Dr. Peter Victor Jelfimow – Ophthalmologist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Peter Victor Jelfimow 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, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in every treatment. As a comprehensive eye care provider, 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 patient-friendly environment where individuals can feel comfortable and well cared for, with modern facilities designed to meet diverse eye health needs.

Dr. Jelfimow graduated with an MD from the University of Saskatchewan in 2003 and has gained extensive postgraduate training in ophthalmology. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with a focus on both medical and surgical treatments, having completed rigorous specialty training in Canada. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which attests to his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care in ophthalmology.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Jelfimow emphasizes patient education, actively involving individuals in decisions about their eye health. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to deliver precise and effective treatments. Dedicated to early detection and management of eye conditions, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. He values collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive treatment. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassionate and dedicated service to the Kamloops community.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Jelfimow 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.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.

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

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• 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).
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.

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

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. Jelfimow practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Kamloops, situated in the vibrant Sahali North, Upper Sahali neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near the North Shore Business Improvement Area, making it easily accessible for patients. It is well connected via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit), allowing for straightforward public transportation options. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Ample parking options are usually available in close proximity to the center, ensuring a convenient visit for every patient.

How does Dr. Jelfimow treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Jelfimow 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jelfimow?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Jelfimow 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. Jelfimow'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) 374-2796.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Jelfimow, 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. Jelfimow perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Jelfimow specialize in?

Dr. Jelfimow 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.

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

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

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

Dr. Jelfimow treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. 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 Kamloops
6-1540 Springhill Dr
Kamloops, BC V2E 2H1

Office Phone: (250) 374-2737 | Office Fax: (250) 374-2796

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

Verify Dr. Jelfimow's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330419/Jelfimow%2CPeter