Dr. Lei Di Zhao – Ophthalmologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Lei Zhao 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 Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of patient care. Her role encompasses a broad spectrum of services, including diagnosing and managing eye diseases, performing surgical procedures, and offering comprehensive vision assessments. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical interventions, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Zhao graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. She has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2019, accumulating over 5 years of specialized experience in the field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and certification reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices and technologies.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating her patients about their eye health and actively involving them in treatment decisions. Dr. Zhao utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. She is dedicated to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and she collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. All communication and care are offered in English, with a focus on building trusting, informative relationships with her patients in Hamilton.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• 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.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Zhao's primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Zhao addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• 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. Lei Zhao is necessary.

• 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).
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• 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. Zhao.

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. Zhao practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Westmount Recreation Centre and is easily accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available near the clinic, with some accessible spots to accommodate all patients.

Does Dr. Zhao perform cataract surgery?

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

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zhao 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Zhao 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. Zhao treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Zhao 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zhao specialize in?

Dr. Zhao is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Zhao 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. Zhao's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zhao?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Zhao 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. Zhao'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 (905) 527-3883.

a specialized eye clinic in Hamilton
1 Young Street
Hamilton, ON L8N 1V2

Office Phone: (905) 527-5559 | Office Fax: (905) 527-3883

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

Verify Dr. Zhao's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zhao-Lei-Di/0296048-103318