Dr. Martin Henry Spencer – Ophthalmologist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Martin Henry Spencer is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at O'Donnell Michael Dr in Nanaimo, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic is located in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, offering convenient access for residents seeking comprehensive eye services. The practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, safe, and ethical care. The eye clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly environment. The clinic's location is accessible with on-site or nearby public parking, and is easily reachable via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring a comfortable experience for all patients.

Dr. Spencer graduated with an MD from the University of Chicago in 1972 and has since accumulated extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with a broad range of expertise, including the diagnosis and management of complex eye conditions. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which attests to his professional competence and adherence to rigorous standards of practice.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Spencer emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and promote overall eye health. Dedicated to serving the Nanaimo community, he offers all patient communication and care in English, fostering a welcoming and informative environment.

Dr. Martin Spencer provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Spencer addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Spencer addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• 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. Spencer addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acutic 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.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Martin Spencer is necessary.

• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Spencer.

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. Spencer practices at O'Donnell Michael Dr in Nanaimo, BC. The clinic is situated in the vibrant Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, offering easy access for patients in the region. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample on-site or nearby public parking. The clinic is conveniently accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), making it easy for patients to reach. The professional environment aims to provide comprehensive eye care in a welcoming setting, with modern amenities to ensure a positive experience for every patient seeking eye health services.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Spencer, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Dr. Spencer provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Spencer?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Spencer receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Spencer's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 753-1165.

Are services from Dr. Spencer covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Spencer's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Spencer's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

How does Dr. Spencer treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Spencer 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. Spencer?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Spencer manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. Providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Does Dr. Spencer perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Spencer, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Spencer would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.

O'Donnell Michael Dr
1179 Seafield Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 4S1

Office Phone: (250) 753-3323 | Office Fax: (250) 753-1165

Dr. Spencer 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. Spencer, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Spencer's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/349051/Spencer%2CMartin