About
Dr. Colten Lee Wendel is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Dr. Colten Wendel Inc. in Surrey, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized care. His role encompasses a broad spectrum of ophthalmic services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The practice provides a full spectrum of eye care services, in a patient-friendly setting, designed to be accessible and comfortable for all.
Dr. Wendel is an experienced ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and has since specialized in ophthalmology through rigorous residency programs. He holds key certifications, including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, affirming his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. His ongoing dedication to professional development ensures that he stays current with the latest advancements in eye care technology and techniques.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Wendel emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and actively involving them in their treatment plans. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to offer precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Committed to collaborative care, he works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with the goal of fostering trust and clarity in every patient interaction.
Dr. Colten Wendel provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Wendel addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- 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.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Wendel 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.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Wendel addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Colten Wendel is necessary.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Wendel.
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. Wendel's primary eye clinic is located in Surrey's vibrant Guildford and Fraser Heights neighborhoods. The clinic, Dr. Colten Wendel Inc., is conveniently situated near Surrey City Centre, including SFU Surrey, City Hall, and the Library, making it easily accessible for residents in the area. Patients can reach the clinic via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit for all patients.
- Does Dr. Wendel perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Wendel. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Wendel can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wendel and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wendel 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. Wendel?
- Dr. Wendel 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, he 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wendel?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wendel 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. Wendel?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wendel 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. Wendel 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. Wendel's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 728-2727.
Dr. Colten Wendel Inc.
9639 137A St Unit 309
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
Office Phone: (604) 909-3500 | Office Fax: (604) 728-2727
Dr. Wendel 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. Wendel, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Wendel's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338979/Wendel%2CColten