About
Dr. Kathryn Martha Clapson 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 Comox in Comox, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized 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 an ophthalmologist, she offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. She provides a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions.
Dr. Clapson graduated with an MD from the University of Saskatchewan in 2014. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, which includes specialized residency in ophthalmology. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and certifications ensure that she is well-equipped to deliver advanced eye care services with expertise and precision.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she aims to provide precise and effective treatments. Dr. Clapson emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. She collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on building trust and confidence with her patients in Comox.
Dr. Kathryn Clapson provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Clapson 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.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
- 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. Clapson addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
- 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.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Clapson 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: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Kathryn Clapson is necessary.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Clapson.
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. Clapson's primary eye clinic is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Comox, BC. The clinic is situated within a well-equipped medical building, conveniently accessible via local public transit routes. It is close to various medical facilities and optical services, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive eye care in one place. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking available nearby, including some accessible spots. Patients can expect a welcoming environment dedicated to their vision health, with staff committed to providing personalized, gentle care in a professional setting.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Clapson specialize in?
- Dr. Clapson 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. Clapson?
- A visit to Dr. Clapson 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.
- How does Dr. Clapson treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Clapson 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. Clapson perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Clapson. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Clapson can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Are services from Dr. Clapson covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Clapson 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 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. Clapson's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Clapson?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Clapson 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. Clapson'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) 647-2331.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Clapson?
- Dr. Clapson 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 Comox
8-2225 Guthrie Rd
Comox, BC V9M 4G1
Office Phone: (250) 941-8838 | Office Fax: (778) 647-2331
Dr. Clapson 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. Clapson, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Clapson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/342550/Clapson%2CKathryn