Dr. Carl Shen – Ophthalmologist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Carl Shen is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Sunnybrook Hospital in Kitchener, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Dr. Shen adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. His role as an Ophthalmologist involves diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of eye conditions, performing surgical procedures when necessary, and guiding patients through their visual health journey. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist with over 3 years of specialized experience since 2021. Dr. Shen is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and commitment to excellence in eye care. His certifications include comprehensive training in the diagnosis and management of common and complex eye conditions, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest evidence-based practices.

Dr. Shen’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments while emphasizing early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. His approach fosters collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on building trust and confidence in each patient encounter.

Dr. Carl Shen provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Shen addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Shen addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Shen addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Carl Shen is necessary.

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Shen.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Shen's primary eye clinic is located at Sunnybrook Hospital in Kitchener, ON, situated within a modern, patient-friendly facility in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighbourhood. The clinic offers easy access to the community, being close to Doon Heritage Village and accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. Surgical procedures such as cataract and glaucoma surgeries are often performed at St. Mary's General Hospital, also in Kitchener, providing a seamless experience for patients requiring advanced surgical interventions. The practice emphasizes a welcoming environment, dedicated to comprehensive eye care in a convenient and accessible location.

Are services from Dr. Shen covered by provincial health insurance?

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Shen for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Shen's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Shen and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Shen is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.

Does Dr. Shen perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Shen. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Shen can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Shen specialize in?

Dr. Shen is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shen?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Shen for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Shen's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Shen's clinic for referral instructions.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Shen?

A visit to Dr. Shen is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Shen?

Dr. Shen treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Sunnybrook Hospital
911 Queens Blvd, Department of Emergency Medicine
Kitchener, ON N2M 1B2

Office Phone: (519) 744-3311

Dr. Shen is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Shen, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Shen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Shen-Carl/0310753-109314