Dr. Jesse Chew – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Jesse 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 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). As an Ophthalmologist, he 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 full range of eye care services, in a patient-friendly setting designed to be accessible and comfortable for all.

He graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1999 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Chew holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care. His training encompasses comprehensive clinical and surgical skills, allowing him to address a wide array of eye conditions with expertise and compassion.

Dr. Chew's professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care. Fluent in Cantonese, he ensures clear communication and personalized attention for all his patients in Vancouver.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Chew 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): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• 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. Chew addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Chew 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): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• 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. Jesse Chew is necessary.

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• 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. 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 a specialized facility in Vancouver's vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Woodward's Building, easily accessible via TransLink services including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront station. The clinic's environment is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking typically available nearby, including some accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming atmosphere for comprehensive eye care, including routine exams, advanced diagnostics, and surgical procedures.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chew?

A visit to Dr. Chew 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.

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.

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

Dr. Chew 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.

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) 681-7939.

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).

How does Dr. Chew treat glaucoma?

Dr. Chew 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 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
1025-1200 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C7

Office Phone: (604) 682-8211 | Office Fax: (604) 681-7939

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/324444/Chew%2CJesse