About
Dr. Robin Patrick John Bruen 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 Brantford, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a prominent member of the local ophthalmology community, 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. Bruen graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2013, accumulating over 11 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with the highest professional standards. His extensive training and certification enable him to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions effectively and compassionately.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Bruen emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments and maintains a strong focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, he strives to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Fluent in French, German, and Spanish, he ensures clear communication with all patients, fostering a reassuring and professional environment dedicated to optimal eye health in Brantford.
Dr. Robin Bruen provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Bruen addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Bruen addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Bruen 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: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
- 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. Robin Bruen is necessary.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Bruen.
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. Bruen's primary eye clinic is conveniently located at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Brantford, ON. The clinic is situated in the Holmedale neighborhood within the North Ward, offering easy access to patients from all parts of the city. It is in close proximity to Harmony Square, a central hub known for its vibrant community events and local attractions. The clinic is accessible via Brantford Transit, ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, featuring modern amenities and on-site or nearby public parking. For surgical procedures, Dr. Bruen performs most operations at the Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital, renowned for its comprehensive surgical facilities and patient-centered care. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to their comprehensive eye health and well-being.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bruen and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bruen 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. Bruen specialize in?
- Dr. Bruen 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.
- Does Dr. Bruen perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Bruen. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Bruen can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Bruen?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Bruen 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Bruen?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bruen 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. Bruen 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. Bruen's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (519) 752-9806.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bruen?
- A visit to Dr. Bruen 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.
- How does Dr. Bruen treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Bruen 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.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
274 Lynden Road, Division of Neurology
Brantford, ON N3R 0B9
Office Phone: (519) 752-1133 | Office Fax: (519) 752-9806
Dr. Bruen 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. Bruen, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Bruen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bruen-Robin-Patrick-John/0291181-102010