Dr. Richard Oscar Swieca – Ophthalmologist | Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC

Dr. Richard Oscar Swieca is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Clinique D'Ophtalmologie Bellevue in Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate treatment. As a full-spectrum ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and management of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Swieca holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1989, accumulating over 35 years of specialized experience. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds all necessary certifications to practice ophthalmology in Quebec, including licensing from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His certifications encompass a broad scope of ophthalmic procedures and continuous professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in eye care.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Swieca emphasizes educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Dedicated to the well-being of his patients in Vaudreuil-Dorion, he provides consultations and treatments in French, fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment for all.

Dr. Richard Oscar Swieca provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Swieca 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: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Swieca 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.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• 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. Richard Oscar Swieca is necessary.

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.

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

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Swieca practices at the Clinique D'Ophtalmologie Bellevue, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Vaudreuil-Dorion. The clinic is conveniently situated near major medical facilities and optical services, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive eye care. It is accessible via local public transit routes and designed to be welcoming and comfortable for all visitors. Patients can typically find parking nearby, with some accessible spots available, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those seeking expert ophthalmic care in a professional setting.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Swieca is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Swieca specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Swieca, 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 provides 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. Swieca covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Swieca, 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, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Swieca's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

How does Dr. Swieca treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Swieca 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Swieca?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Swieca for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Swieca'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 (514) 256-4966.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Swieca?

A visit to Dr. Swieca 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.

Clinique D'Ophtalmologie Bellevue
160-17 Boul De La Cité-Des-Jeunes
Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 0N3

Office Phone: (514) 256-0007 | Office Fax: (514) 256-4966

Dr. Swieca is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Swieca, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Swieca's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=85501