Dr. Carlos Eduardo Solarte Thomas – Ophthalmologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Carlos Eduardo Solarte Thomas 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 Edmonton, AB, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic offers a full spectrum of services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The environment is designed to be welcoming and patient-friendly, ensuring comfort and clarity during every visit.

He is licensed and regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), holding license number 019652. Dr. Thomas has completed extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology, ensuring he maintains the highest standards of patient care and safety. His medical education includes graduating with a Medico Cirujano degree in Colombia in 1994. He has since pursued rigorous postgraduate training in Canada, acquiring the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta. His commitment to continuous learning and adherence to professional standards underscores his dedication to excellence in eye care.

Dr. Thomas’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. His collaborative approach often involves working with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Spanish, he ensures clear communication with a diverse patient population in Edmonton, always prioritizing patient comfort and understanding.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Thomas addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• 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. Carlos Thomas is necessary.

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.

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

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. Thomas practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Edmonton's S Central neighbourhood, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park areas. The clinic is conveniently located close to landmarks such as the Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace, making it easily accessible by patients. The facility is well-connected via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, ensuring convenient access for patients from different parts of the city. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking options typically available nearby. It provides a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, emphasizing patient comfort and state-of-the-art technology.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomas?

A visit to Dr. Thomas 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomas specialize in?

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

How does Dr. Thomas treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Thomas 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

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

Dr. Thomas 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, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Does Dr. Thomas perform cataract surgery?

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

a specialized eye clinic in Edmonton
8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Office Phone: (780) 407-6417 | Office Fax: (780) 407-6681

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

Verify Dr. Thomas's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=8358f7bc-d70e-4929-a54d-6d56774bb4c4&i=1366