Dr. Thomas Chung – Ophthalmologist | Markham, ON

Dr. Thomas Chung is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Welland County General Hospital in Markham, 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). Dr. Chung’s role encompasses a broad spectrum of eye health services, focusing on both medical management and surgical interventions. The clinic offers a comprehensive range of eye care services, from routine examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases. The environment is designed to be patient-friendly, providing accessible and comfortable care for all visitors.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2010, accumulating over 14 years of specialized experience. Dr. Chung is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available in ophthalmology.

Dr. Chung’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes patient education, involving individuals in their treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise management. His focus is on early detection and proactive treatment of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. He believes in collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Cantonese, Chinese, and Mandarin, he ensures clear communication with diverse patient populations, fostering trust and understanding in every consultation.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Chung 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).
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Chung addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

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

Glaucoma Management

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

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.

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

• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• 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.
• 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. Chung.

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. Chung practices within Welland County General Hospital, located in the Thornhill East area of Vaughan, Markham. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Markham Civic Centre, making it easily accessible by public transportation, including York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The facility offers a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, ensuring patients receive high-quality services in a convenient location.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Chung, 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Chung 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.

How does Dr. Chung treat glaucoma?

Dr. Chung 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.

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

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

Does Dr. Chung perform cataract surgery?

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

Welland County General Hospital
505 Highway 7 East
Markham, ON L3T 7T1

Office Phone: (905) 709-8228 | Office Fax: (905) 709-9007

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

Verify Dr. Chung's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chung-Thomas/0268282-94326