Dr. Arlene E. Ball – Ophthalmologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Arlene E. Ball 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 Calgary in Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring quality and safety in every service. Her role as a comprehensive Ophthalmologist involves diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of eye conditions, offering a full range of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to complex 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. Ball graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University in 1987. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in the field. She has completed rigorous residency training in ophthalmology and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta. Her certifications include certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and membership in relevant professional ophthalmological societies, ensuring she stays current with the latest advancements and best practices in eye care.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Ball is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, she aims to prevent vision loss whenever possible. She collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, always prioritizing her patients' vision and eye health in Calgary. All communication and care are provided in English, ensuring clarity and understanding for her patients.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Ball addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Ball addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.

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

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.

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

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. Ball practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the NW neighborhoods of Calgary, including Bowness, Montgomery, and Greenwood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the scenic Bow River Pathway, making it accessible for patients from various parts of Calgary. Easily reachable via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, the clinic offers accessible and comfortable facilities for all patients. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots, ensuring a hassle-free visit. The clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care and patient comfort.

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

Dr. Ball 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.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ball, 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. Ball'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. Ball's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ball?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ball 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. Ball 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. Ball's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (403) 286-3316.

Does Dr. Ball perform cataract surgery?

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

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ball 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Calgary
313-4411 16 AVE NW
Calgary, AB T3B 0M3

Office Phone: (403) 286-3335 | Office Fax: (403) 286-3316

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

Verify Dr. Ball's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1176d16f-61fe-45cc-9a32-1bd9d4f74f98&i=132