Dr. Olivia Mayin Dam – Ophthalmologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Olivia Mayin Dam 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 Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her role encompasses diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of a wide range of eye conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized and compassionate care. 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 a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen's University in 2000. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, having completed rigorous residency and fellowship programs in ophthalmology. She holds all the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her expertise covers both medical and surgical aspects of eye health, ensuring high-quality care for her patients.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she provides precise and effective treatments. Dr. Dam is dedicated to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and she collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English, committed to clarity and understanding.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Dam addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Dam's primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and require prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Dam addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.

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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Dam practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Calgary’s NW neighbourhoods, including Mount Pleasant, Cambrian Heights, and Rosemont. The clinic is conveniently situated near Arts Commons, with accessible public transportation options such as Calgary Transit’s CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. 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 near the clinic, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. Patients can expect a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to quality eye health services in a convenient location.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Dam, 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, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Dam's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Does Dr. Dam perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. Dam treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Dam 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.

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?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Dam, 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. Dam specialize in?

Dr. Dam 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. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

a specialized eye clinic in Calgary
Suite 407 1640 16 Ave NW
Calgary, AB T2M 0L6

Office Phone: (800) 511-5661 | Office Fax: (833) 511-0101

Dr. Dam is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Dam, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Dam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=2e9eec7c-4bc8-4c18-8ed6-4dbbc5e19c87&i=338