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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 26, 2007 - 17 Halton Healthcare's Ophthalmology Program State-of-the-art Eye Care The Halton Healthcare Services Ophthalmology Program at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) provides one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art eye care services in the Halton and Mississauga area. The Program has a team of six highly skilled ophthalmologists with a wide range of sub-specialties who bring the latest techniques from some of the best teaching hospitals in the province. "We use the latest diagnostic tools and the most current procedures and medications to treat serious, sight-threatening conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy," explains Dr. Brad Kates, Chief of the HHS Ophthalmology Program at OTMH. "We also provide state-of-the-art glaucoma and cataract surgeries, and OTMH is the only hospital in the Halton and Mississauga area that performs certain advanced procedures such as retinal surgery." Did You Know... The HHS Ophthalmology Program: · Provides a full range of advanced surgical and medical eye care for all ages from premature babies and children to the senior population. · Is currently the only hospital in the Mississauga-Halton area that performs retinal surgery. · Has excellent wait times for cataract surgery. · Has highly skilled specialists who provide a full-range of services comparable to those found in some of the best teaching hospitals in Ontario. To reach the OTMH Eye Clinic: 905-338-4683 ? Short Wait Times For Cataract Surgery As we age the lens of the eye clouds and this condition is known as a cataract. "Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with a new specifically designed artificial lens," explains Dr. Rajiv Bindlish, HHS Ophthalmologist. "This sight-restoring surgery is the most common operation performed in Canada today and is effective in over 90 per cent of the cases." Cataracts are detected through comprehensive eye examinations. Patients may notice they have frequent eyeglass changes, lose color vividness and have problems with glare. A cataract should be removed when it begins to affect your ability to function, for example ­ if you have difficulty driving or reading. "We have excellent wait times, topnotch surgeons and the state-of-the-art technology to provide this surgery right here in our community," concludes Dr. Bindlish. "My cataract surgery earlier this year at OTMH only took about 20 minutes and it was painless. I had to wear an eye patch for a couple of days, but I had no discomfort whatsoever," notes one of Dr. Bindlish's recent patients. "Now I have a clearer, more vivid view, glare is no longer a problem and I don't need my contacts or glasses for driving. It has definitely improved my vision and my life." Community Support Equips Ophthalmology Program Thanks to community support and the efforts of the Oakville Hospital Foundation, patients can now conveniently access some of the most advanced cataract surgery techniques and glaucoma treatments services right here in our community. · Yag SLT Laser - Community donations, including an incredible $40,000 gift from the AWB Family Foundation purchased a $117,500 Yag SLT Laser for the OTMH Eye Clinic. This machine is used in the treatment of glaucoma and other eye conditions. · Ophthalmic Laser & Digital Camera System - Over the past several years, the AWB Family Foundation has been a strong supporter of our Eye Clinic. It has contributed over $200,000 toward the purchase of an Ophthalmic Laser and a Digital Camera System used to diagnose and treat abnormalities and degeneration of the eyes as well as monitor patients suffering from glaucoma. · Infiniti Phaco Machine - In 2005 the Oakville Hospital Foundation raised $245,475 towards the purchase of an Infiniti Phaco Machine, an instrument used to remove cataracts, providing HHS with the latest technology in cataract surgery. For more information about donating to OTMH, call the Oakville Hospital Foundation at 905-338-4642 or log on to www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com If you have concerns about your eye health, please see your family physician. OAKVILLE-TRAFALGAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL · 327 REYNOLDS STREET · OAKVILLE · ON · L6J 3L7 · 905-845-2571