Dr. William F. Astle – Ophthalmologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. William F. Astle 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 Calgary, AB, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. His practice is grounded in the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). As a highly skilled 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 ensure patient comfort and confidence in their eye health journey.

Dr. Astle graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 1979. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, including specialized residency programs in ophthalmology. He has completed rigorous postgraduate education and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta, ensuring he remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in eye care. His certifications include certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant subspecialty accreditations.

His professional philosophy is centered on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Astle is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to provide precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and optimize visual outcomes. His approach emphasizes collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a steadfast commitment to patient comfort and understanding.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• 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.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Astle 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.
• 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.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.

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

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• 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. Astle.

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. William F. Astle practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Calgary’s NW neighbourhoods, including Bowness, Montgomery, and Greenwood. The clinic is conveniently located near connecting routes in NW and SW Calgary, accessible via Calgary Transit services such as CTrain LRT, Bus, and BRT. 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 spaces for patients with mobility requirements. Patients visiting the clinic can expect a welcoming atmosphere, dedicated to addressing all their eye health needs with expertise and compassion.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Astle?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Astle 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 are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Astle?

Dr. Astle 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.

Does Dr. Astle perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Astle specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Astle, 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 is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Astle and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Astle 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Astle for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Astle's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

How does Dr. Astle treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Astle 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Calgary
28 Oki Dr NW
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8

Office Phone: (403) 955-7940 | Office Fax: (403) 955-7496

Dr. Astle 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. Astle, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Astle's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=d89d69bd-4f7c-4b88-a0ab-39ae37096ed5&i=109