About
Dr. Robert Alexander Gizicki 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 New Westminster in British Columbia, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives care that is both safe and effective. As an experienced Ophthalmologist, Dr. Gizicki 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 designed to facilitate comprehensive eye care in a welcoming and accessible setting.
He graduated with an MD and Master of Surgery (CM) from McGill University in 2009. With extensive postgraduate training, he has cultivated a deep expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of ocular conditions. Dr. Gizicki holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which attests to his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional competence and ongoing education in ophthalmology.
Dr. Gizicki’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in their treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. Dedicated to collaborative care, he works closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive management. Fluent in French and Polish, he is able to communicate clearly with a diverse patient population in New Westminster, ensuring that every patient feels informed and comfortable throughout their eye care journey.
Dr. Robert Gizicki provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Gizicki addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Gizicki addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Gizicki addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Robert Gizicki is necessary.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
- 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.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Gizicki.
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. Gizicki practices primarily at a specialized eye clinic located in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the New Westminster SkyTrain Station, making it easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking options usually available nearby. Patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, whether for routine check-ups or advanced surgical procedures.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gizicki and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gizicki 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gizicki?
- A visit to Dr. Gizicki is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Gizicki?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gizicki 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. Gizicki 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. Gizicki's office regarding their referral policy. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Gizicki's clinic for referral instructions.
- Are services from Dr. Gizicki covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Gizicki 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. Gizicki's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Does Dr. Gizicki perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Gizicki. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Gizicki can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
a specialized eye clinic in New Westminster
200-555 Sixth St
New Westminster, BC V3L 5H1
Office Phone: (604) 521-4144 | Practice Website: http://retinabc.ca/
Dr. Gizicki 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. Gizicki, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Gizicki's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/358863/Gizicki%2CRobert