Dr. Ashley Seung Yun Ko – Ophthalmologist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Ashley Seung Yun Ko 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 Surrey in Surrey, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). She offers comprehensive services in a welcoming environment, focusing on accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. Her gentle approach ensures that each patient feels cared for and well-informed throughout their eye care journey.

Dr. Ko is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2009. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training encompasses a broad spectrum of ophthalmic subspecialties, enabling her to manage complex eye conditions with precision and care. Her expertise is complemented by her commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to the latest clinical guidelines.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She believes in educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Dr. Ko utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to deliver precise and effective treatments. Her focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. She values collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, she is proficient in Korean, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Surrey.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Ko 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): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• 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.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.

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

• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
• 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. Ko.

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. Ko's primary eye clinic is located in a specialized eye care facility in Surrey, BC, situated within the vibrant neighborhoods of Guildford and Fraser Heights. The clinic is conveniently accessible from the Commercial Corridor (Guildford, Fleetwood, South Surrey) via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to ensure ease of access for all visitors.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ko 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ko?

A visit to Dr. Ko is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

Does Dr. Ko perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Ko. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Ko can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Ko 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. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

How does Dr. Ko treat glaucoma?

Dr. Ko 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 Surrey
9639 137A St Unit 601
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1

Office Phone: (604) 951-8543 | Office Fax: (604) 951-0812

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

Verify Dr. Ko's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331196/Ko%2CAshley