Dr. Surendranath Sanmugasunderam – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Surendranath Sanmugasunderam 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 within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and personalized treatment. Dr. Sanmugasunderam 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 an MD from the University of Ottawa in 1991 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. His education and training include specialized residencies and fellowships that provided him with a broad and deep expertise in medical and surgical eye care. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which attest to his professional competence and commitment to ongoing education and excellence in ophthalmology.

Dr. Sanmugasunderam's professional philosophy revolves around preserving and improving his patients' vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health, involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims to deliver precise and effective treatments. His focus is on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and he fosters collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All patient communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on clarity, reassurance, and personalized attention.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Sanmugasunderam 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.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Sanmugasunderam addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.

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

• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).

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

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. Sanmugasunderam practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Vancouver's Shaughnessy and Arbutus Ridge South neighbourhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near Vancouver's Commercial Corridor, easily accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking available nearby, including some accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care in Vancouver.

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

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

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

Dr. Sanmugasunderam treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. 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. Sanmugasunderam treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Sanmugasunderam 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. Sanmugasunderam?

A visit to Dr. Sanmugasunderam 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.

Does Dr. Sanmugasunderam perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Sanmugasunderam, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Sanmugasunderam would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sanmugasunderam 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. Sanmugasunderam specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sanmugasunderam, 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, 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 Vancouver
650-1285 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8

Office Phone: (604) 730-8869 | Office Fax: (604) 730-0556

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

Verify Dr. Sanmugasunderam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/308280/Sanmugasunderam%2CSurendranath