Dr. Hugh MacPherson Parsons – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Hugh MacPherson Parsons 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). 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.

He graduated with an MD from Dalhousie University in 1982 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 ongoing professional development and excellence in eye care.

Dr. Parsons’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus is on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. He offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and understanding in every consultation.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Parsons addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.

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

• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• 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).
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• 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.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.

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

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. Parsons practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Vancouver’s Marpole neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium) and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking nearby, including some accessible spots. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, ensuring patients receive personalized attention in a state-of-the-art setting.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Parsons specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Parsons, 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Parsons?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Parsons 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. Parsons 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. Parsons's office regarding their referral policy. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Parsons's clinic for referral instructions.

How does Dr. Parsons treat glaucoma?

Dr. Parsons 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Parsons 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. Parsons?

A visit to Dr. Parsons 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Parsons 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
5261 connaught drive
Vancouver, BC V6M 3G2

Office Phone: (604) 710-7427

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

Verify Dr. Parsons's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306108/Parsons%2CHugh