Dr. Wai-Ching Lam – Ophthalmologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Wai-Ching 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 Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and quality care. Dr. Lam's role as an Ophthalmologist involves a wide spectrum of services, from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic offers a full range of eye care services in a patient-friendly environment, designed to be accessible and comfortable for all.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 1982 and is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, confirming his specialized expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development. His training and certifications enable him to provide advanced, evidence-based eye care for his patients.

Dr. Lam's professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing the latest 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 ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, Dr. Lam is dedicated to clear, culturally sensitive communication with all his patients.

Dr. Wai-Ching Lam provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Lam addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• 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. Lam addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Lam addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• 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.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Wai-Ching Lam is necessary.

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• 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.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• 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. 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 located in Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Vancouver's popular shopping and dining districts, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via TransLink, with options including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking usually available nearby. The welcoming environment ensures that every patient receives comprehensive eye care in a professional setting.

How does Dr. Lam treat glaucoma?

Dr. Lam 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.

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.

Does Dr. Lam perform cataract surgery?

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

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, providing 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 Vancouver
2550 Willow St, Section C, Clinical Office
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9

Office Phone: (604) 875-4599 | Office Fax: (604) 875-4699

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/377051/Lam%2CWai-Ching