Dr. Myra Virginia Cottle 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 New Westminster in New Westminster, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring patients receive safe, effective, and patient-centered care. Dr. Butler’s role encompasses a broad scope of ophthalmic 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.
She holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia, earned in 2012, and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Butler is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional expertise. Her advanced training includes subspecialty fellowships and continual professional development, enabling her to stay current with the latest innovations and techniques in eye care.
Dr. Butler’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 treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she ensures precise and effective treatments. Her focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. She collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, all while maintaining clear, empathetic communication in English. Her dedication is rooted in a genuine commitment to her patients’ long-term eye health and overall well-being.
Dr. Myra Butler provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Butler addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Butler addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- 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'.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Butler addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- 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.
- 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.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Myra Butler is necessary.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
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 the vibrant Downtown New Westminster neighborhood, specifically in the Quayside area, just a short distance from Westminster Pier Park. The clinic offers a welcoming and accessible environment for comprehensive eye care. Situated conveniently near public transportation options, including the TransLink SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes, patients can easily reach the facility. The clinic's proximity to Westminster Pier Park provides a scenic setting for appointments. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring ease of access for patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all, providing a professional atmosphere dedicated to high-quality eye care.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Butler, 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler specialize in?
- Dr. Butler 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. She offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Butler?
- Dr. Butler 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. She provides 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. Butler covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Butler, 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. Butler'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. Butler's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- How does Dr. Butler treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Butler 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.
a specialized eye clinic in New Westminster
625 Fifth Ave Suite 204
New Westminster, BC V3M 1X4
Office Phone: (604) 521-3232 | Office Fax: (604) 544-5157
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/333711/Butler%2CMyra