Dr. Rizwan Somani – Ophthalmologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Rizwan Somani is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Rizwan Somani Clinic Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring each patient receives thorough and compassionate treatment. 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. Somani graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 2001. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in eye medicine and surgery. He holds key certifications including Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Ophthalmology. These credentials reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and continuing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Somani believes in educating 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. Committed to collaborative care, he works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on understanding and addressing each patient's unique needs.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Somani addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Somani addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires 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. Somani addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
• 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. Rizwan Somani is necessary.

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.

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

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. Somani's primary eye clinic, Rizwan Somani Clinic Edmonton, is situated in the vibrant Downtown East neighborhood of Edmonton, AB, specifically in Boyle Street and Riverdale. The clinic is conveniently located near the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, making it easily accessible for patients. It is well connected via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, ensuring convenient access from various parts of the city. 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 welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, equipped with modern technology and a dedicated team committed to patient well-being.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Somani for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 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. Somani's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Somani 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.

How does Dr. Somani treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Somani 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.

Does Dr. Somani perform cataract surgery?

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

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

Dr. Somani 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Somani specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Somani, 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. an Ophthalmologist, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Rizwan Somani Clinic Edmonton
10924 107 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 0X5

Office Phone: (780) 448-1801

Dr. Somani 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. Somani, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Somani's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=50d18d30-0263-4a88-af35-c665fbf80d0f&i=1367