Dr. Peter John Konkal – Ophthalmologist | Prince George, BC

Dr. Peter John Konkal 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 Prince George in Prince George, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and effective treatment for all patients. Dr. Konkal’s focus is on comprehensive diagnosis and management of a wide range of eye conditions, offering a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to complex 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.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 1964 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Konkal holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care and surgical expertise.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments with an early detection approach to prevent vision loss. Dr. Konkal is dedicated to collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All patient communications and care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassionate, personalized service.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Konkal addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.

Glaucoma Management

Early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• 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. Peter Konkal is necessary.

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.

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

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. Konkal practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Prince George's West Prince George, College Heights neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the CN Centre (Arena) and is accessible via the Prince George 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. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care in a central location, making it easy for patients to receive the attention and treatment they need.

Does Dr. Konkal perform cataract surgery?

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

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Konkal 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.

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

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

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Konkal 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Konkal?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Konkal 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. Konkal 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. Konkal's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 562-8678.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Konkal?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Konkal 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Prince George
206-2155 10 Ave
Prince George, BC V2M 5J6

Office Phone: (250) 562-9518 | Office Fax: (250) 562-8678

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

Verify Dr. Konkal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313228/Konkal%2CPeter