About
Dr. Michel Gravel is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at the Clinique Bellevue in Laval, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). As a skilled Ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. He provides a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.
Dr. Gravel holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over 34 years, since 1990. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Ophthalmology in Quebec. He is certified by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and maintains ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in eye care.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Gravel is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. His focus is on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He practices collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Dr. Gravel provides eye care consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and comfort for his patients in Laval.
Dr. Michel Gravel provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Gravel addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- 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.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Gravel addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- 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.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Gravel 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.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Michel Gravel is necessary.
- 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.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
- 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.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
- 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).
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Gravel.
All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.
Dr. Gravel's primary eye clinic is located at Clinique Bellevue in Laval's Laval-des-Rapides neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Place Bell (Arena/Theatre) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring easy and convenient access for all.
- Are services from Dr. Gravel covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gravel, 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, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Gravel's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Gravel's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gravel and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Gravel, 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Gravel?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Gravel 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gravel?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gravel 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.
- How does Dr. Gravel treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Gravel 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.
Clinique Bellevue
300-1685 rue Fleetwood
Laval, QC H7N 4B2
Office Phone: (514) 256-0007 | Office Fax: (514) 256-4966
Dr. Gravel is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Gravel, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Gravel's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=87549