Dr. William Michael Easterbrook – Ophthalmologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. William Michael Easterbrook 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 Toronto, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe and effective treatment. As an experienced 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 clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment designed to meet the needs of every patient, with a focus on personalized care.

Dr. Easterbrook graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1970, accumulating over 54 years of specialized experience in eye care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), with license number 22726. His extensive training and certification reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and patient safety.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Easterbrook emphasizes educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye conditions, he aims to prevent vision loss and promote optimal eye health. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Easterbrook addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• 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. William Easterbrook is necessary.

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.

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

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. Easterbrook practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Toronto’s Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic is situated near the historic Gooderham Building (Flatiron), offering convenient access via TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. For surgical procedures, Dr. Easterbrook often performs surgeries at St. Michael’s Hospital, which is renowned for its advanced surgical facilities and patient-centered care. The clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, emphasizing patient comfort and personalized attention.

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

Dr. Easterbrook 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, he 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Easterbrook specialize in?

Dr. Easterbrook 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.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Easterbrook?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Easterbrook 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. Easterbrook 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. Easterbrook's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 926-0091.

Does Dr. Easterbrook perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Easterbrook, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Easterbrook 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. Easterbrook?

A visit to Dr. Easterbrook 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Easterbrook 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Toronto
Suite 204, 790 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5G 1N8

Office Phone: (416) 926-1486 | Office Fax: (416) 926-0091

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

Verify Dr. Easterbrook's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Easterbrook-William-Michael/0017940-22726