Dr. Ankur Ralhan – Ophthalmologist | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Ankur Ralhan 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 Red Deer in Red Deer, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). As a Ophthalmologist, he provides 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 clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Ralhan graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University in 2016. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Ophthalmology in Alberta. His certifications include comprehensive training in medical and surgical eye care, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of practice and safety for his patients.

He is committed to preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Ralhan emphasizes educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments. His professional philosophy focuses on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. He offers all patient communication and care in English, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of patient-centered care in Red Deer.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Ralhan 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): 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.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.

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

• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.

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

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. Ralhan practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in North Red Deer, within the neighborhoods of Normandeau and Highland Green. The clinic is conveniently located near Clearview Market Square, making it easily accessible for patients. Visitors can access the facility via Red Deer Transit, and ample on-site or nearby public parking is generally available. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can expect professional service in a modern setting dedicated to their visual health.

Does Dr. Ralhan perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. Ralhan treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Ralhan 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.

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

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ralhan specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Ralhan, 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. An Ophthalmologist 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. Ralhan covered by provincial health insurance?

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Ralhan for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 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. Ralhan's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

a specialized eye clinic in Red Deer
3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Office Phone: (587) 679-9141 | Office Fax: (587) 823-2933

Dr. Ralhan 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. Ralhan, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Ralhan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=c54a6e1c-302e-4634-bdff-08b96aa6310a&i=1201