An ophthalmologist is a medical physician who treats eye and vision problems with medications and surgery.
Tips & Links
An ophthalmologist is a medical physician who evaluates and treats serious eye problems. They are specially trained to care for more severe eye diseases and can perform eye surgery. Vision changes can be caused by aging, different health conditions and/or their treatments.
Learn About
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons in BC regulates the medical practice of physicians.
- You need a referral from your physician or optometrist to see an ophthalmologist.
- The most common surgery is for cataracts (thickening of your eye lens causing vision changes) at any age.
- Learn more about specific changes and or diseases in your eye at Healthlink BC.
- It is recommended that you get an eye exam at least every 10 years if you are age (19 – 40 years), every 5 years (41 to 55 years), every 3 years (56 to 65 years), and every 2 years after 65 years of age by Healthlink BC.
Things to Do
- Keep track of any vision changes, eye strain, headaches, or dizziness on your health calendar.
- Share any vision changes with your physician, nurse practitioner and care partners.
- Learn how to prepare for cataract and other eye surgeries from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
- Learn about what eye services are covered by medical services plan (MSP) including an annual eye exam for seniors over 65 years of age, trauma to the eye, or diseases such as diabetes that can impact vision. In most cases, a medical or surgical referral to an ophthalmologist is covered by MSP.
- Ask what services or medications may not be covered by MSP or pharmacare such as eye drops.
- Review your extended health benefits and/or supplementary benefits to help cover some costs.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Develop your self-advocacy skills to ensure your questions are answered and your needs and decisions are heard.
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