Dr. Natasha Yepes Restrepo – Ophthalmologist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Natasha Yepes Restrepo is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic in Kitchener, ON, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate treatment. With a focus on comprehensive eye health management, she offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a patient-friendly environment designed to be accessible and comfortable for all.

Dr. Restrepo earned her Medical Degree from the Instituto De Ciencias De La Salud in Colombia. She has been practicing as a licensed Ophthalmologist since 2008, accumulating over 16 years of specialized experience in medical and surgical eye care. 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 the field. Her certifications include advanced training in diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures, and new ophthalmic technologies, enabling her to deliver state-of-the-art care to her patients.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, patient-centered care. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. Dr. Restrepo emphasizes early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Spanish, she ensures clear communication and understanding with her diverse patient community in Kitchener.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Restrepo addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Restrepo 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).
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.

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

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.

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

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. Restrepo primarily practices at Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic, conveniently situated in Kitchener, ON. The clinic is located near Conestoga College (Doon Campus) and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) buses and the ION Light Rail. The facility in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood offers a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients will find ample parking nearby, including accessible spots, and the clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all visitors. The eye clinic is committed to providing a high standard of care in a location that is both accessible and patient-friendly, ensuring that everyone receives the attention they deserve.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Restrepo?

A visit to Dr. Restrepo 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. Restrepo covered by provincial health insurance?

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

How does Dr. Restrepo treat glaucoma?

Dr. Restrepo 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.

Does Dr. Restrepo perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Restrepo. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Restrepo can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

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

Dr. Restrepo treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, she may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Restrepo?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Restrepo 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. Restrepo'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 (519) 342-1244.

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

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

Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic
31 KIngsbury Drive
Kitchener, ON N2A 0K5

Office Phone: (519) 745-6556 | Office Fax: (519) 342-1244

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

Verify Dr. Restrepo's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Yepes-Restrepo-Natasha/0204412-79369