Dr. Rahul Assa Sharma is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Oakville, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive and personalized treatment. As an 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.
Dr. Sharma graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2019, accumulating over 5 years of specialized experience in eye health. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in ophthalmology. His certifications attest to his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice and continuous professional development.
Driven by a commitment to preserving and improving vision, Dr. Sharma employs compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care techniques. He believes in educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and proactive management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. Dr. Sharma values collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and holistic patient care. All communication and care are delivered in English, ensuring clarity and comfort for his patients.
Dr. Rahul Sharma provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Sharma addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- 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.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Sharma addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Sharma addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Rahul Sharma is necessary.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
- 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): 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.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Sharma.
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. Sharma's primary clinic is located at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Oakville, ON. The practice is situated within a modern, accessible facility that offers comprehensive eye care services. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Downtown Oakville, with easy accessibility via Oakville Transit and ample parking options nearby. The environment is welcoming and designed to ensure patient comfort and convenience. Surgical procedures, when necessary, are often performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in Oakville's River Oaks and College Park neighborhoods, providing state-of-the-art surgical facilities in a professional setting. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with facilities that promote ease of access and a supportive atmosphere for comprehensive eye care.
- Are services from Dr. Sharma covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sharma, 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. Sharma'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. Sharma's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Sharma?
- Dr. Sharma 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, he 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sharma and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sharma, 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sharma?
- A visit to Dr. Sharma 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sharma?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Sharma 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. Sharma'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 (905) 459-5085.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
2201 Bristol Cir, Emergency Department
Oakville, ON L6H 0J8
Office Phone: (905) 456-3937 | Office Fax: (905) 459-5085
Dr. Sharma 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. Sharma, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Sharma's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sharma-Rahul-Assa/0295372-103576