Dr. Lawrence Steve Schonberger – Ophthalmologist | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Lawrence Steve Schonberger 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 Sudbury in Sudbury, 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), ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. As a full-spectrum ophthalmologist, he offers a wide range 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 be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with convenient parking options nearby and easy access via GOVA Transit. Located near Science North in Downtown Sudbury, the clinic is situated within a professional and welcoming setting that emphasizes quality and personalized eye care.

Dr. Schonberger graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa, Canada. With over 43 years of specialized experience since 1981, he has dedicated his career to the field of ophthalmology, continually advancing his expertise. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Ophthalmology and holds key certifications that affirm his proficiency and commitment to excellence in eye care. His extensive experience encompasses a broad spectrum of eye conditions, surgical procedures, and innovative treatment modalities.

Driven by a commitment to preserving and improving vision, Dr. Schonberger focuses on delivering compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in 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 tailored to each individual. His professional philosophy emphasizes early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, collaborating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedicated focus on maintaining the highest standards of patient trust and comfort in Sudbury.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• 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 Schonberger is necessary.

• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.

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

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. Schonberger practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the heart of Downtown Sudbury, close to Science North. The clinic is easily accessible by public transportation via GOVA Transit, and offers convenient parking options nearby. The facility is designed to provide a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, including routine examinations, advanced diagnostic testing, and surgical procedures often performed at nearby Health Sciences North Hospital, located in Sudbury's Minnow Lake and Ramsey Lake Area neighborhoods. Patients can expect a comfortable, accessible, and patient-centered experience dedicated to preserving and enhancing their vision.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Schonberger?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Schonberger 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. Schonberger perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Schonberger. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Schonberger can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

How does Dr. Schonberger treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Schonberger 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. Schonberger covered by provincial health insurance?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Schonberger specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Schonberger, 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Schonberger 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Schonberger 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Sudbury
Suite 202, 2009 Long Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 6C3

Office Phone: (705) 560-6740

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

Verify Dr. Schonberger's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Schonberger-Lawrence-Steve/0027643-32466