About
Dr. Claire Alexis Sheldon 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 Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. She adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role as a comprehensive Ophthalmologist involves diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of eye conditions, performing surgical interventions, and guiding patients toward optimal vision health. The clinic offers a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.
She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2006 and has since gained extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. Dr. Sheldon holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards and staying current with evolving medical practices.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She believes in educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she strives for precise and effective treatments. Dr. Sheldon is dedicated to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and comfort for her diverse patient community.
Dr. Claire Sheldon provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Sheldon addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Sheldon addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- 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.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Sheldon addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible 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.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Claire Sheldon 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: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Sheldon.
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. Sheldon practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Vancouver's vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near notable landmarks such as the Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre at Vanier Park. Easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station), the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Patients will find convenient parking options in close proximity to the eye care center, making it simple to access comprehensive eye services in a professional and welcoming environment.
- Are services from Dr. Sheldon covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Sheldon 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. Sheldon's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sheldon?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sheldon for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sheldon?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sheldon 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. Sheldon 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. Sheldon's office regarding their referral policy. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Sheldon's clinic for referral instructions.
- Does Dr. Sheldon perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Sheldon. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Sheldon can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sheldon specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sheldon, 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. She provides 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. Sheldon and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sheldon 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Sheldon?
- Dr. Sheldon 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. She provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
1081 Burrard St, St. Paul's Hospital Eye Clinic
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Office Phone: (604) 806-8168 | Practice Website: http://ubcneuroophthalmology.ca/
Dr. Sheldon 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. Sheldon, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Sheldon's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330250/Sheldon%2CClaire