Dr. Andrew William Kirker – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Andrew William Kirker is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set 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 range of eye care services in a patient-friendly setting, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.

He is an experienced medical professional with extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. Dr. Kirker graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2004 and has since dedicated his career to mastering the latest advancements in eye care. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of practice and continuing medical education.

Dr. Kirker’s professional philosophy focuses on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, all while dedicating himself to the best possible outcomes for his patients in Vancouver. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, ensuring clear understanding and comfort.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Kirker addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Kirker 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): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• 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. Andrew Kirker is necessary.

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• 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.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.

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

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. Kirker's practice is based within Vancouver General Hospital, located in the vibrant Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink, with proximity to the Vancouver Art Gallery and multiple transit options including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking nearby, including some accessible spots. The environment is professional yet welcoming, ensuring comprehensive eye care in a convenient setting for residents of Vancouver and surrounding areas.

Does Dr. Kirker perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Kirker specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Kirker, 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. Dr. Kirker provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kirker?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Kirker 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. Kirker 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. Kirker's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 875-1677.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Kirker 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. Kirker's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

How does Dr. Kirker treat glaucoma?

Dr. Kirker 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Kirker manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. Dr. Kirker provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Vancouver General Hospital
2550 Willow St, Section C - Eye Care Centre
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9

Office Phone: (604) 875-1661 | Office Fax: (604) 875-1677 | Practice Website: http://www.vch.ca/

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

Verify Dr. Kirker's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333095/Kirker%2CAndrew