About
Dr. Hall Fenn Chew 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 Vancouver in Vancouver, 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), ensuring safe and effective care. Dr. Chew’s role encompasses a comprehensive approach to eye health — from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic offers a full spectrum of services in a patient-friendly environment, emphasizing compassionate care and clinical excellence.
He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Chew graduated with an MD from Dalhousie University in 2002 and has since dedicated his career to advancing eye health. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards in ophthalmology. His ongoing pursuit of professional development ensures he remains current with the latest advances and best practices in eye care.
Dr. Chew’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. He is dedicated to collaborative, comprehensive care and offers all patient communication and care exclusively in English, ensuring clear understanding and comfort for his patients.
Dr. Hall Chew provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Chew addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
- 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): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Chew addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Chew addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- 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.
- 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.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Hall Chew is necessary.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- 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.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Chew.
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. Chew's primary eye clinic is located in the vibrant Vancouver neighborhood of Fairview. The clinic is situated in a modern, accessible facility, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. It is conveniently located near BC Place stadium, making it easy to find for patients. The clinic is well-served by public transportation, including TransLink services such as SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available to ensure ease of access for everyone seeking expert eye care in Vancouver.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chew?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Chew 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. Chew'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 (604) 875-5860.
- Does Dr. Chew perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Chew. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Chew can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Are services from Dr. Chew covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew, 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. Chew'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. Chew's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew specialize in?
- Dr. Chew 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. Chew?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Chew 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew 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.
a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
2550 Willow St, Section G, Eye Care Centre-UBC
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9
Office Phone: (604) 875-5850 | Office Fax: (604) 875-5860
Dr. Chew 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. Chew, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Chew's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326335/Chew%2CHall