Dr. Thierry Hamel – Ophthalmologist | Cowansville, QC

Dr. Thierry Hamel is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Clinique d'ophtalmologie Brome-Missisquoi in Cowansville, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). As an Ophthalmologist, he offers a comprehensive range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of various eye diseases, surgical interventions, and routine eye examinations. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from basic vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly environment.

Dr. Hamel holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2020, gaining over 4 years of specialized experience. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice ophthalmology in Quebec. His certifications include comprehensive training in laser procedures, cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and the latest diagnostic technologies, ensuring he is well-equipped to provide evidence-based and effective treatments.

With a professional philosophy centered on preserving and enhancing vision, Dr. Hamel is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective care. Focused on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss through personalized, compassionate care. Dr. Hamel is committed to improving his patients' quality of life and provides consultations and treatments in French, fostering clear and respectful communication.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Hamel addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• 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. Hamel addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.

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

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• 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.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.

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

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Hamel practices at the Clinique d'ophtalmologie Brome-Missisquoi, an eye clinic located in the heart of Cowansville's healthcare district. The clinic is conveniently situated within walking distance of various medical facilities and optical services, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive eye care. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, providing a hassle-free experience for those coming for consultations or surgical procedures. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment, dedicated to delivering personalized eye care in a modern setting.

How does Dr. Hamel treat glaucoma?

Dr. Hamel manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

Does Dr. Hamel perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hamel specialize in?

Dr. Hamel 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hamel?

A visit to Dr. Hamel 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Hamel for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Hamel's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Hamel 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.

Clinique d'ophtalmologie Brome-Missisquoi
124-1 boul Pierre-Laporte
Cowansville, QC J2K 3Z1

Office Phone: (450) 955-3442

Dr. Hamel is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Hamel, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Hamel's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20755