Dr. Harald Olaf Gjerde – Ophthalmologist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Harald Olaf Gjerde 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 Surrey, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and personalized treatment. Dr. Gjerde offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment, equipped with advanced technology and designed for patient comfort, enabling him to deliver comprehensive eye care in a patient-friendly setting.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 2015 and has since gained extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. His medical education and clinical experience have prepared him to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions with skill and precision. Dr. Gjerde holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care and continuous professional development.

Dr. Gjerde’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in their treatment plans. Utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases helps prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Japanese, he ensures clear communication and personalized care for all patients in Surrey and beyond.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• 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. Gjerde addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.

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

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• 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: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.

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

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. Gjerde's primary eye clinic is located in a specialized facility in Surrey's Fleetwood, Guildford East neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Commercial Corridor, with accessible public transportation options including the TransLink SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring easy access for patients attending appointments.

How does Dr. Gjerde treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Gjerde 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gjerde?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gjerde 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. Gjerde?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gjerde 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. Gjerde 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. Gjerde's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 580-1554.

Does Dr. Gjerde perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Gjerde. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Gjerde can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

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

Dr. Gjerde 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Gjerde for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. 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. Gjerde's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Gjerde, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

a specialized eye clinic in Surrey
10833 160th Street, Suite 621
Surrey, BC V4N 1P3

Office Phone: (604) 580-1008 | Office Fax: (604) 580-1554

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

Verify Dr. Gjerde's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/346264/Gjerde%2CHarald