Dr. Azien Safarpour – Ophthalmologist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Azien Safarpour 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 Burnaby in Burnaby, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a comprehensive Ophthalmologist, she 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. Safarpour graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa in 2006 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with the highest Canadian standards for eye care. Her training encompasses a broad range of medical and surgical skills necessary for comprehensive eye health management.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she aims for precise and effective treatments while focusing on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Dr. Safarpour collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care for her patients. She is also proficient in French, ensuring clear communication with all patients, and remains committed to enhancing the quality of life through better vision in Burnaby.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Safarpour 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: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Safarpour 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Safarpour addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• 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): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.

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

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. Safarpour practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the vibrant neighborhood of Capitol Hill in Burnaby, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated in Burnaby Heights, close to the Burnaby Village Museum, making it easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines) and local bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit for patients seeking expert ophthalmological services in a professional setting.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Safarpour?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Safarpour for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Safarpour's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 299-3956.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Safarpour?

A visit to Dr. Safarpour 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.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Safarpour, 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, Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Safarpour's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Safarpour 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.

How does Dr. Safarpour treat glaucoma?

Dr. Safarpour 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. Safarpour?

Dr. Safarpour 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Burnaby
3994 Hastings St
Burnaby, BC V5C 6C1

Office Phone: (604) 299-3936 | Office Fax: (604) 299-3956

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

Verify Dr. Safarpour's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/354637/Safarpour%2CAzien