Dr. Ruchi Saxena – Ophthalmologist | Grande Prairie, AB

Dr. Ruchi Saxena 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 Grande Prairie in Grande Prairie, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, safe, and ethical care. She offers comprehensive services, including diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems, in a patient-friendly environment. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to advanced surgical procedures, all delivered in a welcoming and accessible setting.

Dr. Saxena graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Netherlands in 2004 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. She has completed rigorous residency training in ophthalmology and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. Her certifications include comprehensive ophthalmology training, ensuring she is well-equipped to manage complex eye conditions and perform surgical procedures confidently and competently.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she aims for precise and effective treatments. Dr. Saxena is dedicated to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and she collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. She is also proficient in Dutch and French, ensuring clear communication with diverse patient populations in Grande Prairie.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Saxena 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).
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• 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. Saxena addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
• 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. Saxena 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: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.

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

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• 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).
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.

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

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. Saxena practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Grande Prairie's Central neighborhood, including Mountview and Swanavon. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Montrose Cultural Centre, which houses the Art Gallery and Library, making it accessible for local residents. Patients can easily reach the clinic via Grande Prairie Transit, with accessible entrances and parking facilities that are typically available nearby, including some accessible spots. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Whether you need a routine eye exam or advanced surgical intervention, Dr. Saxena's clinic offers a professional setting dedicated to your vision health.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Saxena, 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, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Saxena's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Saxena's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Saxena 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Saxena manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. 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. Saxena specialize in?

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

Does Dr. Saxena perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. Saxena treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Saxena 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Grande Prairie
9719 98 Avenue #110
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8K6

Office Phone: (825) 412-1528 | Office Fax: (833) 427-1468

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

Verify Dr. Saxena's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b22721ca-98a0-410a-8923-38d740a1a277&i=1285