Dr. Lawrence Elliot Kobetz – Ophthalmologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Lawrence Elliot Kobetz is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at EMG/EEG Lab in Hamilton, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized 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 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. Kobetz graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1977, accumulating over 47 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 commitment to professional development ensure that his patients receive the most current and effective eye care available.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Kobetz emphasizes educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to deliver precise and effective treatments. A focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he values collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a deep dedication to maintaining optimal eye health for his patients in Hamilton.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Kobetz addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• 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.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Kobetz addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• 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.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• 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.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.

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

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.

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

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. Kobetz's primary eye clinic is situated at the EMG/EEG Lab in Hamilton, ON. The clinic, located within Hamilton's Stoney Creek Central neighborhood, offers a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. The practice is conveniently accessible from St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton (Charlton Campus) and is well-served by Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking options usually available nearby. For surgical procedures, Dr. Kobetz collaborates with Hamilton Health Sciences Hospital, also situated in the Stoney Creek Central area, ensuring seamless care for advanced surgical needs. Patients can expect a warm, professional environment dedicated to preserving and improving their vision.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Kobetz, 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Kobetz?

A visit to Dr. Kobetz 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Kobetz 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.

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

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Kobetz specialize in?

Dr. Kobetz is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

EMG/EEG Lab
2757 King St E, Division of Neurology
Hamilton, ON L8G 5E4

Office Phone: (905) 870-7034

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

Verify Dr. Kobetz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kobetz-Lawrence-Elliot/0021956-26745