Retinal Evaluations Brampton | Retina Specialist Toronto

What does a retina specialist do?

A retina specialist is a medical doctor who has undergone specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the retina and the vitreous, which are located at the back of the eye. The retina is a critical part of the eye responsible for sensing light and allowing us to see.

What Conditions Does Retina Specialists Treat?

Some common ones include:

AMD is a progressive condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and can cause vision loss.

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Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss.

This occurs when the retina becomes separated from its underlying layer, which can cause sudden vision loss.

These are conditions that affect the macula, the central part of the retina, and can cause distortion or blurriness in central vision.

Managing conditions like retinal vein occlusion and arterial diseases.

These are a group of rare genetic conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa that affect the retina and can cause vision loss or blindness.

What Can I Expect at a Clinic Visit With a Retina Specialist?

Retina specialists use various diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), Optos ultrawide fundus photos, and angiography, to assess and diagnose retinal conditions. Treatment options may include laser therapy, intravitreal injections, vitrectomy surgery, or other advanced procedures aimed at preserving or improving patients’ vision. They work closely with other eye care professionals, such as optometrists and general ophthalmologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with retinal diseases.

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This technique is required in order to deliver a medication to a target tissue (retina and choroid) via the vitreaous gel.

What is an Intravitreal Injection?

An intravitreal injection is a method to deliver medication into the back of the eye (the vitreous) by injection through the white coat of the eye (the sclera) using a fine needle.

Who May Need an Injection?

An intravitreal injection of medication (Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea, Triamcinolone, or others) can benefit patients with eye conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Branch Vein Occlusion, Central Vein Occlusion, Diabetic Macular Edema, Proliferative Retinopathy, Cystoid Macular Edema, Neovascular Glaucoma, and others.

How Do I Get Started

You will need a referral from an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist to see one of our specialists. Once we receive the referral, the Prism team will contact you to set up an appointment for preliminary testing followed by a consultation with your doctors. You will be asked for an email address as well as your preferred pharmacy. These are important for your care journey at Prism.

You will be scheduled for testing prior to seeing the doctor. This testing helps your doctor to plan your treatment and counsel you on the various options so that you can choose the best fit for your eye and your needs. Some of the recommended tests are optional and not covered by OHIP. Prism will provide you with information about their purpose, an itemized invoice and a consent explaining their optional nature.

After checking in at the front desk, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. After this, a technician will take a medical history and perform some preliminary tests that could include visual acuity, intraocular pressure and they will often instill dilating drops (these can blur vision for several hours and it is helpful to bring a driver). Your ophthalmologist and their team of associates will examine your eyes and discuss the treatment options that are right for you.