Dr. Michael Thomas Walter Butler – Ophthalmologist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Michael Thomas Walter Butler 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 Burnaby in Burnaby, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic is situated in the heart of Burnaby's Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood, offering a professional and welcoming environment designed to meet the diverse needs of patients. The location is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, Bus), with convenient parking options usually available nearby. The clinic’s facilities are designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, ensuring a positive experience for those seeking comprehensive eye care.

Dr. Butler is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2005 and has since dedicated his career to advancing eye health. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice and surgical excellence in ophthalmology. His training encompasses a wide range of subspecialties within eye care, enabling him to address complex conditions with confidence and precision.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Butler emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and actively involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. His dedication to collaborative care involves working closely with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive and personalized eye care. All patient communication and care are provided in English, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Butler addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Butler addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Butler addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acut or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.

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

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
• 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.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.

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

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. Butler's primary eye clinic is located in a specialized facility in Burnaby's Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated close to BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) and is easily accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo and Millennium Lines) and bus routes. The facilities are designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking options usually available nearby. This professional environment provides comprehensive eye care services in a patient-friendly setting, ensuring that individuals receive personalized attention and state-of-the-art treatment for their eye health needs.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler specialize in?

Dr. Butler 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.

Does Dr. Butler perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Butler, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Butler 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. Butler and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Butler?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler 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. Butler 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. Butler's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 876-1122.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.

a specialized eye clinic in Burnaby
302-5050 Kingsway Hwy
Burnaby, BC V5H 4C2

Office Phone: (604) 484-9100 | Office Fax: (604) 876-1122 | Practice Website: https://www.oculuseye.ca/

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

Verify Dr. Butler's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/329819/Butler%2CMichael