Dr. Andrea Leigh Butler – Ophthalmologist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Andrea Leigh Butler 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 Richmond in Richmond, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She specializes in comprehensive eye care, offering a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, in a patient-friendly setting, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.

Dr. Butler graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2009. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in the field. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, underscoring her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in eye care.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she aims for precise and effective treatments. Dr. Butler has a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and she believes in collaborating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedication to enhancing her patients' quality of life through excellent eye care in Richmond.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Butler 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): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Butler addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Butler addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).

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

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.

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

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. Butler's primary clinic is situated at a specialized eye clinic in Richmond, located in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from nearby commercial and industrial areas, with excellent transit options via TransLink, including SkyTrain Canada Line and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible parking spots to ensure ease of access for all patients.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Butler?

Dr. Butler 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, she may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Does Dr. Butler perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Butler. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Butler can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler, 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. Butler'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. Butler's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Butler?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Butler for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Butler's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 278-1477.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Butler, 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.

How does Dr. Butler treat glaucoma?

Dr. Butler 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Richmond
6628 River Rd Unit 350
Richmond, BC V6X 1X5

Office Phone: (604) 273-4940 | Office Fax: (604) 278-1477

Dr. Butler 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. Butler, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Butler's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331332/Butler%2CAndrea