Dr. Elizabeth Anne Macdonald – Ophthalmologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Macdonald 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 Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective treatment for all patients. Dr. Macdonald's role encompasses a wide spectrum of ophthalmic 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.

She has completed her medical education at the University of Alberta, earning her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1981. With extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology, she has acquired the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta. Dr. Macdonald has undergone rigorous residency training, gaining expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad array of eye conditions and performing surgical procedures. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest advancements in eye care.

Dr. Macdonald's professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing her patients' vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and actively involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she offers precise and effective treatments. Her focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and improve quality of life. She is dedicated to providing all patient communication and care in English, fostering a clear and reassuring environment for her patients.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Macdonald addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• 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. Macdonald addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• 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: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• 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. Macdonald.

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. Macdonald's primary eye clinic is located in a specialized facility in Edmonton's SE: Mill Woods South (Sakaw, Menisa) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Government Centre, with accessible public transportation options via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility needs.

How does Dr. Macdonald treat glaucoma?

Dr. Macdonald manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Macdonald, 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. Macdonald'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. Macdonald's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Does Dr. Macdonald perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Macdonald, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Macdonald would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Macdonald specialize in?

Dr. Macdonald is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Macdonald?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Macdonald 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. Macdonald'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) 461-9430.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Macdonald 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. Macdonald?

Dr. Macdonald 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. providing 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 Edmonton
2731 Hewes Way NW, #103
Edmonton, AB T6L 6W6

Office Phone: (780) 450-3335 | Office Fax: (780) 461-9430

Dr. Macdonald 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. Macdonald, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Macdonald's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=75d3a40b-df42-4595-8374-798657c3264a&i=901