Dr. Scott Hal Anderson – Ophthalmologist | Cranbrook, BC

Dr. Scott Hal Anderson 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 Cranbrook in Cranbrook, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a comprehensive 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 full-service eye clinic provides a patient-friendly environment, equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, ensuring personalized and effective care in a welcoming setting.

He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, having graduated with his MD from the University of Alberta in 2018. Dr. Anderson holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His advanced training and credentials reflect his commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development, enabling him to deliver the highest quality of eye care to his patients.

Dr. Anderson’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions, utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. His approach focuses on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, while collaborating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Spanish, he ensures clear communication with all patients, reinforcing his dedication to patient-centered care in Cranbrook.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• 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. Anderson 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.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Anderson 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.
• 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.
• 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. Scott Anderson is necessary.

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.

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

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. Anderson practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of Cranbrook’s medical district. The clinic is situated within a vibrant neighborhood, conveniently close to various medical facilities and optical services, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive eye care. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Parking is typically available near the facility, with some accessible spots reserved for those with mobility needs. The environment is professional, welcoming, and equipped with modern technology to ensure the highest quality of care in a patient-centered setting.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Anderson specialize in?

Dr. Anderson 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Anderson?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Anderson 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. Anderson'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) 426-7987.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Anderson, 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. Anderson'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. Anderson's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

How does Dr. Anderson treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Anderson 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Anderson?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Anderson 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Cranbrook
101-111 Kootenay St N
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3T5

Office Phone: (250) 426-7997 | Office Fax: (250) 426-7987

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

Verify Dr. Anderson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/380722/Anderson%2CScott