Dr. Andrew Brian Merkur 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 Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a comprehensive Ophthalmologist, he offers 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, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.
He graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa in 2001 and has extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. Dr. Merkur holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development. His training encompasses both medical and surgical aspects of eye care, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient health.
Dr. Merkur'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 in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and maintain optimal eye health. He offers all patient communication and care in English and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being.
Dr. Andrew Merkur provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Merkur addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Merkur addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Merkur addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- 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. Andrew Merkur is necessary.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- 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.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Merkur.
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. Merkur practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the Vancouver's Fairview neighborhood. The clinic is situated close to Queen Elizabeth Park, making it easily accessible by public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with parking typically available nearby, including some accessible spots. The environment is professional and welcoming, dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care in a patient-centered setting.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Merkur?
- Dr. Merkur 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. 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. Merkur and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Merkur is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Merkur?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Merkur 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. Merkur 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. Merkur's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 875-1677.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Merkur specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Merkur, 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.
- Are services from Dr. Merkur covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Merkur for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. 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. Merkur's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Does Dr. Merkur perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Merkur, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Merkur would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- How does Dr. Merkur treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Merkur 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 Vancouver
805 West Broadway, Unit 205, West Coast Retina Consultants Inc
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K1
Office Phone: (604) 875-1661 | Office Fax: (604) 875-1677 | Practice Website: http://www.retinavancouver.com/
Dr. Merkur 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. Merkur, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Merkur's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331923/Merkur%2CAndrew