Patient Information
Everything you need to know to prepare for your consultation at Ontario Retina Associates.
What to Expect
Referral
Your optometrist or family physician sends a referral to our office. We triage urgent cases and contact you to arrange an appointment as quickly as possible.
Consultation & Imaging
A thorough examination using state-of-the-art imaging. Dr. Shah personally reviews all findings with you in plain language — no medical jargon.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on your examination, Dr. Shah will recommend a tailored treatment plan — whether that is observation, intravitreal injections, laser treatment, or surgery.
Ongoing Care & Follow-Up
Continuity matters. You will always see Dr. Shah at every visit. Follow-up intervals are determined by your specific condition and response to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an appointment?
Ontario Retina Associates accepts patients by referral only. Please ask your optometrist, family physician, or ophthalmologist to send a referral. We contact patients directly once the referral is received.
How urgent is my appointment?
Urgent cases — such as sudden vision loss, flashing lights, or floaters — are triaged for appointments within 24–48 hours. Routine referrals are scheduled based on clinical priority.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your valid OHIP card, a list of current medications, any prior eye exam records or imaging you may have, and sunglasses — your pupils will be dilated during the examination.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Yes. A dilated fundus examination is essential for evaluating the retina. Dilation drops will be used, which temporarily blur your near vision and increase light sensitivity for several hours. You should arrange a driver for your appointment.
What imaging is done at the clinic?
We use Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) — two of the most advanced diagnostic tools available. These are performed during your consultation and Dr. Shah reviews all results with you.
What is an intravitreal injection?
An intravitreal injection delivers medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. It is used to treat conditions like wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. The procedure is performed in clinic with topical anesthesia and is well-tolerated by most patients.
Will I always see Dr. Shah?
Yes. Ontario Retina Associates is a community-based retina practice without any medical trainees. You will always see Dr. Shah directly — for your consultation, procedures, and all follow-up visits.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available for all patients on site.