About
Dr. Andrew C. Crichton is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). As an a Ophthalmologist, providing 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 diseases and surgical interventions. The practice provides a welcoming and patient-friendly environment for comprehensive eye care.
Dr. Crichton graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 1981. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in eye health and surgery. He holds key certifications including Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Ophthalmology. His certifications attest to his commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and up-to-date knowledge in eye care.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Crichton is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, he strives to provide comprehensive and holistic eye care. Dr. Crichton is also proficient in French, ensuring clear and effective communication with all patients in Calgary.
Dr. Andrew Crichton provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Crichton addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Crichton 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.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Crichton addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Andrew Crichton is necessary.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Crichton.
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. Crichton practices primarily within Rockyview General Hospital, situated in Calgary's SW: Killarney, Glendale, and Glenbrook neighborhoods. The hospital is conveniently located near the Foothills Medical Centre and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The clinic provides a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, ensuring patients receive personalized and attentive service in a convenient location.
- Are services from Dr. Crichton covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Crichton, 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. Crichton's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Crichton's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Crichton?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Crichton that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Crichton 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. Crichton's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (403) 245-1058.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Crichton specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Crichton, 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Crichton?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Crichton 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.
- How does Dr. Crichton treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Crichton 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.
- Does Dr. Crichton perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Crichton, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Crichton would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
Rockyview General Hospital
49 Richard Way SW, 102
Calgary, AB T3E 7M8
Office Phone: (403) 245-3730 | Office Fax: (403) 245-1058
Dr. Crichton 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. Crichton, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Crichton's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=472f59c8-7b1e-4f01-b496-0fdefdbcbe52&i=327