Dr. Kathleen Mary Sullivan 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. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a seasoned Ophthalmologist, she 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 patient-friendly environment equipped to handle a wide range of eye health needs, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care.
Dr. Sullivan graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 1988 and has extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Her advanced training and certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and patient safety.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. Dr. Sullivan emphasizes early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. She communicates effectively in English, providing clear explanations and personalized care for each patient.
Dr. Kathleen Sullivan provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Sullivan addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- 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.
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Sullivan 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.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- 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. Sullivan 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.
- 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. Kathleen Sullivan is necessary.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Sullivan.
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. Sullivan's primary eye clinic is located in the vibrant Yaletown neighborhood of Vancouver, in close proximity to the Granville Bridge. The clinic is situated within a modern, accessible building designed to be comfortable for all patients. Easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station), the location offers convenient transportation options. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, and the clinic provides a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can expect a professional atmosphere dedicated to their visual health and well-being.
- How does Dr. Sullivan treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Sullivan 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.
- Does Dr. Sullivan perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Sullivan. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Sullivan can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sullivan specialize in?
- Dr. Sullivan 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sullivan?
- A visit to Dr. Sullivan 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. Sullivan?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Sullivan 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. Sullivan'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) 428-0255.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sullivan and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sullivan, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.
- Are services from Dr. Sullivan covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Sullivan 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 procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Sullivan's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
1200 BURRARD ST STE 510
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C7
Office Phone: (604) 564-0254 | Office Fax: (604) 428-0255
Dr. Sullivan 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. Sullivan, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Sullivan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306988/Sullivan%2CKathleen