About
Dr. Sadhana Kulkarni 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 Comox in Comox, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an Ophthalmologist, she provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. She 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. Kulkarni graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) from Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in India. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in eye medicine and surgery. She holds key certifications including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care and staying current with the latest advancements in the field.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Kulkarni is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments while emphasizing early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. She values collaborative care and works closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil, she ensures clear communication with her diverse patient community, demonstrating her commitment to accessible, patient-centered care in Comox.

Dr. Sadhana Kulkarni provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Kulkarni addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
- 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. Kulkarni addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Kulkarni 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Sadhana Kulkarni is necessary.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Kulkarni.
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. Kulkarni practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Comox, BC. The clinic is situated in a welcoming neighborhood close to essential medical facilities and optical services, making it convenient for patients to access comprehensive eye care. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for those with mobility needs. The clinic offers a professional environment equipped with modern diagnostic tools and surgical facilities, ensuring patients receive high-quality, personalized care in a friendly setting.
- Are services from Dr. Kulkarni covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Kulkarni specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Kulkarni, 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. She provides 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. Kulkarni and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Kulkarni, 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kulkarni?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 890-0090.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Kulkarni?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Kulkarni 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. She provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- How does Dr. Kulkarni treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Kulkarni manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.
a specialized eye clinic in Comox
1771 Comox Ave, Suite 201, North Island Eye Centre
Comox, BC V9M 3L9
Office Phone: (250) 890-0089 | Office Fax: (250) 890-0090
Dr. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Kulkarni's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/346035/Kulkarni%2CSadhana