Dr. Simon Rock Lam 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, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Dr. Lam 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 clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) from the United Kingdom and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Lam holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his adherence to rigorous standards of practice and ongoing professional development. His expertise encompasses a broad range of ophthalmic conditions, enabling him to deliver personalized and effective eye care.
Dr. Lam'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 advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. Fluent in Cantonese, he ensures clear communication with a diverse patient population in New Westminster, dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing their vision and overall eye health.
Dr. Simon Lam provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Lam addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Lam addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Lam addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Simon Lam is necessary.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Lam.
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. Lam practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, making it accessible for patients across the region. Easily reachable via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes, the clinic offers accessible and comfortable facilities for all patients. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring a hassle-free visit. The clinic provides a welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and a professional team committed to patient well-being.
- Are services from Dr. Lam covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lam, 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. Lam'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. Lam's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Does Dr. Lam perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Lam, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Lam would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lam?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Lam 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. Lam'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 (604) 521-4129.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lam and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Lam, 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.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lam specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Lam, 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 provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lam?
- A visit to Dr. Lam 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.
a specialized eye clinic in New Westminster
200-555 Sixth St
New Westminster, BC V3L 5H1
Office Phone: (604) 521-4144 | Office Fax: (604) 521-4129
Dr. Lam 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. Lam, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Lam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313137/Lam%2CSimon