Dr. Aishwarya Sundaram – Ophthalmologist | Chilliwack, BC

Dr. Aishwarya Sundaram is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Chilliwack in Chilliwack, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic is located in Chilliwack's Downtown, Central neighborhood, conveniently accessible from Eagle Landing Shopping Centre. It is easily reached via the Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring patients can attend appointments with ease. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. Dr. Sundaram’s practice offers a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a professional and welcoming environment.

She graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 2016 and has extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with key certifications, including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her education and training enable her to provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of a wide range of eye conditions, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices.

Dr. Sundaram’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. By utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she ensures precise and effective treatments. Her focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and she collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care. All communication and care are conducted in English, with a strong commitment to enhancing patient outcomes in Chilliwack.

Dr. Aishwarya Sundaram provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Sundaram addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Sundaram addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Sundaram addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Aishwarya Sundaram is necessary.

• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Sundaram.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Sundaram practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Chilliwack, BC, in the Downtown, Central neighborhood. The clinic is situated near Eagle Landing Shopping Centre, making it easily accessible for residents in the area. Patients can reach the clinic via the Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is designed to be accessible and welcoming, with ample on-site or nearby public parking available for patients. The clinic provides a comfortable environment for comprehensive eye care, including routine examinations, advanced diagnostics, and surgical procedures.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sundaram?

A visit to Dr. Sundaram is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

Does Dr. Sundaram perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Sundaram, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Sundaram would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

How does Dr. Sundaram treat glaucoma?

Dr. Sundaram manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

Are services from Dr. Sundaram covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sundaram, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Sundaram's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Sundaram's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sundaram specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sundaram, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. A Ophthalmologist, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sundaram and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sundaram, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sundaram?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sundaram that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Sundaram receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Sundaram's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 426-2721.

a specialized eye clinic in Chilliwack
9181 Main St Unit 109
Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9

Office Phone: (604) 426-2720 | Office Fax: (604) 426-2721

Dr. Sundaram is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Sundaram, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Sundaram's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/364127/Sundaram%2CAishwarya