Dr. David Tat-Chi Lin – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. David Tat-Chi Lin 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, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an experienced 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. Lin graduated with an MD and a Master of Surgery (CM) from McGill University in 1983. He has extensive postgraduate training and is a certified specialist in ophthalmology. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of eye care. His continuous professional development ensures that he remains current with the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

Dr. Lin’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving his patients' vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases helps prevent vision loss. Additionally, he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. Fluent in Hokkien, he ensures clear and effective communication with all his patients, emphasizing personalized and attentive service. Dr. Lin is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the vision and eye health of Vancouver residents.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Lin addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Lin addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.

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

• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.

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

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. Lin's primary eye clinic is situated in a specialized facility in Vancouver's Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Heritage Hall and accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as by bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express from Waterfront station. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, ensuring a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments in a professional setting dedicated to high-quality eye health services.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lin?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lin 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lin specialize in?

Dr. Lin 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Lin 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. Lin's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lin 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.

Does Dr. Lin perform cataract surgery?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lin?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Lin 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. Lin'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) 736-2699.

How does Dr. Lin treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Lin 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
5th Fl. 1401 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6H 1H6

Office Phone: (604) 736-2625 | Office Fax: (604) 736-2699

Dr. Lin 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. Lin, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Lin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/353599/Lin%2CDavid