About
Dr. Katherine Elaine Paton 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, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic is located in Vancouver's Kerrisdale South and Dunbar South neighborhoods, offering a convenient and welcoming environment for patients seeking expert eye care. Situated close to City Square Shopping Centre and easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), Bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront), the clinic ensures easy access for all patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for everyone, with ample parking options usually found nearby, providing a professional and patient-friendly setting for comprehensive eye examinations and treatments.
Dr. Paton is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1983. Her career is built upon a solid foundation of specialized ophthalmic education, and she holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training encompasses a broad spectrum of eye care, from routine assessments to complex surgical procedures, ensuring her patients receive the highest standard of care.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Paton 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 management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. Fluent in French and Spanish, she ensures clear communication with a diverse patient population, committed to maintaining their vision and eye health in Vancouver and beyond.
Dr. Katherine Paton provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Paton addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Paton addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- 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.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Paton addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- 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.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Katherine Paton is necessary.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Paton.
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. Paton's primary eye care practice is situated at a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver, located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Kerrisdale South and Dunbar South. The clinic is conveniently positioned near City Square Shopping Centre, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront), ensuring accessible transportation options. The facility is designed with patient comfort and accessibility in mind, featuring modern amenities and ample parking options typically available nearby. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for comprehensive eye examinations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures, all delivered by a team dedicated to high-quality eye care in Vancouver.
- Does Dr. Paton perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Paton. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Paton can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Are services from Dr. Paton covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Paton for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by 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 best to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Paton's office or MSP.
- How does Dr. Paton treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Paton 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. Paton?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Paton that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., MSP), a referral from your family physician or optometrist is typically required. This ensures your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Paton receives relevant medical history. Some urgent eye conditions or services may allow direct access, but it's advisable to check with her office. The clinic's fax for referrals is usually (604) 732-7997.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Paton?
- You should consider seeing Dr. Paton for comprehensive eye exams, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have conditions like diabetes that affect your eyes. Also, seek her opinion for sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your primary care provider or optometrist.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Paton specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Paton, is a medical doctor (MD) or DO who specializes in the medical and surgical management of eye diseases, comprehensive eye examinations, and vision correction. She provides diagnosis, treatment, and surgical interventions for a wide range of eye conditions.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Paton?
- Dr. Paton manages many eye problems, including prescribing glasses and contact lenses, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or laser procedures, managing retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. Her practice emphasizes comprehensive medical and surgical eye care.
a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
210-2184 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E1
Office Phone: (604) 732-8141 | Office Fax: (604) 732-7997
Dr. Paton 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. Paton, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Paton's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303322/Paton%2CKatherine