Dr. Myrna Lichter – Ophthalmologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Myrna Lichter 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 Toronto, ON, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of patient care. Her focus is on delivering personalized treatment plans and compassionate service in a patient-friendly environment. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, all within a welcoming and accessible setting.

Dr. Lichter graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in Canada. She has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1985, accumulating over 39 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and commitment to excellence in eye care. Her certifications include comprehensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions and performing intricate surgical procedures.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Lichter is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a strong focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Collaborative care with other healthcare professionals ensures her patients receive thorough and holistic eye care. She offers all patient communication and care in English, maintaining a dedicated and gentle approach to every patient encounter.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Lichter 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: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.

Glaucoma Management

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

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

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

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.

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

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. Lichter's primary eye clinic is located at a specialized eye care centre in Toronto, situated in the Davisville neighbourhood. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment designed for comprehensive eye examinations and consultations. Many patients find the clinic easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with public parking generally available nearby. The clinic is close to landmarks such as the Royal Ontario Museum and provides accessible facilities to ensure comfort for all patients. For surgical procedures, Dr. Lichter often performs surgeries at St. Michael's Hospital, also located in Toronto, providing a safe and well-equipped setting for advanced eye surgeries. Patients can expect high-quality, compassionate care in a convenient location tailored to their needs.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Lichter, 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lichter?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lichter that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Lichter receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Lichter's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 481-7011.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Lichter 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. Lichter?

A visit to Dr. Lichter 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.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lichter, 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. Lichter's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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. Lichter's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

a specialized eye clinic in Toronto
1849 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4S 1Y2

Office Phone: (416) 481-4433 | Office Fax: (416) 481-7011

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

Verify Dr. Lichter's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Lichter-Myrna/0037942-51918