Dr. Carolyn Marie Isbister – Ophthalmologist | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Carolyn Marie Isbister is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at the Dr. Carolyn Isbister Clinic in West Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an ophthalmologist, she offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. She provides 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. Isbister graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2003. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in eye medicine and surgery. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, Dr. Isbister ensures precise and effective treatments. She is dedicated to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient well-being. All her patient communication and care are conducted in English, ensuring clear and compassionate service for her West Vancouver patients.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Isbister addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Isbister 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): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent 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.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.

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

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. Carolyn Isbister practices at her dedicated eye care clinic located in the Caulfeild/Eagle Harbour neighbourhood of West Vancouver, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near Park Royal North, accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available near the clinic, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. The clinic offers a professional and friendly setting for all your eye health needs, ensuring personalized care in a tranquil location.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Isbister?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Isbister that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Isbister 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. Isbister's office regarding their referral policy. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Isbister's clinic for referral instructions.

Does Dr. Isbister perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. Isbister treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Isbister 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 are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Isbister?

Dr. Isbister 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. Isbister covered by provincial health insurance?

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Isbister for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Isbister's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Dr. Carolyn Isbister Clinic
108-575 16th St
West Vancouver, BC V7V 4Y1

Office Phone: (604) 926-5722

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

Verify Dr. Isbister's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327294/Isbister%2CCarolyn