About
Dr. Christopher Sandor Pollock is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Pollock Clinics Vancouver in New Westminster, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. As a skilled Ophthalmologist, he offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. His practice is centered on delivering personalized treatment in a patient-friendly environment, utilizing the latest advances in ophthalmology to preserve and enhance vision.
Dr. Pollock graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa in 2007 and has since accumulated extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His advanced training and professional certifications reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care, enabling him to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions with expertise and precision.
His professional philosophy emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Dr. Pollock is committed to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in decision-making about their treatment options. He utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatments. Dedicated to collaborative, patient-centered care, he works closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive eye health management. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on ensuring patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their eye care journey.
Dr. Christopher Pollock provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Pollock addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical 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.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Pollock addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Pollock addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- 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.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Christopher Pollock is necessary.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Pollock.
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. Pollock's primary eye clinic is located at Pollock Clinics Vancouver in New Westminster's Downtown New Westminster, Quayside neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Royal City Centre Mall and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. Patients can expect a friendly atmosphere dedicated to high-quality, personalized eye health services.
- How does Dr. Pollock treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Pollock 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. Pollock?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Pollock 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Pollock and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Pollock, 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.
- Does Dr. Pollock perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Pollock. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Pollock can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Are services from Dr. Pollock covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Pollock, 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. Pollock'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. Pollock's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Pollock specialize in?
- Dr. Pollock is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Pollock?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Pollock 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. Pollock'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) 544-5157.
Pollock Clinics Vancouver
204-625 Fifth Av, New Westminster Office
New Westminster, BC V3M 1X4
Office Phone: (604) 521-3232 | Office Fax: (604) 544-5157 | Practice Website: https://www.pollockclinics.com/
Dr. Pollock 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. Pollock, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Pollock's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331983/Pollock%2CChristopher