Ophthalmology

HHCC has one full-time ophthalmologist to meet the eye health needs of our community. Dr. Ray Seto performs eye surgery to treat conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. A referral from an optometrist or family physician is required.

Thanks to generous support from our community, the Ophthalmology program has been able to purchase specialized equipment that enables surgery to be done at HHCC. These include:

• An SLT Duet Laser – This is used for cataract surgery and to treat glaucoma
• An Integre Photocoagulation System that can repair tears in or detachments of the retina. These often happed due to head or eye trauma.
• Instruments used during delicate eye surgery.

Cataract surgery wait times
HHCC is participating in the provincial Wait Time Strategy for cataract procedures. With financial assistance from the province, Dr. Seto can perform over 650 cataract procedures annually.

Headwaters has one of the shortest wait times in the province for cataract surgery.

Access our Surgical Safety Checklist rates

Your appointment

On the day of your scheduled surgery, please proceed to Registration in the Joan and Paul Waechter Welcome Centre main entry. In order to prevent any delays, please ensure that your Ontario Health Card is readily available.

After checking in, you will be directed to the Surgery Waiting Room located on the main level.

At admission, you will meet with a nurse who will ensure that you're prepared both physically and emotionally for your procedure. Our primary goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable about your surgical experience, therefore, please do not hesitate to ask any questions that you may have.

You will also be asked to provide information on:

• your medical history
• current medications, supplements and herbal remedies including dosage and frequency
• allergies
• special needs i.e. hearing aids

For your safety, all Day Surgery patients are not permitted to drive home and MUST have someone available to stay with them overnight after receiving and anesthetic. 

Day Surgery patients must ensure the person driving them home remains in the hospital during their procedure.

Information regarding what to expect after surgery and any special instructions are given. If you are unsure of anything, please ask questions.

Next you will be escorted to the Operating Room (OR) holding area by the OR Nurse who again assesses you and checks the chart for completeness. The Anaesthetist will visit you to ask questions and start the IV if not already done. This is the specially trained physician who administers your medication and monitors your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure during surgery.
 
The Surgical Team headed by your Surgeon is a group of specially trained professionals that provide a safe environment and perform your procedure.