Dr. Chung Lau – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Vancouver, BC

Specializing in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Chung Lau (an ENT Doctor) provides expert medical and surgical solutions for patients in Vancouver. Practicing at a clinic within close proximity to the Brittania Community Centre in Vancouver, BC, he serves the local community with a focus on comprehensive ENT care. Dr. Lau's practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality and safe medical services. He is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck in both adults and children.

Dr. Lau graduated with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from the University of Ottawa in 2006 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He holds certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his specialized training and competence in the field. His education and certifications underpin his commitment to delivering evidence-based ENT care.

With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Lau emphasizes patient education, collaborative decision-making, and tailored treatment plans. He is committed to providing high-quality ENT care in Vancouver, ensuring that each patient receives thorough explanations of their condition and treatment options. Dr. Lau is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population.

Dr. Chung Lau manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects

• Facial Bone Fractures (Nasal, Orbital, Maxillary, Mandibular): Breaks in the bones of the face, such as the nose, eye sockets, cheekbones, or jaw, typically resulting from trauma.
• Drooping Eyelids Obstructing Vision (Functional Blepharoplasty): Excess skin or fat in the upper eyelids that hangs down and interferes with the field of vision, potentially treatable with surgery.
• Facial Skin Cancers requiring Excision and Reconstruction: Malignant skin growths on the face or neck that necessitate surgical removal and subsequent reconstruction to restore form and function.
• Soft Tissue Injuries of the Face and Neck: Damage to the skin, muscles, or other soft tissues of the face and neck due to trauma, requiring careful repair.

Common Ear Conditions

• Otosclerosis (Abnormal Bone Growth in Middle Ear): A condition where abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear, typically involving the stapes bone, causes progressive conductive hearing loss.
• Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): A common infection of the middle ear, often causing ear pain and fever, especially in children.
• Eardrum Perforation (Ruptured Eardrum): A hole or tear in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which can result from infection, injury, or pressure changes.
• Hearing Loss (Conductive, Sensorineural, Mixed, Sudden): Reduced ability to hear, which can be due to problems in the outer/middle ear (conductive), inner ear/nerve (sensorineural), a combination, or occur abruptly.

This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Chung Lau or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of Head & Neck Masses: Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cell samples from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or other head and neck masses for diagnosis, often under ultrasound guidance.
• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Tests - Referral or In-house): Identification of specific allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, foods) contributing to ENT symptoms, guiding targeted treatment strategies.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Lau offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Lau's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required.

Dr. Lau practices primarily at a clinic situated in the vibrant Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, BC, near the Brittania Community Centre. The location is easily accessible via TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient access for patients.

Are services from Dr. Lau, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Lau are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic if you have questions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Lau, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Lau. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.

How should I prepare for my appointment with an ENT specialist?

For your appointment, please bring your provincial health card, your referral letter (if applicable), a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and any relevant medical records, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs on a disc if possible), or test results you may have (such as previous hearing tests or allergy reports). Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, their duration, and your medical history in detail. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.

Why are ear tubes recommended for some children with recurrent ear infections?

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are often recommended for children who experience frequent middle ear infections (recurrent acute otitis media) or persistent fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) that doesn't clear on its own. These tiny tubes are inserted into the eardrum to help ventilate the middle ear space, prevent fluid buildup, reduce the frequency of infections, and can improve hearing if it was affected by the fluid. Dr. Lau can assess if ear tubes are appropriate for your child.

What kind of post-operative care instructions can I expect after an ENT surgery?

Post-operative care instructions will be specific to the type of surgery performed. Generally, they may include information on pain management, diet restrictions (e.g., soft foods after tonsillectomy), activity limitations, wound care (if applicable), use of medications (like antibiotics or pain relievers), nasal saline rinses (after sinus surgery), and signs of potential complications to watch for. You will also be given follow-up appointment details. It's crucial to follow these instructions carefully for optimal healing.

What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Lau do?

An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Lau, is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. This includes medical treatments and surgical procedures for hearing disorders, sinus problems, voice issues, sleep apnea, throat infections, and tumors of the head and neck region.

Nose & Throat Clinic, Room 385 - 550 West Broadway, Broadway Ear
Vancouver, BC V5Z 0E9

Phone: (604) 559-6383 | Fax: (604) 559-8053

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lau is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330183/Lau%2CChung