Dr. Sylvia Louise Rodriguez – Ophthalmologist | Guelph, ON

Dr. Sylvia Louise Rodriguez 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 Guelph in Guelph, ON, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a skilled Ophthalmologist, she 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 patient-friendly environment designed to ensure comfort and accessibility for all patients.

Dr. Rodriguez graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. She has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2009, accumulating over 15 years of specialized experience in the field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development. Her extensive training and certification enable her to deliver advanced and precise eye care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Rodriguez is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health, involving them actively in treatment decisions. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure accurate and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and proactive management of eye conditions, she aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. She collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and is proficient in Spanish, ensuring clear communication with all patients in Guelph.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.

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

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).

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

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. Rodriguez practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Guelph's Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the University of Guelph and accessible via Guelph Transit, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for individuals of all ages, with ample parking options usually available nearby. Surgical procedures, including cataract and glaucoma surgeries, are often performed at Guelph General Hospital, which is situated within the same community, providing seamless care in a professional and welcoming environment.

Does Dr. Rodriguez perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Rodriguez, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Rodriguez would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rodriguez?

A visit to Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (226) 486-0170.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez covered by provincial health insurance?

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

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

Dr. Rodriguez 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. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

a specialized eye clinic in Guelph
89 Dawson Road, Suite 214
Guelph, ON N1H 1B1

Office Phone: (519) 265-9022 | Office Fax: (226) 486-0170

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

Verify Dr. Rodriguez's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rodriguez-Sylvia-Louise/0210324-80780