Dr. Pamela Velos – Ophthalmologist | North York, ON

Dr. Pamela Velos is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in North York, ON, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a comprehensive Ophthalmologist, she 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.

Dr. Velos graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. She has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1984, accumulating over 40 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification ensure that her patients receive expert and up-to-date eye care tailored to their individual needs.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she provides precise and effective treatments. Dr. Velos emphasizes early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and she collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence in North York.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Velos addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Pamela Velos 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.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.

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

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. Velos's primary eye care practice is situated in an eye clinic in North York, conveniently located near Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes and offers on-site or nearby public parking for patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery, are often performed at Humber River Hospital, which is also located in North York, ensuring that patients receive high-quality surgical interventions close to the community. The clinic is in proximity to various medical facilities and optical services, making it a comprehensive destination for all eye health needs.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Velos?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Velos 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Velos 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.

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

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Velos specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Velos, 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. a Ophthalmologist, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

How does Dr. Velos treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Velos 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.

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

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

Does Dr. Velos perform cataract surgery?

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

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
H G 63, 1235 Wilson Ave
North York, ON M3M 0B2

Office Phone: (416) 242-1000

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

Verify Dr. Velos's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Velos-Pamela/0026790-31613