Dr. Stephanie Alena Wong Low – Ophthalmologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Stephanie Alena Wong Low is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Toronto, ON, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. Dr. Low adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice maintains the utmost quality and safety. Her role encompasses a broad spectrum of services, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases, as well as surgical interventions. 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.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over six years, since 2018. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and experience enable her to deliver expert care in various subspecialties within ophthalmology, including cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disease management.

Dr. Low’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is committed to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment decisions. Utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she offers precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. She collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care, and communicates clearly in English, providing a welcoming and reassuring environment for all patients.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Low addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.

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

• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• 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.

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

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. Low practices primarily at a specialized eye clinic located in Toronto, ON, situated within a vibrant and accessible neighborhood close to the Yorkville Shopping District. The clinic is conveniently reachable via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with accessible entrances and comfortable waiting areas designed to accommodate all patients. The nearby area offers ample parking options, often within walking distance of the facility. The eye clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, including routine exams, diagnostic services, and surgical procedures. For surgical treatments, Dr. Low often performs procedures at the Kensington Eye Institute, located in Toronto's Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhoods, renowned for its specialized ophthalmic surgical facilities. Patients can expect a friendly, accessible setting that prioritizes their comfort and eye health.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Low?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Low 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. Low 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. Low's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 928-5075.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Low specialize in?

Dr. Low is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. She offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

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

Dr. Low 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, she may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. She provides 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. Low and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Low 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.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Low, 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. Low'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. Low's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How does Dr. Low treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Low 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Toronto
340 College St.
Toronto, ON M5T 3A9

Office Phone: (416) 928-1335 | Office Fax: (416) 928-5075

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

Verify Dr. Low's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Low-Stephanie-Alena-Wong/0288941-100958