Ophthalmic pathology is a discipline based on the study of the patterns of tissue and cellular changes observed in the eye tissue samples such as biopsies or other specimens. This study requires specialized histological techniques and microscopic examination in the clinical context. The goal of the pathologist-consultant is to extract and communicate clinically relevant diagnostic and/or prognostic information to guide the management of the patient by the treating physician. The laboratory physicians are therefore, an integral part of the multidisciplinary team for patient care.
The ophthalmic pathology service is integrated within St. Michael’s Hospital laboratory with full access to state of the art anatomical pathology, immunopathology, cytopathology, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and molecular diagnostics laboratories. This service receives approximately 1100 specimens per year from Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario academic and community hospitals, and out of province consultation cases.
This UofT Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences program is also the custodian of the ophthalmic pathology material primary data archive since the establishment of the Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory by Dr. A.E. MacDonald in 1920.
Ophthalmic Pathology service provides also technical and diagnostic support for the Eye Biobank for Research initiative that provides research material to research laboratories worldwide - www.humaneyebank.ca.
Current and archived pathology and biobank material is an invaluable teaching resource for of residents, fellows and research students. Ophthalmology residents are exposed to hands-on initiation of the tissue processing, grossing, and microscopic examination during their electives. Ophthalmic pathology fellowship program has been established with the University of Toronto Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Department. These positions are currently externally funded.
For further details regarding the service and activities you may contact the Chief, Ophthalmic Pathology.
