Dr. Roger Hugh Thomas – Ophthalmologist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Roger Hugh Thomas 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 Richmond in Richmond, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an Ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. He provides 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. Thomas graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in the field. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his expertise meets national standards for medical excellence and patient safety.

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

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Thomas addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Thomas addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.

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

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• 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).
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.

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

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. Thomas practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the West Richmond (Terra Nova, Thompson) neighborhood of Richmond, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Richmond Olympic Oval, making it accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Canada Line and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive eye care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring ease of access for all.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Thomas, 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomas specialize in?

Dr. Thomas 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.

Does Dr. Thomas perform cataract surgery?

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

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomas?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomas 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.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomas, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Thomas's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Thomas's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

a specialized eye clinic in Richmond
550-6091 Gilbert Rd
Richmond, BC V7C 5L9

Office Phone: (604) 273-1128 | Office Fax: (604) 278-3316

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

Verify Dr. Thomas's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303663/Thomas%2CRoger