Dr. Gavin Christopher Scott Docherty – Ophthalmologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Gavin Christopher Scott Docherty 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 Kelowna in Kelowna, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). As an ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Docherty graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2014 and is an experienced ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of specialty practice and ongoing professional development.

Dedicated to preserving and enhancing patients' vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care, Dr. Docherty emphasizes patient education and involvement in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. His focus is on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. All communication and care are offered in English, with a strong commitment to improving eye health and vision in the Kelowna community.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Docherty addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• 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.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• 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. Docherty.

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. Docherty practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, and Downtown neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near Rutland Centennial Park, easily accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients typically find convenient parking options in proximity to the clinic, making their visit smooth and stress-free. The clinic provides a professional setting dedicated to high-quality eye health services.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Docherty 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.

How does Dr. Docherty treat glaucoma?

Dr. Docherty 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. Docherty covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Docherty, 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. Docherty'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. Docherty's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Docherty specialize in?

Dr. Docherty 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.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Docherty?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Docherty 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Docherty?

A visit to Dr. Docherty is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Docherty?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Docherty 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. Docherty'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 (778) 484-7089.

a specialized eye clinic in Kelowna
3030 PANDOSY ST STE 110
Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C4

Office Phone: (778) 484-7088 | Office Fax: (778) 484-7089

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

Verify Dr. Docherty's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336695/Docherty%2CGavin