Dr. Stuart William Smith – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Stuart William Smith 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 Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic is located in Vancouver's Fairview neighborhood, close to the Vancouver Art Gallery. It is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can generally find parking nearby, with some accessible spots available, ensuring a convenient visit for everyone.

Dr. Smith is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1979. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and credentials ensure that he provides the highest standard of eye care, combining evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient service.

His 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 strives for precise and effective treatments. Dr. Smith is committed to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on patient understanding and comfort.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Smith addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• 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.
• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Smith addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• 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.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Smith 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): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Stuart Smith is necessary.

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.

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

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. Smith practices primarily at a specialized eye clinic located in Vancouver's Fairview neighborhood. The clinic is situated near the Vancouver Art Gallery, making it easily accessible for residents in and around Vancouver. Patients can reach the clinic via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), as well as bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible parking spots for those with mobility needs, ensuring a convenient visit for all.

Does Dr. Smith perform cataract surgery?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Smith?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 324-5005.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Smith specialize in?

Dr. Smith 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, he addresses a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems to help preserve and restore sight.

a specialized eye clinic in Vancouver
805 Broadway W Ste 1601
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K1

Office Phone: (604) 327-5014 | Office Fax: (604) 324-5005

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

Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/353274/Smith%2CStuart