Dr. Vivian Elaine Hill – Ophthalmologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Vivian Elaine Hill is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Vivian Hill Clinic Calgary in Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective treatment for all her patients. As a comprehensive 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. Her clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Hill graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Ottawa in 1996. She is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, including specialized residency in ophthalmology. She holds key certifications such as Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Ophthalmology. Her training and certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic practice and patient safety.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Hill emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Dedicated to collaborative care, she works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, she is proficient in French, ensuring clear communication with all her patients and delivering culturally sensitive care in Calgary.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• 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. Hill addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
• 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.
• 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. Vivian Hill is necessary.

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.

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

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Hill's primary eye clinic, Vivian Hill Clinic Calgary, is situated in the vibrant southwest neighborhood of Calgary, including Mission, Erlton, and Rideau Park. The clinic is conveniently located near Stampede Park Access, making it accessible for patients from across the city. Easily reachable via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes, the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Patients can typically find convenient parking options in close proximity to the eye care center. The clinic offers a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, combining professional expertise with patient-centered service.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hill?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hill 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. Hill and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hill 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.

Does Dr. Hill perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hill specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Hill, 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. Dr. Hill provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Hill, 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, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Hill's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Vivian Hill Clinic Calgary
Holy Cross Center, 2210 2 St. SW Suite 102
Calgary, AB T2S 3C3

Office Phone: (403) 244-6500 | Office Fax: (403) 244-2622

Dr. Hill is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Hill, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Hill's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=790888f2-6fcb-4f3c-9295-1a9da9747202&i=619