Dr. Michael Curtis Johnson – Ophthalmologist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Michael Curtis Johnson is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at the Dr. Michael C. Johnson Clinic in Lethbridge, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic is situated in the South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood, conveniently close to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. It is easily accessible via Lethbridge Transit, and the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. The environment fosters a professional yet welcoming atmosphere for comprehensive eye care, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and treatment.

Dr. Johnson graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2002, and he is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He holds key certifications including Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Ophthalmology. His advanced training and certifications reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of eye care and staying current with the latest medical advancements.

His professional philosophy centers around preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Johnson emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and promote overall eye health. Dedicated to serving the Lethbridge community, he provides all patient communication and care in English, fostering clear understanding and trust.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Johnson 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.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Johnson addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.

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

• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.

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

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Johnson's practice is located at the Dr. Michael C. Johnson Clinic in Lethbridge, Alberta. The clinic is situated in the vibrant South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood, providing easy access for residents and visitors alike. Its proximity to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden makes it a convenient choice for those exploring the area. The clinic is well-connected via Lethbridge Transit, offering accessible routes for all patients. The facility is designed to be welcoming and accessible, featuring ample parking with some accessible spots nearby. Patients can expect a comfortable environment equipped with modern facilities, dedicated to delivering comprehensive eye care in a professional setting.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Johnson?

A visit to Dr. Johnson 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Johnson specialize in?

Dr. Johnson 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Johnson for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Johnson's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

How does Dr. Johnson treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Johnson 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.

Does Dr. Johnson perform cataract surgery?

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

Dr. Michael C. Johnson Clinic
108-1410 Mayor Magrath Dr S
Lethbridge, AB T1K 2R3

Office Phone: (403) 320-0700 | Office Fax: (403) 320-0091

Dr. Johnson is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Johnson, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Johnson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=c67ab354-b945-42f5-b20b-9c7be8200936&i=702