Dr. George Colin Yearsley – Ophthalmologist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. George Colin Yearsley 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 Nanaimo, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic is situated in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, conveniently close to Woodgrove Centre Mall. Accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), the clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Dr. Yearsley’s focus is on delivering gentle, personalized care in a patient-friendly setting, ensuring each individual receives the attention and treatment they deserve.

He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, having graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2006. 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 medical excellence. His training encompasses comprehensive surgical and medical eye care, enabling him to manage a wide spectrum of eye conditions with skill and compassion.

Dr. Yearsley's professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments. His dedication to early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are conducted in English, with a focus on fostering trust and clarity in every patient interaction.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Yearsley addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Yearsley addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.

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

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.

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

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. Yearsley's primary eye clinic is located in a specialized facility in Nanaimo’s Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Woodgrove Centre Mall, making it easily accessible for patients from surrounding areas. Patients can reach the clinic via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), with bus stops nearby. The clinic is designed to be accessible and welcoming, with ample parking available nearby, including some accessible parking spots. The environment is professional yet patient-centered, providing comprehensive eye care in a comfortable setting. Parking is typically available near the clinic, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Yearsley specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Yearsley, 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 are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Yearsley?

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Yearsley 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. Yearsley treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Yearsley 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Yearsley?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Yearsley 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. Yearsley 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. Yearsley's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 753-1165.

Does Dr. Yearsley perform cataract surgery?

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

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

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

a specialized eye clinic in Nanaimo
5-1179 Seafield Cres, Seafield Eye Clinic
Nanaimo, BC V9S 4S1

Office Phone: (250) 753-3323 | Office Fax: (250) 753-1165

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

Verify Dr. Yearsley's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330100/Yearsley%2CGeorge