Dr. William Herbert Johnston – Ophthalmologist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. William Herbert Johnston is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Oakmont Optical Ltd in Nanaimo, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice is grounded in the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a skilled 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 eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, situated in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. It is conveniently located near Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility provides a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, with convenient parking options usually found in proximity to the eye care center.

Dr. Johnston graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1984. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in the field. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which affirms his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care. His ongoing professional development ensures he remains current with the latest advancements in eye medicine and surgical techniques.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Johnston is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in their treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, he aims to provide comprehensive care that enhances overall patient well-being. All communication and patient care are provided in English, ensuring clear and attentive service for the Nanaimo community.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Johnston addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Johnston addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• 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. William Johnston is necessary.

• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.

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

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Johnston's primary eye clinic is located at Oakmont Optical Ltd in Nanaimo, BC. Situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, the clinic offers a professional, patient-friendly environment for comprehensive eye care. It is conveniently close to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, making it accessible for patients requiring specialized surgical procedures or follow-up care. The clinic is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring easy access for all patients. The facility provides accessible entrances and comfortable waiting areas, with parking options usually available nearby, facilitating a seamless experience for all visitors.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Johnston specialize in?

Dr. Johnston 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.

How does Dr. Johnston treat glaucoma?

Dr. Johnston 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Johnston 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.

Does Dr. Johnston perform cataract surgery?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Johnston?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Johnston that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 753-6930.

Oakmont Optical Ltd
1651 Boundary Ave
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5R8

Office Phone: (250) 753-6960 | Office Fax: (250) 753-6930 | Practice Website: http://vancouverglasses.ca/

Dr. Johnston is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Johnston, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Johnston's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303995/Johnston%2CWilliam