A leader in vision enhancement
The Gimbel Eye Centre has been changing the lives of generations of people in the most profound way — with the gift of better vision.
Operating in Calgary since 1964, the family-owned Gimbel Eye Centre is led by executive medical director Dr. Howard Gimbel who, along with his team, have combined to perform more than 200,000 eye surgeries for patients coming from more than 50 countries aroundtheworld.
Dr. Gimbel has also developed the centre’s ongoing reputation as a leader in the field of ophthalmology, by pioneering many vision correction procedures, and continually making worldwide accepted refinements and technique variations.
The Gimbel Eye Centre was the first institution in Canada to perform laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange and implantable corrective lens procedures.
“It was never done to be a leader,” says Dr. Gimbel. “It was done because I was convinced that it was the best thing for the patient.”
The Gimbel Eye Centre offers a vast array of procedures, so that anybody, of any age, can be less dependent on corrective glasses or contact lenses.
Even people with vision problems who may have been told in the past they are not good candidates for corrective surgery can often find an effective solution at the Gimbel Eye Centre.
Some options can even correct more than one problematthesametime.
Dr. Gimbel says a consultation is the best way to find out what’s right for you. Many people research some of the procedures, “but that can’t tell them whether they are eligible. We have to do measurements of the eye. Sometimes they are not eligible for one kind of procedure, but are for another,” he says.
An important focus at the eye centre is putting people at ease when it comes to dealing with something as precious as their eyesight.
“We feel that’s very important, and we have strived for that our whole practice,” says Dr. Gimbel.
“And I’m pleased that many patients express their appreciation for the caring they have experienced. Not just from the doctor, but every staff member.”
Patients are provided with information about various procedures and decide how they would like to proceed. Everything is done at the patient’s pace, they are never rushed at any point.
“We want them to have lots of time for questions, that’s one of the most important things we do is give the patient the time to be fully informed,” says Dr. Gimbel.
“We are very fortunate in this profession and this field, that we are changing people’s lives and giving them quality of vision and freedom from glasses and contacts,” he says.
“The experience is so profound when you have a strong prescription, and the next day you can see without reaching for glasses or putting your contacts on.
“It’s also very satisfying to remove a lens that is clouding the vision, and the person can suddenly see with better focus.”
Over the years the Gimbel Eye Centre has also become well known for its Corneal Laser Refractive Surgeries, including PRK and IntraLASIK.
Other areas of expertise are Intra-Ocular Lenses and the Refractive Lens Exchange.
Surgeons at the centre have authored many medical journal articles, book chapters and books on these and other topics, and present regularly at international conferences.
Dr. Gimbel himself has co-authored two textbooks and a variety of book chapters on ophthalmology. He has also innovated in sharing his techniques and training videos freely on YouTube.
This ongoing series of instructional videos is referred to by surgeons around the world who subscribe to this educational resource.
In January of this year he was named a Member of the Order of Canada for his surgical innovations as an ophthalmologist, notably as a pioneer in cataract and refractive surgery.
“God has given me the privilege of innovating, and then the responsibility of sharing those innovations with colleagues around the world,” says Dr. Gimbel.
“It’s just very satisfying to think that people have nominated me and given me that honour.
“Nothing gives me joy like when you’ve been helping someone. I can’t imagine I’d have the satisfaction (in retirement) that I have now. That’s why I carry on.”
For more information on the options for vision correction, go to GimbelEyeCentre. com.