Description
About Dr. Omar Javed Hakim
Dr. Omar Javed Hakim 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 Kitchener in Kitchener, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective treatments. As an 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 management of complex eye conditions and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a patient-friendly environment designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with convenient parking options nearby and some accessible parking spots available.
Dr. Hakim graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1991, accumulating over 33 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification ensure that he delivers the highest quality of care, utilizing the latest advancements in ophthalmology to serve his patients effectively.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Hakim is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He employs advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, ensuring the best outcomes for his patients in Kitchener. All communication and care are provided in English, emphasizing clarity and understanding.
Eye Conditions Addressed by Dr. Omar Hakim
Dr. Omar Hakim provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Hakim addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Hakim’s primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Hakim addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
- 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. Omar Hakim is necessary.
Ophthalmology Services by Dr. Omar Javed Hakim
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- 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.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Hakim.
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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Hakim’s practice is located at a specialized eye clinic in the heart of Kitchener, situated in the Central Frederick, Midtown neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible in proximity to Fairview Park Mall, with easy access via Grand River Transit (GRT) including Bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility is designed to be accessible and welcoming, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patients. Ample parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible parking spots for patients with mobility needs. The clinic offers a professional environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care in a patient-centered setting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ophthalmology
- Does Dr. Hakim perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Hakim, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Hakim would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hakim?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hakim 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.
- Are services from Dr. Hakim covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Hakim 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. Hakim's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hakim specialize in?
- Dr. Hakim 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hakim and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Hakim, 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.
Practice & Licensing Information
a specialized eye clinic in Kitchener
101 Frederick St.
Kitchener, ON N2H 6R2
Office Phone: (519) 772-1284
Dr. Hakim 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. Hakim, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Hakim's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hakim-Omar-Javed/0044576-58554