About
Dr. Olivia Mayin Dam is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Victoria Eye in Victoria, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. She adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a proficient Ophthalmologist, she 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. Dam graduated with an MD from Queen's University in 2000 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, ensuring that her practice aligns with the highest standards of medical excellence and safety.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, Dr. Dam focuses on early detection and effective management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. She values collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive well-being for her patients. She offers all patient communication and care in English, emphasizing a gentle and dedicated approach to each individual.
Dr. Olivia Dam provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Dam 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.
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Dam addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- 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): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Dam addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
- 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. Olivia Dam is necessary.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Dam.
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. Dam's primary eye clinic, Victoria Eye, is situated in the vibrant Burnside Gorge neighborhood of Victoria, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near Antique Row, making it easily accessible for residents of Victoria and surrounding areas. Patients can reach the clinic via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), with multiple bus stops nearby. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a warm and professional environment for comprehensive eye care. Ample parking options are usually available in close proximity to the eye care center, providing convenience for those arriving by car.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Dam?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Dam 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. Dam and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dam 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.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dam specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Dam, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. a Ophthalmologist, 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. Dam covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Dam 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. Dam's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Dam?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Dam for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Dam's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 598-6237.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dam?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dam 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.
- How does Dr. Dam treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Dam 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.
Victoria Eye
300-1537 Hillside Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 2C1
Office Phone: (250) 598-5665 | Office Fax: (250) 598-6237 | Practice Website: http://www.victoriaeye.com/
Dr. Dam 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. Dam, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Dam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/329608/Dam%2COlivia