Ophthalmologist sets up practice in Timmins

Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) is better able to serve the eye-care needs of its population since the arrival of ophthalmologist Dr. Alejandro Oliver last summer.

"We have become second to none in terms of the technology and service that we are providing to our patients," said Jean Pierre Nadon, executive director of the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation. "He is the only ophthalmologist north of Toronto who provides retinal surgery, so this may become the retinal centre for Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and Sudbury."

Oliver came to Timmins with his family in July 2009 and began his practice about a month later. An ophthalmologist certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Oliver was born in Mexico, received his ophthalmology training at both Indiana University and Queen's University, and studied retinal surgery at the University of Toronto.

"When I first came for an interview, I saw a great need for a complete ophthalmology service in this community and felt it was a great opportunity to make a difference," Oliver said in an email response.

Prior to his arrival, Timmins had limped along for nine years with services from a locum who performed an average of 24 cataract surgeries per month, according to Josée Jean, surgical program manager.

"The ophthalmology service didn't fill the needs of the population," she said. "There was a big gap and wait times were more than six months for cataract surgeries."


Wait times

Now, with Oliver at the helm, patient travel and wait times have decreased significantly.

The process of recruiting a full-time ophthalmologist involved input from the community, the hospital, as well as Oliver, said Brenda Corbeil, recruitment co-ordinator. During his first site visit, he met with hospital, city and school board officials and the local optometrist. Oliver seemed pleased with the size of the community and thought it would be a great place to raise a family.

The professional and helpful nature of the hospital team has made his transition go smoothly. "It has been a wonderful experience to be here. The work environment is great and I feel like we really make a difference in people's lives," he said. 

Hospital officials worked in conjunction with the hospital foundation for a year prior to Oliver's arrival to set up the surgical suite required for him to perform his services. 

The foundation was instrumental in raising funds to provide the necessary equipment required to furnish an operating room with a complete laser suite, which allows Oliver to treat conditions like closed-angle glaucoma, capsular opacity, diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears and detachments.

Nadon said the foundation came up with $350,000 and will raise another $350,000 in 2010. The project has two phases, with a total cost ranging between $700,000 and $800,000. The foundation plays a valuable role raising money to purchase medical equipment and keep the hospital current and more appealing for new recruits to practice in Timmins.

Oliver's special training allows him to treat ocular trauma, macular holes, vitreous hemorrhage and age-related macular degeneration.

"Up until now, the closest retinal services were located in Ottawa and Toronto, so when a patient needed to see a retina specialist, he or she would need to take a long trip," said Oliver. "Due to the nature of retinal surgery, patients are often advised not to fly for weeks after having a procedure, requiring them to be driven back and forth. I have a lot of patients here who have had retinal pathology for years, but they have never received care because they did not have the means or the strength to make all those long trips."

Although Oliver has only been working at the hospital for about seven months, he has settled nicely into his practice.

"After only a few months, my practice here feels very stable and organized. I believe we are already providing most of the services needed," he said.


Phase two

Once phase two is implemented, which is planned for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, two new pieces of equipment and three procedure trays will be acquired to allow Oliver to expand his services. A YAG/SLT Combo and Vitrectomy Surgical System will allow him to perform glaucoma transplants and vitreous surgeries.

The strabismus procedure tray is used during surgery to correct eyes that do not line up; the oculoplastic tray is used for cosmetic, corrective and reconstructive surgery to the tissues or areas that surround the eye, such as the eyelid. Another tray will be used for corneal transplants. 

Hospital staff and officials are grateful to have him in Timmins.

"He is a very thorough, excellent teacher and a patient man," Jean said. "He has been able to teach the staff in the operating room about his procedures. We are very fortunate to have him."


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