As an experienced ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Rao graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2001, accumulating over 23 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure that he stays current with the latest advancements in ophthalmology, enabling him to deliver high-quality care to his patients.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Rao emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and actively involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. Committed to early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. His approach fosters collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, ensuring clarity and comfort for his patients in Kingston.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Rao addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.

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

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.

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

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. Rao's practice is located within the South Walkerville Medical Centre in Kingston's Kingscourt and Rideau Heights neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near Waterfront Hotels, making it accessible for both local residents and visitors. Patients can easily reach the clinic via Kingston Transit, with nearby public parking generally available. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Whether for routine eye exams or advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Rao’s practice provides a trusted setting for your visual health needs.

Does Dr. Rao perform cataract surgery?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rao?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Rao 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. Rao'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 (613) 507-4801.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rao, 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. Rao'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. Rao's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

Dr. Rao 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, he 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rao specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Rao, 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, 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. Rao treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Rao 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. Rao?

A visit to Dr. Rao 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.

South Walkerville Medical Centre
Suite 340, 27 Place D'Armes
Kingston, ON K7K 6Z6

Office Phone: (613) 507-4800 | Office Fax: (613) 507-4801

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

Verify Dr. Rao's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rao-Krishna-Beejady-Gururaja/0196186-78231