Ophthalmology services come together under a brand new space inside St. Michael’s Hospital

By Selma Al-Samarrai

Ophthalmology services at St. Michael’s Hospital have moved to a new and consolidated location, bringing their critical services to one larger and newly renovated space.

Between September and November, the Department of Ophthalmology’s Eye Clinic, Glaucoma Unit and Retina Unit moved into the 7th and 8th floors of the Donnelly Wing inside St. Michael’s Hospital.

Prior to this move, Ophthalmology services at St. Michael’s were split between 8 Cardinal Carter inside the hospital and two floors inside 61 Queen East, a building across the street.

“Since we consolidated our services, our ophthalmology team now has an excellent opportunity to maximize this new space to improve our work flow and efficiency,” said Dana Whitham, clinical leader manager for Ophthalmology.

The newly renovated ophthalmology space will offer staff and patients the latest in ophthalmology technology and infrastructure, brand new equipment and furniture, more natural lighting, and a space that is more accessible.

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Before this move, patients requiring routine ophthalmology follow-up or consultation appointments were seen in one area of the hospital, and patients requiring emergency ophthalmology or after-hours care would be seen in a different area of the hospital.

“This move allows us to integrate our services better within St. Michael’s and to subsequently take better care of our patients. We see a lot of trauma patients in ophthalmology so this fits in a lot better for our patient care and experience,” explained Dr. David Wong, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at St. Michael’s, and associate professor in Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto.

“The most important elements of this move are that it allows us to provide much more integrated care for our patients within the hospital, and it enables us to increase our research capabilities.”

The Eye Clinic is now on the 7th floor of the Donnelly Wing, and the Glaucoma and Retina Units are just above it on the 8th floor.

“I expect the patient experience will significantly change in our new space. This move means much more streamlined care and a better flow for patients who require multiple ophthalmology services,” said Whitham.

The renovations to the space were supported by multiple generous donors of St. Michael’s, whose names will be added to various locations throughout the new Ophthalmology Centre. Thanks to the support of Donald and Nita Reed, the new centre is now named the Donald & Nita Reed Ophthalmology Centre.

“The whole team has spent many years planning for the new space and how we are going to operationalize such a complex move. It’s exciting to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition as we move to a new space that will enable us to provide the best patient care and experience possible,” said Jonathan Fetros, senior clinical director of St. Michael’s Diabetes Comprehensive Care Program.

Investing in our capital infrastructure to improve patient care areas at Unity Health Toronto is a key component towards our strategic priority of “investing in our future.”

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About St. Michael's Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

About Unity Health Toronto

Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Our health network serves patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education. For more information, visit www.unityhealth.to.