About
Dr. Sophie Beaulieu is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Clinique VISU in Chicoutimi, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that every patient receives safe, ethical, and comprehensive treatment. As an Ophthalmologist, 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 eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2012, accumulating over 12 years of specialized experience. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Ophthalmology in Quebec. Her certifications include accreditation from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring her adherence to the highest professional standards and ongoing education in the field of eye care.
Dr. Beaulieu’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, she provides precise and effective treatments. Her focus is on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and she values collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. In her practice, she provides eye care consultations and treatments primarily in French, with a strong commitment to serving the Chicoutimi community.
Dr. Sophie Beaulieu provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Beaulieu addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Beaulieu addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Beaulieu 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): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Sophie Beaulieu is necessary.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- 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.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
- 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. Beaulieu.
All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.
Dr. Beaulieu practices primarily at Clinique VISU, located in the heart of Chicoutimi’s vibrant neighborhood known for its medical facilities and optical services. The clinic is conveniently situated near other healthcare providers and easily accessible via local public transit routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for those with mobility needs. Patients can expect a professional setting dedicated to their vision health, with modern amenities and a caring staff committed to patient comfort and safety.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beaulieu and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Beaulieu, 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. Beaulieu?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beaulieu that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Beaulieu 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. Beaulieu's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (418) 579-2086.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Beaulieu?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Beaulieu 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.
- Does Dr. Beaulieu perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Beaulieu, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Beaulieu would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- Are services from Dr. Beaulieu covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Beaulieu for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Beaulieu's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beaulieu specialize in?
- Dr. Beaulieu is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She 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. Beaulieu treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Beaulieu 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.
Clinique VISU
429 rue Newton
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 8C3
Office Phone: (418) 579-2087 | Office Fax: (418) 579-2086
Dr. Beaulieu is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Beaulieu, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Beaulieu's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=12464