Dr. Daniel Senekal – Ophthalmologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Daniel Senekal is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Visionmax Eye Centre Inc. in Edmonton, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized treatment. As a comprehensive 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. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Senekal graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from South Africa and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He holds key certifications including M.MED (SA) - Master of Medicine South Africa - Ophthalmology. His training encompasses both medical and surgical aspects of eye care, enabling him to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions effectively. He continuously updates his skills and knowledge to stay current with the latest advancements in ophthalmology, ensuring his patients benefit from innovative and evidence-based treatments.

With a professional philosophy centered on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care, Dr. Senekal emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments and prioritizes early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Dedicated to the well-being of his patients in Edmonton, he also speaks Afrikaans fluently, ensuring clear communication with a diverse patient population. His commitment is to enhance each patient's quality of life by maintaining optimal vision and eye health.

Dr. Daniel Senekal provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Senekal addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Senekal addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Senekal addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Daniel Senekal is necessary.

• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Senekal.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Senekal's practice is located within the Visionmax Eye Centre Inc., situated in Edmonton's SW region, serving communities in Ellerslie, Allard, and Rutherford. The clinic is conveniently close to the Shaw Conference Centre (Edmonton Convention Centre) and easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can usually find convenient parking options nearby, making it easy to access high-quality ophthalmological services in a professional setting.

Are services from Dr. Senekal covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Senekal, 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, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Senekal's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Senekal's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Senekal and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Senekal 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. Senekal?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Senekal 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Senekal specialize in?

Dr. Senekal 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.

Does Dr. Senekal perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Senekal. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Senekal can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Senekal?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Senekal for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Senekal'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 (780) 452-4114.

How does Dr. Senekal treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Senekal 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.

Visionmax Eye Centre Inc.
102-575 100 St SW
Edmonton, AB T6X 0S8

Office Phone: (780) 452-4111 | Office Fax: (780) 452-4114 | Practice Website: https://visionmaxeye.com/

Dr. Senekal is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Senekal, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Senekal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7d9b8736-b96a-401a-a9d0-b18eec59b49b&i=1303