Dr. Jamie Rogers celebrates 25 years of advancing vision care for residents of Northern Zone as an ophthalmologist with Nova Scotia Health

Dr. Jamie Rogers, Ophthalmologist at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre (CEHHC), is celebrating 25 years with Nova Scotia Health.

Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Dr. Rogers attended Acadia University and completed a Bachelor of Computer Science. After working in the field of computer science for a short period, he completed his Medical Doctorate and residency in Ophthalmology at Dalhousie University. In 1996, Dr. Rogers began his career with Nova Scotia Health at the CEHHC where he is still practising today.  

When he began his medical career at the former Colchester Regional Hospital site, Dr. Rogers said one of the main challenges was the lack of equipment required for up-to-date ophthalmic care, including lasers and diagnostic imaging. Dr. Rogers worked with the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation to acquire the necessary equipment.

The former hospital, which was constructed during the 1960s, was replaced by the more modern, state-of-the-art CEHHC in 2012. Dr. Rogers said that the new hospital is much better equipped for day surgeries. “With more physical space at the new site, we can do more surgeries and provide patients with a better experience and privacy while they are in our care,” said Dr. Rogers. “The new hospital is a pleasure to work at,” he added.

When the CEHHC was built, the new facility included updated equipment and improved office software making it easier to access and review diagnostic images and data. With his background in computer science, Dr. Rogers worked collaboratively with the vendor to roll out new software at the hospital. Dr. Rogers proudly noted that the CEHHC was one of the first hospitals in Canada to obtain this software.

"I’ve had the privilege of working with Jamie for over 20 years in a variety of roles,” said Dr. Tanya Munroe, director of the Access and Flow Network at Nova Scotia Health. “He has always been a tremendous consultant and resource for the Emergency Department, and someone I have called on many times through the years. For a service of one, he is highly available and always willing to help. He also contributes to our health care community in his leadership role as chief of the Department of Surgery at CEHHC and through his support of our hospital foundation," said Dr. Munroe.

Dr. Rogers says a highlight of his career has been the technological innovations in the field of ophthalmology. “Conditions that were virtually untreatable or difficult to operate on can now be treated with improved diagnostics and new surgical techniques,” he explains. “For example, cataract surgery is now completed on an outpatient basis with amazing outcomes,” said Dr. Rogers. 

Currently the chief of the Department of Surgery in the Northern Zone of Nova Scotia Health, Dr. Rogers said that taking on a physician leadership role has been a great experience. “It took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to participate in different types of work at the hospital,” he said.
In his spare time, Dr. Rogers shared that his number one hobby is skiing at Ski Wentworth and other destinations. He is also an avid runner.