Dr. Robert Harry Singer – Ophthalmologist | Burlington, ON

Dr. Robert Harry Singer is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at University Hospital in Burlington, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Dr. Singer adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. His role as an Ophthalmologist encompasses a broad spectrum of services, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. The clinic offers a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over 37 years, since 1987. Dr. Singer is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive experience and ongoing commitment to professional development enable him to provide the latest and most effective treatments for his patients.

Dr. Singer’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in their treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims to deliver precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases helps prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedicated approach to each patient’s individual needs.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Singer addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• 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.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Singer addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• 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): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.

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

• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• 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. Singer.

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. Singer’s primary eye clinic is located at University Hospital in Burlington, ON, offering a welcoming and accessible environment for comprehensive eye care. The clinic is situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood, close to Burlington Beach, making it convenient for patients to access via Burlington Transit. Parking is typically available near the clinic, with some accessible spots for those with mobility needs. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional setting for routine eye examinations, vision correction, and pre- and post-operative care. Surgical procedures are often performed at Joseph Brant Hospital, located nearby, ensuring seamless continuity of care for surgical patients.

Does Dr. Singer perform cataract surgery?

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

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Singer 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Singer 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Singer?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Singer 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Singer?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Singer that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Singer receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Singer's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (905) 681-6327.

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

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

University Hospital
Room C6-004, 3497 Fairview Street
Burlington, ON L7N 2R4

Office Phone: (905) 681-3315 | Office Fax: (905) 681-6327

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

Verify Dr. Singer's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Singer-Robert-Harry/0038181-52157