Dr. Christine Maya Tong 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 Duncan in Duncan, 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), ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate treatment. Dr. Tong’s role encompasses a comprehensive approach to eye health, offering 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, in a patient-friendly setting, designed to support optimal visual health and overall well-being.
She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, having graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2016. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. These credentials reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and continuous professional development in the field of ophthalmology.
Dr. Tong's professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she aims to provide precise and effective treatments, emphasizing early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Her approach also includes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on clarity and patient understanding, in Duncan's welcoming and accessible environment.
Dr. Christine Tong provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Tong addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Tong addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Tong addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
- 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.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Christine Tong is necessary.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Tong.
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. Tong practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Duncan, BC. The clinic is situated within a vibrant neighborhood, conveniently close to various medical facilities and optical services, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive eye care. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for routine eye examinations, surgical procedures, and ongoing eye health management. Patients can usually find convenient parking options in proximity to the eye care center, making visits hassle-free and comfortable.
- Are services from Dr. Tong covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong, 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. Tong's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Tong's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong specialize in?
- Dr. Tong is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Tong?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Tong 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. Tong's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Tong's clinic for referral instructions.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Tong?
- A visit to Dr. Tong 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.
a specialized eye clinic in Duncan
2755 Beverly St Unit 2, Cowichan Eyecare
Duncan, BC V9L 6X2
Office Phone: (250) 748-3937
Dr. Tong 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. Tong, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Tong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341338/Tong%2CChristine