About
Dr. Alexander MacGregor Ragan 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 Calgary in Calgary, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Dr. Ragan adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost quality and safety. His role encompasses comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. He offers a full spectrum of services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye conditions and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a patient-friendly environment equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and modern facilities, ensuring a professional and welcoming setting for all patients.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2016 and has extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. Dr. Ragan has completed rigorous residency training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta. His certifications include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, along with other relevant credentials that attest to his expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Dr. Ragan's professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus is on early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Additionally, he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient well-being. He offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and understanding in every consultation.
Dr. Alexander Ragan provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Ragan addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Ragan addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Ragan addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- 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): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Alexander Ragan is necessary.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
- 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.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Ragan.
All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.
Dr. Ragan's primary eye clinic is situated in a specialized facility located in Calgary's SW neighborhoods, including Killarney, Glendale, and Glenbrook. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Heritage Park Historical Village, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The location is well-served by Calgary Transit options, including the CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, ensuring easy access for all patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for individuals of all mobility levels, featuring ample parking with some accessible spots nearby. Patients can expect a welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, from routine exams to advanced surgical procedures.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ragan?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Ragan for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Ragan's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Ragan's clinic for referral instructions.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ragan specialize in?
- Dr. Ragan is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. He offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Ragan?
- Dr. Ragan treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- Are services from Dr. Ragan covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ragan, 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, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Ragan's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ragan?
- A visit to Dr. Ragan 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.
- How does Dr. Ragan treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Ragan will develop a personalized treatment plan which can involve daily eye drop medications to reduce eye pressure, in-office laser treatments to improve fluid drainage, or surgical interventions if medications and lasers are insufficient to control the pressure and protect your vision.
- Does Dr. Ragan perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Ragan. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Ragan can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
a specialized eye clinic in Calgary
101-49 Richard Way SW
Calgary, AB T3E 7M8
Office Phone: (403) 264-0141
Dr. Ragan is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Ragan, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Ragan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ad936996-aeeb-4d09-821b-ef5b5be17f98&i=1193