Dr. James Bernard McCabe – Ophthalmologist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. James Bernard McCabe is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at James B. McCabe Clinic Lethbridge in Lethbridge, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, safe, and ethical care. As an Ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye services, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. The practice provides a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to advanced surgical procedures, all delivered in a patient-friendly environment.

Dr. McCabe graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2001. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in the field. His key certifications include Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Ophthalmology. These credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. McCabe emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. He values collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and holistic patient care. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, with a dedicated commitment to the well-being of the Lethbridge community.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. McCabe addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
• 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.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).

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

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• 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. McCabe.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. McCabe's primary eye care clinic, James B. McCabe Clinic Lethbridge, is situated in the vibrant Downtown Lethbridge area, within the South Lethbridge East neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Lethbridge Transit, with nearby parking options, including some accessible spots. It is located in close proximity to Nicholas Sheran Park, offering a welcoming and professional environment designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. The clinic provides comprehensive eye care services in a modern, patient-friendly setting, ensuring easy access and a positive experience for everyone seeking eye health services in Lethbridge.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McCabe?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McCabe 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.

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

Dr. McCabe 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. McCabe covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McCabe, 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, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. McCabe's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. McCabe?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McCabe that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. McCabe 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. McCabe's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (403) 320-1057.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McCabe specialize in?

Dr. McCabe 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.

How does Dr. McCabe treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. McCabe 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.

James B. McCabe Clinic Lethbridge
518 5 Ave S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0T8

Office Phone: (403) 320-1051 | Office Fax: (403) 320-1057

Dr. McCabe is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. McCabe, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. McCabe's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1097cd97-d9f0-4022-bb1a-d7745c459c2f&i=951