Dr. Jessica Lynn Ruzicki – Ophthalmologist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Jessica Lynn Ruzicki 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 Nanaimo, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. Her practice is located in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre. The clinic is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit) and is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. The environment fosters a professional yet welcoming atmosphere, ensuring patients receive thorough and compassionate care in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Ruzicki graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2015 and has since become an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development. Her training encompasses a broad spectrum of ophthalmic subspecialties, enabling her to address a wide range of eye health concerns with expertise and precision.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Ruzicki is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. She emphasizes early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, collaborating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient well-being. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a focus on clarity and understanding.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Ruzicki addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• 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. Jessica Ruzicki is necessary.

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• 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): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.

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

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. Ruzicki practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, conveniently near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre. The clinic is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring easy access for patients from various parts of the community. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility needs.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ruzicki specialize in?

Dr. Ruzicki is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She 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. Ruzicki?

Dr. Ruzicki 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, she 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ruzicki?

A visit to Dr. Ruzicki 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. Ruzicki and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ruzicki 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.

How does Dr. Ruzicki treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Ruzicki 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ruzicki?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Ruzicki 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. Ruzicki'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 (778) 762-0779.

a specialized eye clinic in Nanaimo
204-1650 Terminal Ave N, Dr. J Ruzicki Inc
Nanaimo, BC V9S 0A3

Office Phone: (250) 591-8007 | Office Fax: (778) 762-0779

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

Verify Dr. Ruzicki's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/378804/Ruzicki%2CJessica