About
Dr. Melissa Gar Yun Tong is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. She practices at Wonderland South Medical Centre in Vaughan, ON, offering comprehensive services within a professional and welcoming environment. As a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community, she adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring every patient receives quality treatment tailored to their needs. Her practice focuses on a wide spectrum of eye health issues, from routine examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions, in a patient-friendly setting designed for comfort and accessibility.
Dr. Tong graduated with a Medical Degree from Thomas Jefferson University in the United States. She has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2012, accumulating over 12 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development. Her certifications and credentials underpin her ability to deliver expert care across a broad range of ophthalmic conditions.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Tong is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Her approach includes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English, with a strong commitment to enhancing her patients' quality of life through optimal eye health.
Dr. Melissa Tong provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Tong addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Tong addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- 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.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Tong addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Melissa Tong is necessary.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- 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).
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Tong.
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. Tong practices at Wonderland South Medical Centre, located in Vaughan's Concord Central neighborhood within the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) area. The clinic is conveniently situated close to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre transit hub, accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can usually find convenient parking options nearby, making it easy to access her services for routine eye exams, surgical consultations, or emergency care.
- How does Dr. Tong treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Tong manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong specialize in?
- Dr. Tong 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. Tong covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong, 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. Tong's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Tong?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Tong 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.
- Does Dr. Tong perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Tong, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Tong would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
Wonderland South Medical Centre
9135 Keele Street
Vaughan, ON L4K 0J4
Office Phone: (416) 663-3937 | Office Fax: (416) 663-3731
Dr. Tong 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. Tong, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Tong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tong-Melissa-Gar-Yun/0284733-99734