Ophthalmology

The Eye Clinic at the MCH has been in existence for over 100 years. We treat all children’s eye diseases ranging from blindness to strabismus, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), amblyopia, glaucoma, tumours and trauma. We have a section for electrophysiology of vision and a unique centre for childhood blindness due to genetic retinal degeneration.

Our team includes seven pediatric ophthalmologists, four orthoptists, two electrophysiologists, and administrative support staff. Every year, we offer training opportunities to medical residents, fellows and medical students. Other trainees include graduate students, orthoptic students, colleagues and genetic counselors.

Staff members

• Dr. Allison Dorfman 
• Dr. Michael Flanders 
• Dr. Conrad Kavalec 
• Dr. Ayesha Khan 
• Dr. Robert Koenekoop, MD, PhD, Chief Pediatric Ophthalmology 
• Dr. Pierre Lachapelle 
• Dr. John Little 
• Dr. Robert Polomeno
• Dr. Daniela Toffoli

Orthoptists:

• Leah Wood
• Raquel Beneish
• Stephanie Oglietti
• Josee Navratil

Our clinical area is located on the main floor of the MCH. We have nine examination rooms, a treatment room and three testing rooms. We have cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat conditions such as tumours, retinal detachment and ROP (retinopathy of prematurity), to do imaging and photography and to measure electrical activities of the retina and optic nerve in healthy and blind patients.

At the new MCH at the Glen, we will have more rooms with better flow for testing and clinics. Our research activity will be done near by. We are currently testing the safety and efficacy of the first drug for blindness. We will continue to do clinical research trials at the Glen in a special designated area (Centre for Innovative Medicine). We will continue to provide leading-edge care and perform cutting-edge basic research to understand and treat blindness. 

Our services include medical and surgical treatments of common and rare conditions:

• strabismus   
• congenital and traumatic cataract
• dislocation of the crystalline lens
• glaucoma Retinal degenerations including rare congenital childhood blindness conditions
• surgery on eyelid, orbit and nasolacrimal system
• neuro-ophthalmology
• uveitis (often diagnosed in patients with rheumatoid disorders)
• retinoblastoma interdisciplinary program in conjunction with CHU Sainte-Justine

Our fellowship program is accredited by the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and attracts applicants from many countries.