Dr. Michel James-Rheal Belliveau – Ophthalmologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Michel James-Rheal Belliveau is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - Parkdale Clinic in Ottawa, 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). As a highly experienced ophthalmologist, he offers 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.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2013, accumulating over 11 years of specialized experience. Dr. Belliveau is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certifications underscore his commitment to excellence in eye care and surgical expertise.

Driven by a commitment to preserving and improving vision, Dr. Belliveau emphasizes compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He prioritizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His professional philosophy focuses on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, he provides comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dr. Belliveau offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).

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

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.

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

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. Belliveau practices primarily at The Ottawa Hospital - Parkdale Clinic, located conveniently in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The clinic is situated near the Ottawa River Pathway, offering scenic views and easy access via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus services). The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking available nearby, including some accessible spots. The facility ensures a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, with modern amenities and patient-centered services. Patients can expect a convenient, accessible, and caring experience in a state-of-the-art setting, dedicated to preserving and enhancing vision for the Ottawa community.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Belliveau?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Belliveau 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. Belliveau'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 (613) 731-9999.

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

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

Does Dr. Belliveau perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Belliveau specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Belliveau, 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. Dr. Belliveau provides 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. Belliveau and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Belliveau 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.

The Ottawa Hospital - Parkdale Clinic
Room 268, 1919 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, ON K1H 1A2

Office Phone: (613) 737-1000 | Office Fax: (613) 731-9999

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

Verify Dr. Belliveau's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Belliveau-Michel-JamesRheal/0250491-88414