Dr. Dharminder Singh Dhanda 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 New Westminster in British Columbia, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an 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 patient-friendly environment equipped for advanced diagnostics and treatments, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all patients.
He graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1997 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. Dr. Dhanda is an experienced specialist with key certifications, including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. His training encompasses both medical and surgical aspects of eye care, enabling him to manage a wide range of ocular conditions with expertise and precision.
Dr. Dhanda’s professional philosophy emphasizes preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, he is proficient in Punjabi (Panjabi), ensuring clear communication and comfort for diverse patient populations in New Westminster.
Dr. Dharminder Dhanda provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Dhanda addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Dhanda addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Dhanda addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Dharminder Dhanda is necessary.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Dhanda.
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. Dhanda practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near the New Westminster SkyTrain Station, making it easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The clinic offers a welcoming environment equipped for comprehensive eye examinations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures, serving the diverse needs of the community in a professional setting.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dhanda?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dhanda 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.
- Does Dr. Dhanda perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Dhanda. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Dhanda can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Dhanda?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dhanda 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. Dhanda 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. Dhanda's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 521-4129.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Dhanda?
- Dr. Dhanda 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.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dhanda specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Dhanda, 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. a Ophthalmologist, providing 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. Dhanda and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dhanda 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.
- Are services from Dr. Dhanda covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Dhanda 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. Dhanda's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
a specialized eye clinic in New Westminster
200-555 Sixth St
New Westminster, BC V3L 5H1
Office Phone: (604) 521-4144 | Office Fax: (604) 521-4129
Dr. Dhanda 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. Dhanda, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Dhanda's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313575/Dhanda%2CDharminder