Credentials & Training
Why an Oculofacial
Plastic Surgeon?
Not all eyelid surgeons hold the same training. ASOPRS fellowship is the highest credential in periorbital surgery — and it cannot be obtained by general plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons, or dermatologists.
< 30
Surgeons accepted annually across all of North America
1–2
Years of dedicated oculofacial subspecialty training
1,000+
Periorbital procedures during fellowship alone
100%
Focus on eyelids, orbit, lacrimal, and periorbital face
The Credential Hierarchy in Eyelid Surgery
When a patient searches for an eyelid surgeon in Toronto, they encounter physicians from several different training backgrounds — all of whom may perform eyelid procedures, and all of whom present similarly on a practice website. The differences are not visible on the surface. They live in training depth, anatomical knowledge, and the ability to recognise and manage complications.
The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship is the highest training credential specific to periorbital and oculofacial surgery in North America. It requires completion of a full ophthalmology residency before subspecialty fellowship — meaning ASOPRS surgeons begin with a complete foundation in the eye itself, then layer dedicated training in the eyelids, orbit, lacrimal system, and periorbital face.
No other pathway provides this combination. It is not a matter of preference — it is a structural feature of the credential.
Training Comparison
| Background | Base Training | Eyelid Focus | OHIP Eyelid | ASOPRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oculofacial Plastic SurgeonDr. Gill | Ophthalmology (full ocular training) | Entire career | ✓ | ✓ Required |
| General Plastic Surgeon | General surgery | Small fraction of practice | ✗ | ✗ Not eligible |
| Facial Plastic Surgeon | Ear, nose & throat | Partial — face, not ocular | ✗ | ✗ Not eligible |
| Dermatologist | Skin medicine | Skin surface only | ✗ | ✗ Not eligible |
| Ophthalmologist (general) | Eye medicine & surgery | Limited — primarily globe | Limited | Eligible but not required |
Why It Matters — Practically
The orbit is not just a face structure
The lower eyelid sits millimetres from the globe. A malpositioned eyelid causes corneal exposure, dry eye, and visual compromise — consequences that a surgeon without full ophthalmology training may not recognise or know how to manage. ASOPRS surgeons have completed full ophthalmology residency before subspecialty fellowship. This is not optional background — it is the foundation.
Eyelid function, not just appearance
Blepharoplasty is not purely cosmetic. The eyelid protects the ocular surface, distributes the tear film, and maintains the corneal health that preserves vision. A surgeon focused solely on aesthetics may compromise function. ASOPRS training integrates both — surgical outcomes are evaluated against functional standards, not just photographs.
Revision complexity
Lower eyelid revision surgery is among the most technically demanding procedures in facial surgery. Scarring, malposition, and tissue loss from prior operations require reconstructive expertise that only dedicated oculoplastic training provides. Choosing the right surgeon the first time is the most important decision.
OHIP-covered eyelid surgery
Functional eyelid conditions — ptosis, ectropion, entropion, visual field obstruction — are covered by OHIP when criteria are met. Oculofacial surgeons are uniquely trained to document and manage these conditions, coordinate visual field testing, and navigate OHIP eligibility. Most general plastic surgeons do not perform OHIP eyelid work.
The ASOPRS Fellowship Pathway
Medical School
4 yearsFull medical degree. Foundation in physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine.
Ophthalmology Residency
5 yearsComplete training in the eye — retina, cornea, glaucoma, strabismus, and anterior segment. This is what differentiates ASOPRS from all other eyelid surgery pathways. The globe is not a distant structure — it is deeply understood.
ASOPRS Fellowship
1–2 yearsDedicated subspecialty training in oculofacial plastic surgery: eyelid reconstruction and aesthetics, orbital surgery, lacrimal system, periorbital facial rejuvenation, and trauma. Fewer than 30 positions available across North America annually.
ASOPRS Membership
OngoingActive membership requires continuing education, peer review, and adherence to professional standards. The credential is maintained — not just awarded.
About Dr. Gill
Dr. Harmeet Gill — Toronto's Oculofacial Specialist
Questions to Ask Any Eyelid Surgeon
- 1Are you ASOPRS fellowship-trained?
- 2Did you complete an ophthalmology residency before your fellowship?
- 3How many lower eyelid procedures do you perform annually?
- 4Do you perform OHIP-covered functional eyelid surgery?
- 5Where is your surgical facility accredited?
- 6Who manages post-operative complications if they arise?
These are not adversarial questions — they are the questions any informed patient should ask before eyelid surgery. A confident, well-trained surgeon will answer all of them without hesitation.
Begin Your Consultation
$450 in-person · $300 virtual — applied in full toward your procedure.