Dr. Natalie Joan Doughty – Ophthalmologist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Natalie Joan Doughty 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 Kamloops in Kamloops, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in every patient encounter. She offers comprehensive services, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of a wide range of eye conditions, in a patient-centered environment. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to advanced surgical procedures, in a welcoming and accessible setting.

Dr. Doughty graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 2018 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards. Her training encompasses subspecialty expertise in medical and surgical eye care, equipping her with the skills to manage complex eye diseases effectively.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Doughty emphasizes educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. Committed to early detection and management of eye conditions, she collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. She is also proficient in Spanish, ensuring clear communication with all patients, and is dedicated to safeguarding the vision and eye health of the Kamloops community.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• 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. Natalie Doughty is necessary.

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• 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).
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.

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

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. Doughty's primary eye clinic is located in the heart of Kamloops, within a specialized facility in Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Costco and is easily accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. Patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, with modern amenities and a focus on patient comfort and safety.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Doughty?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Doughty 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.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Doughty, 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. Doughty'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. Doughty's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Doughty?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Doughty 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.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Doughty, 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.

Does Dr. Doughty perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. Doughty treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Doughty 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 Kamloops
442 St Paul St
Kamloops, BC V2C 2J6

Office Phone: (778) 471-7997 | Office Fax: (778) 399-0950

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

Verify Dr. Doughty's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/363833/Doughty%2CNatalie