About
Dr. Lauren Arrah Sawatzky 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 Penticton in Penticton, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. Her practice is founded on the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Sawatzky's role encompasses a broad scope of services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic offers a full spectrum of eye care services in a patient-friendly environment, emphasizing personalized attention and gentle care.
She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2017 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development. Her training and experience enable her to provide advanced and comprehensive eye care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Sawatzky’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She believes in educating her patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment decisions. Utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she aims for precise and effective treatments. Her focus on early detection and management of eye diseases helps prevent vision loss and promotes long-term eye health. She is dedicated to collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care, all while offering her services in English in a warm and reassuring manner.
Dr. Lauren Sawatzky provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Sawatzky addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
- 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.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Sawatzky addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Sawatzky addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
- 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. Lauren Sawatzky is necessary.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Sawatzky.
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. Sawatzky practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Penticton’s vibrant community, within the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench (Rural South) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Downtown Penticton, easily accessible via the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample on-site or nearby public parking. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care in a setting that values patient comfort and convenience.
- Are services from Dr. Sawatzky covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Sawatzky 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. Sawatzky's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- How does Dr. Sawatzky treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Sawatzky 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. Sawatzky?
- Dr. Sawatzky 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sawatzky and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sawatzky, 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sawatzky?
- A visit to Dr. Sawatzky 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.
- Does Dr. Sawatzky perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Sawatzky, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Sawatzky would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
a specialized eye clinic in Penticton
3693 Skaha Lake Rd
Penticton, BC V2A 7K2
Office Phone: (250) 770-3233
Dr. Sawatzky 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. Sawatzky, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Sawatzky's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343600/Sawatzky%2CLauren