About
Dr. Terence Keith Sakamoto 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 Belleville in Belleville, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care. As a comprehensive Ophthalmologist, 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 practice provides a welcoming and professional environment, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options, in a patient-friendly setting designed for comfort and accessibility.
Dr. Sakamoto graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of specialized experience in eye health and surgery. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence in ophthalmology, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest advances and evidence-based practices in eye care.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Sakamoto believes in educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to provide precise and effective treatments, emphasizing early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. His approach fosters collaborative care with other healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive and holistic patient well-being. Dedicated to serving the Belleville community, he offers all patient communication and care in English, with a focus on clarity, reassurance, and personalized attention.
Dr. Terence Sakamoto provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Sakamoto addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- 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): 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. Sakamoto addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Sakamoto 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.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Terence Sakamoto is necessary.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- 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.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
- 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. Sakamoto.
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. Sakamoto practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Belleville, ON, in a modern, patient-friendly facility close to Market Square. The clinic is easily accessible via Belleville Transit, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available for patients. The clinic's location in Belleville's West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood allows convenient access for residents seeking comprehensive eye care. Surgical procedures are often performed at Quinte Health Care Hospital, also located in Belleville, ensuring seamless continuity of care. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment dedicated to quality eye health services.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sakamoto?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sakamoto 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. Sakamoto 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. Sakamoto's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (613) 961-1798.
- Does Dr. Sakamoto perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Sakamoto, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Sakamoto would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sakamoto specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sakamoto, 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, providing 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. Sakamoto covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Sakamoto 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. Sakamoto's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sakamoto?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sakamoto 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sakamoto and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sakamoto, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.
a specialized eye clinic in Belleville
Suite 306, 123 Millennium Parkway
Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5
Office Phone: (613) 961-7440 | Office Fax: (613) 961-1798
Dr. Sakamoto 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. Sakamoto, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Sakamoto's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sakamoto-Terence-Keith/0045326-59304