Dr. Leah Arin Wittenberg 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 New Westminster in New Westminster, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a comprehensive provider, 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 full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.
Dr. Wittenberg completed her medical degree at the University of British Columbia in 2003 and has since become an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. 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 professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to 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. Wittenberg emphasizes early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English.
Dr. Leah Wittenberg provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Wittenberg 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.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Wittenberg addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- 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.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Wittenberg addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Leah Wittenberg is necessary.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Wittenberg.
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. Wittenberg practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, with accessible transit options including the TransLink SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Ample parking options are usually available in proximity to the clinic, making it easy for patients to access quality eye services in a professional setting.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wittenberg and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Wittenberg, 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Wittenberg?
- Dr. Wittenberg 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.
- How does Dr. Wittenberg treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Wittenberg manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Wittenberg?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Wittenberg 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. Wittenberg'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) 521-4129.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wittenberg?
- A visit to Dr. Wittenberg 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.
- Are services from Dr. Wittenberg covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Wittenberg 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. Wittenberg's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wittenberg specialize in?
- Dr. Wittenberg 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.
a specialized eye clinic in New Westminster
200-555 Sixth St
New Westminster, BC V3L 5H1
Office Phone: (604) 521-4144 | Office Fax: (604) 521-4129
Dr. Wittenberg 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. Wittenberg, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Wittenberg's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327244/Wittenberg%2CLeah