About
Dr. Michael Francis Quinlan 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 Sidney in Sidney, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an ophthalmologist, he offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The practice provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Dr. Quinlan is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Quinlan’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims to provide precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases helps prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a strong commitment to the well-being of his patients in Sidney.
Dr. Michael Quinlan provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Quinlan addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Quinlan addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Quinlan addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Michael Quinlan is necessary.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- 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).
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Quinlan.
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. Quinlan practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Sidney, BC. The clinic is situated within a welcoming neighborhood close to various medical facilities and optical services, making it convenient for patients to access comprehensive eye care. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic offers accessible and comfortable facilities designed to accommodate all patients. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring ease of access for patients attending appointments. The practice emphasizes a professional environment dedicated to high-quality eye health services, fostering a positive experience for every patient seeking eye care in Sidney.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Quinlan specialize in?
- Dr. Quinlan is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He 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.
- Are services from Dr. Quinlan covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Quinlan 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. Quinlan's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Quinlan?
- A visit to Dr. Quinlan 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. Quinlan perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Quinlan, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Quinlan 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. Quinlan and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Quinlan 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.
- How does Dr. Quinlan treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Quinlan 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Quinlan?
- Dr. Quinlan 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, he 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 Sidney
9701 First St
Sidney, BC V8L 3E1
Office Phone: (250) 656-4879 | Office Fax: (250) 656-5879
Dr. Quinlan 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. Quinlan, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Quinlan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/310638/Quinlan%2CMichael