About
Dr. Rosanna Kristine Martens 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 New Westminster, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality and safe care. She offers a comprehensive range of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The practice provides a full spectrum of eye care services, in a patient-friendly setting, designed for comfort and accessibility.
Dr. Martens graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, affirming her expertise and commitment to excellence in eye care. Her training encompasses a broad spectrum of ophthalmic subspecialties, enabling her to address a wide range of eye conditions with precision and compassion.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Dr. Martens utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. She is dedicated to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, collaborating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English and is committed to the vision and eye health of her patients in New Westminster.
Dr. Rosanna Martens provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Martens addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Martens addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
- 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.
Glaucoma Management
Early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
- 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. Rosanna Martens is necessary.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
- 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).
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Martens.
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. Martens practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the vibrant Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal City Centre Mall, easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking nearby, including some accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, whether for routine exams or advanced surgical procedures.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Martens?
- Dr. Martens 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, she 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 is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Martens and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Martens 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.
- Are services from Dr. Martens covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Martens 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. Martens's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Martens?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Martens 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. Martens 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. Martens's office regarding their referral policy. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Martens's clinic for referral instructions.
- Does Dr. Martens perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Martens, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Martens would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
a specialized eye clinic in New Westminster
200-555 Sixth St
New Westminster, BC V3L 5H1
Office Phone: (604) 521-4144 | Practice Website: https://www.vancouvertopsurgery.com/
Dr. Martens 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. Martens, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Martens's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338857/Martens%2CRosanna