The 5 Best Ophthalmologist Clinics in Ottawa
Allergies and small specks of dust entering your eye can easily be relieved by a quick eyewash or medicated drops. Unfortunately, serious eye diseases or disorders will require more than that.
When it comes to things like cataracts and glaucoma, you’re better off with the expertise of the best ophthalmologist clinics in Ottawa. These specialists have studied eyes inside and out for an additional five years after completing their studies to be a doctor.
It’s understandably nerve-wracking to place the care and health of your eyes into someone’s hands. But if those hands are capable, reliable, and experienced, there’s no real reason to worry.
How Much Does An Ophthalmologist Charge in Ottawa?
Ophthalmology fees are not cheap. This is important to state right off the bat.
Last year, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation released an investigative piece that mentioned a survey of doctors in Ontario. It revealed how ophthalmologists have to pay the highest overhead fees among other doctors.
One of the biggest reasons for this is that an ophthalmologist clinic in Ottawa (and elsewhere) requires costlier equipment and maintenance. Given the kind of focused, specialized work they perform, this is hardly surprising.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should choose to simply ignore any eye-related disease you might have. There are ways to accommodate treatments without breaking the bank.
You can choose to consult an ophthalmologist who either runs a private practice or who operates in public hospitals. Where you get your eyes treated could impact how much you’ll be paying for your treatment.
Having some form of health insurance like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will also affect the fee from the procedure, medications, and your doctor. If you don’t, some ophthalmologists will allow uninsured services, but you’ll have to consult them first and discuss all your options.
We’ve made a table to give you an idea of how some common ophthalmology procedures cost. It shows the estimated fees for each service.
| SERVICE | ESTIMATED FEE |
| Eye examination and consultation | $50 – $100 |
| Cataract surgery | $2500 up (without comprehensive insurance) |
| Refractive or laser surgery | $500 – $3000 per eye |
| Cornea replacement | $7000 up (surgeon’s fees), $16000 up (hospital transplant admission), $13000 (corneal transplant procedure) |
The prices indicated above are admittedly hefty — even more so without healthcare coverage or insurance. The good news is that plenty of ophthalmology clinics and practices offer flexible payment plans or reduced rates for their patients.
The Best Ophthalmologist Clinics in Ottawa
It also helps to choose only the most skilled ophthalmologist to handle your particular eye issue. We’ve come up with a list of some of the best ones in the city to help you.
1. The Retina Centre of Ottawa
| SERVICES | Visual aids assessments, light contrast sensitivity, patient counselling, vision tests, vitreoretinal disease diagnosis and treatment, laser eye surgery, LASIK, retina specialization |
| ADDRESS | 2211 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON, K2B 7E9 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | (613) 722-1517 (Dr. William A. Britton Jr.) |
| WEBSITE | http://www.ottawaretina.com/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM (excluding holidays) Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
The doctors that make up The Retina Centre of Ottawa medical team have their own specializations and sub-specializations. Most of the physicians are awarded faculty members of prestigious educational institutions as well.
The centre aims to provide comprehensive eye care for all of its patients. Even patients with low vision concerns can sign up for visual aids assessment, light contrast sensitivity, vision tests, and patient counselling.
New patients are regularly accepted at the centre, provided they abide by its appointment regulations. The website helpfully lists what patients could expect with the different diagnoses, testing, and treatments from their doctors.
Each ophthalmologist has his own contact information indicated on the site so their patients can reach them for consultation or treatment appointments. Not all of them might be available during operating hours so pre-booking would be practical.
Pros
- Wide range of ophthalmology services and specializations
- Each doctor has his own contact information
Cons
- No clinic services on weekends
- Not all of the doctors might be available during clinic hours
Customer Reviews
These Retina Centre of Ottawa patients only have positive things to say about their experience at the clinic:
“Dr. McLaughlin has been my physician since May. I have an eye condition that without a monthly injection I could not see clearly out of one eye. Dr. McLaughlin quickly found the problem and started the proper treatment. I am glad to say that my vision has improved tremendously.” – Marie W.
“Hopefully my last visit. I’m truly impressed with the degree of professionalism and skill at this clinic. Vision seriously screwed in late September and now I’m pretty much good as new. Take care of your eyes!” – Peter K. Smith
2. Ottawa Eye Clinic
| SERVICES | Eye exams (adults and children), eye surgery, eye diseases management, low vision clinic, diagnostics, contact lens renewal, optical clinic and boutique |
| ADDRESS | 680 Montréal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1K, Canada |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-745-7844 ext 226 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://ottawaeyeclinic.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
The Ottawa Eye Clinic aims to provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. They provide specialized eye exams and eye disease prevention programs for kids, adults, and seniors.
Its diagnostic centre uses the latest technology like Optical Coherence Tomography and the Intra Ocular Lens Master to detect and monitor glaucoma and other retinal diseases. This is in conjunction with the centre’s eye disease management services.
What makes this clinic stand out from others is its one-of-a-kind collaborative care process. Instead of competing with them, the ophthalmologists team up with optometrists to widen the scope of patient eye care and provide the best solutions for them.
There’s an optical boutique service that allows low-vision patients to purchase their prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most of the items come with a one-year unconditional warranty.
Pros
- Virtual eye exams are offered by phone or video
- Offers 1-year warranty for some products
- One-stop-shop for optometry and ophthalmology careVirtual eye exams are offered by phone or video
- Offers 1-year warranty for some products
- One-stop-shop for optometry and ophthalmology care
Cons
- No clinic services on weekends
- Optical services currently don’t allow walk-ins
Customer Reviews
If you have the Ottawa Eye Clinic waitlisted, read its client feedback first:
“I have seen Dr. French on two occasions since my prior ophthalmologist’s retirement. I found Dr. French to be most knowledgeable and helpful; I felt she was keenly interested in my welfare as a patient. At my recent appointment during these Covid times, I found the staff helpful and diligent in following all safety protocols. I would highly recommend Dr. French and her team.” – Howard Smith
“I’ve always had a good experience at this clinic. Dr. Maimouna Koala is fantastic.” – Chuck Wilson
3. LASIK MD Ottawa
| SERVICES | Pre-operative consultation, comprehensive eye examination, virtual consultation, eyesight simulation, vision correction procedures: laser, presbyvision, lens implants, cataract surgery, corneal cross-linking, LASIK alternatives |
| ADDRESS | 407 Laurier Avenue West, Store 10/11, Minto Place Atrium Ottawa, ON K1R 7Y7 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-288-2020 1-866-961-2020 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://www.lasikmd.com/clinics/ottawa |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4.30 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
The founders of LASIK MD have a singular vision (pun unintended). It’s to provide long-lasting laser vision correction as the best alternative to years and years of wearing glasses, contacts, and undergoing corrective surgery and treatments.
What started as a solo ophthalmology clinic specializing in Lasik surgery has now sprouted over 30 other branches all over Canada. With this progress comes the centre’s promise of continuous affordability for its laser corrective procedures.
In fact, LASIK MD is so confident of its touted starting price (of $490 per eye) that it promises to match other clinics offering lower rates. The centre can offer this kind of pricing scheme because it’s currently the biggest provider of LASIK treatments in the country.
In line with this, there’s also a 20% off scheme for its reading vision correction procedures. Other ways to save on a LASIK MD service would be to look up its partner corporations and government benefits lists.
Pros
- Offers flexible pricing and financing options
- Laser corrective procedures are more affordable than other centres
Cons
- No clinic services on weekends
- LASIK procedure will likely not be covered by insurance
Customer Reviews
Thinking of getting laser eye surgery at the LASIK MD Ottawa? Learn how others found the experience:
“Had my Advanced Lasik Surgery 3 days ago. The doctors were very caring and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. They assisted me with all my inquiries and made sure everything I needed to know was made crystal clear. The procedure itself went very smooth and quick, I was back on my feet in 24hrs. I am super impressed with the procedure and the results and HIGHLY recommend Lasik to everyone who wears glasses!” – Joelle Antoon
“Great staff and an overall fantastic experience! Highly recommend going in for a consultation if you’re considering it. Having worn contacts for 15 years Lasik has been life-changing!” – Dean Lutchmansingh
4. Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Ophthalmology Clinic
| SERVICES | Specialized care for medical and surgical diseases of the eye: strabismus/nystagmus, amblyopia, cataract and glaucoma, trauma to the eye and surrounding structures, retinal disease, including retinal dystrophies and retinopathy of prematurity, eyelid and lacrimal abnormalities including ptosis (“droopy eyelid”) and blocked tear duct, outpatient services, genetic eye diseases, inpatient consultation, inflammation and infection of the eye and surrounding structures, ocular, orbital, and eyelid tumours/lesions, including retinoblastoma, telehealth consultations |
| ADDRESS | CHEO 401 Smyth Road Ottawa ON K1H 8L1 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-737-7600 |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/clinics-services-programs/ophthalmology-clinic.aspx |
| OPERATING HOURS | Scheduling Hub open Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM, 613-737-7600, ext. 1011 Emergency Department open 24/7 |
The Ophthalmology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario is helmed by a capable medical team. It’s made up of skilled ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and nurses who handle numerous young patients with various eye conditions.
Some of the CHEO specializations include retinal diseases, amblyopia, glaucoma, cataract, and genetic eye diseases. Because it caters to patients who are minors, a referral from a pediatrician, optometrist, family doctor, or another ophthalmologist is a must prior to consultation.
The clinic provides specialized care for outpatients. However, even CHEO inpatients can avail of its consultation services for ophthalmology-related concerns.
Non-urgent consultations are currently not being entertained at the CHEO Ophthalmology Clinic, but it offers a virtual alternative for it. The website offers instructions for at-home vision testing to ready your child for a telehealth consultation.
Pros
- Child-focused ophthalmology care
- Wide range of specializations
- Offers telehealth appointments
Cons
- Appointments are strictly by referral only
- Wait times for non-urgent cases could take longer
- Does not provide vision therapy
Customer Reviews
If your child needs specialized ophthalmology care, learn how others found the services at CHEO Ophthalmology Clinic:
“We have been blessed to have Dr. Fournier help my 8-year-old son. She performed a Strabismus operation this spring and he is doing so well. I am forever grateful for their work. Thank you to the entire crew at the Opthalmology department.”– Jennifer Areli
“We moved to Calgary last year, but what a great team! Saved my infant’s eyes when her eye pressures were really high due to glaucoma! Great care continues in Calgary!” – Jessica-Rachel Armstrong
5. City Edge Vision Centre
| SERVICES | BLEPHARITIS CATARACT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY DRY EYE GLAUCOMA MACULAR DEGENERATON LUMPS AND BUMPS PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY LOW VISION REHABILITATION DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DILATING YOUR EYES EYES DROPS LID HYGIENE PRACTICES INJECTIONS LASER THERAPY |
| ADDRESS | 1609 Stittsville Main Street, Suite E, Ottawa, ON, K2S 1A2 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | Phone: (343) 545-9017 | Fax: (343) 545-8743 Email: [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://cityedge.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | MONDAYS-TUESDAYS: 8:30am – 4:00pm WEDNESDAYS: 8:30am – 4:30pm THURSDAYS-FRIDAYS: 8:00am – 5:00pm |
City Edge Vision Centre is dedicated to preserving their patients’ vision. They achieve that by providing quality vision care at the soonest the can.
They boast a wide suite of eye care services from treatment to rehabilitation and everything in between. With their team of professional eye doctors and specialists, expert eye solutions are all you can expect.
While they try their best to meet their appointments on time, you might need to wait 40-60 minutes if they get many emergency admissions. If your case is urgent, however, then they will attend to you as soon as possible.
Given their top-notch eye care and prompt patient service, City Edge Vision Centre is a clinic you should definitely consider. You can easily maintain your eye health thanks to their knowledgeable and skilled assistance.
Pros
- Reliable and timely care
- Wide range of services
- Professional staff
- Open door policy
Cons
- Wait time may range from 40-60 minutes