About
Dr. Gabriel Chu 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 Abbotsford in Abbotsford, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Dr. Chu adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring the highest level of professional practice. His role as an Ophthalmologist involves offering comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. He provides a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye conditions 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. Chu graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 2003 and has extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with key certifications, including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which affirms his specialized expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
He is dedicated to preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Chu 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, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. His collaborative approach with other healthcare professionals ensures comprehensive patient care. Additionally, he is proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Abbotsford.
Dr. Gabriel Chu provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Chu addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- 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.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Chu addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- 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.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Chu addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- 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.
- 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. Gabriel Chu is necessary.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- 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.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Chu.
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. Chu practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Abbotsford's Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Essendene Ave, easily accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring easy access for those visiting for consultations, treatments, or surgical procedures.
- Does Dr. Chu perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Chu, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Chu would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- Are services from Dr. Chu covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chu, 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, Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Chu's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Chu's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chu?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chu 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. Chu?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chu 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. Chu 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. Chu's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 853-5596.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chu specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Chu, 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. Dr. Chu provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- How does Dr. Chu treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Chu 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 Abbotsford
34077 Gladys Ave Unit 500
Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8
Office Phone: (604) 853-5575 | Office Fax: (604) 853-5596 | Practice Website: https://www.fvcl.ca/
Dr. Chu 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. Chu, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Chu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333487/Chu%2CGabriel