About
Dr. Wessel Johannes Ingram 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 Vernon in Vernon, 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). As an Ophthalmologist, he 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 welcoming and professional environment, designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients seeking comprehensive eye health services.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of the Orange Free State in South Africa. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training in medical and surgical eye care. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his expertise aligns with national standards for ophthalmic practice.
Dr. Ingram's professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing his patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he aims for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. He values collaborative care and works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Afrikaans, he ensures clear communication with all patients, prioritizing their comfort and understanding.
Dr. Wessel Ingram provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Ingram addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- 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.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Ingram addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Ingram addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Wessel Ingram is necessary.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Ingram.
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. Ingram practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Vernon, located in the vibrant Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from the nearby Access to SilverStar Mountain Resort and is well-connected via the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and welcoming for all patients, offering a professional environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can generally find on-site or nearby public parking, making visits convenient and comfortable. The clinic’s prime location ensures easy access for residents of Vernon and surrounding communities seeking expert ophthalmologic services.
- Does Dr. Ingram perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Ingram. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Ingram can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ingram specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Ingram, 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Ingram?
- Dr. Ingram 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. Ingram treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Ingram 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ingram?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Ingram for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Ingram's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 542-8398.
- Are services from Dr. Ingram covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Ingram for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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 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. Ingram's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
a specialized eye clinic in Vernon
3103 36 Ave
Vernon, BC V1T 2V7
Office Phone: (250) 542-8345 | Office Fax: (250) 542-8398
Dr. Ingram 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. Ingram, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Ingram's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/323953/Ingram%2CWessel