Dr. Norman Hau Hwang – Ophthalmologist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Norman Hau Hwang is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Norman Hwang Clinic Burnaby in Burnaby, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a comprehensive 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 clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Hwang graduated with an MD from the University of Saskatchewan in 1994 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada. His training and certifications ensure that he remains at the forefront of ophthalmic medical advancements and surgical techniques.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Hwang is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He values collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Hokkien, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, he ensures clear communication with all patients, fostering a trusting and comfortable environment for every individual.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Hwang addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• 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. Hwang addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• 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. Norman Hwang is necessary.

• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.

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

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. Hwang's primary eye clinic, Norman Hwang Clinic Burnaby, is located in the heart of Burnaby's Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Simon Fraser University (SFU) and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, Bus). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. The clinic provides a calm, patient-centered setting to ensure each individual receives personalized attention and the highest quality of eye care.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Hwang 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hwang specialize in?

Dr. Hwang 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. Hwang perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. Hwang treat glaucoma?

Dr. Hwang 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hwang?

A visit to Dr. Hwang 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Hwang 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. Hwang's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Hwang?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hwang 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. Hwang 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. Hwang's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 433-6154.

Norman Hwang Clinic Burnaby
303-6411 Nelson Ave
Burnaby, BC V5H 4H3

Office Phone: (604) 433-1258 | Office Fax: (604) 433-6154

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

Verify Dr. Hwang's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/311662/Hwang%2CNorman