Dr. K. Briar Sexton – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. K. Briar Sexton 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, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Sexton's role encompasses comprehensive medical and surgical management of a wide spectrum of eye conditions. She offers a full range of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

She graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 2000 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Sexton holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of ophthalmic practice and patient safety.

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

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.

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

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. Sexton practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near BC Place, making it easily accessible for patients. Patients can reach the clinic via TransLink, including SkyTrain's Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as by bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Usually, convenient parking options are available in proximity to the eye care center, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sexton, 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. Sexton'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. Sexton's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Does Dr. Sexton perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Sexton, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Sexton would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sexton?

A visit to Dr. Sexton 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sexton?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Sexton 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. Sexton's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Sexton's clinic for referral instructions.

How does Dr. Sexton treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Sexton 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.

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

Dr. Sexton 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
4-1854 First Av W
Vancouver, BC V6J 1G5

Office Phone: (604) 282-7900

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

Verify Dr. Sexton's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/329124/Sexton%2CK.