Timmins’ only ophthalmologist reveals doctor shortage hurdle

A Timmins ophthalmologist marks 17 years and 15,000 patients. Dr. Alejandro Oliver treated his milestone patient with balloons.

A retired nurse visited her ophthalmologist to congratulate him on a recent achievement.

“Timmins should be applauding the fact that he has, you know, stayed here, remained here with us…he’s an incredible doctor, but the man came first, and he’s a wonderful man,” said Armida Millions.

Dr. Alejandro Oliver is the only ophthalmologist who’s practised full-time in Timmins for the past 17 years and he recently treated his 15,000th patient.

“We had a nice gentleman from Kapuskasing … got the 15,000-chart number and we had a little celebration,” said Olver.

“We made some balloons, you know, to celebrate the occasion. I think it’s important, you know, for the team, you know, that works here with me and at the hospital as well to mark certain achievements.”

Millions said having an ophthalmology clinic close to home eases a major burden for many northern patients.

“Emotionally, it impacts you because where am I going to get the ride? Who’s going to take me? Where do I stay? Who do I stay with? Do I have family or do I have to get a hotel? So, that in itself causes stress and you don’t want to have, you know, more stress when you’re going in for a procedure, no matter how big or how small,” she said.

Along with treating thousands of patients, Dr. Oliver has also worked with Timmins and District Hospital and its Foundation over the past three years to expand ophthalmology services. The goal has been to encourage visiting specialists to stay in Timmins.

New doctors in training from the University of Toronto, along with other specialists, visit each month, but recruitment remains a challenge. Oliver said harsh winters can be a deterrent, but added the biggest challenge is finding employment opportunities for spouses.

“The hospital is supportive, but it is challenging for a spouse to, you know, find their place here in the north, unless they have other connections in the north or unless their profession is related to mining, health care, obviously, and perhaps less so, forestry, it can be difficult,” said Oliver.

“So, it tends to deter physicians from coming up.”

Oliver said the need for eye care in the region is significant. He said rates of eye disease and blindness among younger people with diabetes remain high and can affect their ability to work.

Dr. Oliver told CTV News that he remains hopeful more ophthalmologists will eventually choose Timmins, knowing there is an equipped office and an experienced team ready to support the growing needs of patients.