Dr. Si Xi Zhao – Ophthalmologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Si Xi Zhao 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 Victoria, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic is situated in a well-established eye care centre in Victoria’s vibrant neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the Inner Harbour Causeway. Patients can easily reach the clinic via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), and the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all. The eye clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment, equipped to handle a wide range of eye health needs in a patient-centric setting.

Dr. Zhao graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 2015. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in medical and surgical eye care. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards in ophthalmology practice. His training encompasses a broad spectrum of eye diseases and advanced surgical techniques, ensuring comprehensive care for his patients.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Zhao is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to provide precise and effective treatments, emphasizing early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, he ensures holistic care tailored to each patient's needs. Fluent in Mandarin, he communicates clearly with all patients, ensuring they feel understood and well-informed about their eye health and treatment options.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Zhao addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Zhao addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• 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. Si Zhao is necessary.

• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• 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. Zhao.

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. Zhao practices at a specialized eye clinic located within a well-established eye care centre in Victoria’s vibrant neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Inner Harbour Causeway, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. Patients can reach the clinic via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), and ample public parking is generally available nearby. The facility is designed to be accessible and welcoming, providing a comfortable environment for comprehensive eye examinations, diagnostics, and surgical consultations. The clinic emphasizes a professional approach with a focus on patient comfort and high-quality eye care services.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zhao?

A visit to Dr. Zhao is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

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

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

Does Dr. Zhao perform cataract surgery?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zhao?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Zhao 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. Zhao'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) 220-3340.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zhao specialize in?

Dr. Zhao 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.

How does Dr. Zhao treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Zhao 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.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Zhao 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Victoria
221-3561 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC V8Z 0B9

Office Phone: (250) 213-1050 | Office Fax: (250) 220-3340

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

Verify Dr. Zhao's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/346135/Zhao%2CSi%20Xi