Dr. Roberto Luigi Giovanni Piemontesi – Ophthalmologist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Roberto Luigi Giovanni Piemontesi 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 Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized 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 safe, effective, and compassionate care. As an 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. Piemontesi graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, including specialized certifications in ophthalmology. He holds certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and continuous professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Piemontesi is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and actively involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. His collaborative approach involves working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, he is proficient in Italian, which helps him communicate clearly and empathetically with a diverse patient population in Nanaimo.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• 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.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).

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

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. Piemontesi practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Nanaimo, within the vibrant community of Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay. The clinic is conveniently situated close to Vancouver Island University (VIU), making it accessible for students and residents alike. Easily reachable via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), the clinic offers accessible and comfortable facilities designed to meet the needs of all patients. Patients will find on-site or nearby public parking generally available, ensuring a hassle-free visit. The environment is professional yet welcoming, dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care in a calm and friendly setting.

How does Dr. Piemontesi treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Piemontesi 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Piemontesi specialize in?

Dr. Piemontesi 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Piemontesi 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. Piemontesi?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Piemontesi 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.

Does Dr. Piemontesi perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Piemontesi. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Piemontesi can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Piemontesi?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Piemontesi 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. Piemontesi'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) 753-5422.

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

Dr. Piemontesi 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 Nanaimo
1651 Boundary Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5R8

Office Phone: (250) 753-8415 | Office Fax: (250) 753-5422

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

Verify Dr. Piemontesi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326264/Piemontesi%2CRoberto