Dr. Wouter De Bruin – Ophthalmologist | Chilliwack, BC

Dr. Wouter De Bruin 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 Chilliwack in the Chilliwack Downtown, Central neighborhood, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic is conveniently located near Garrison Crossing and is easily accessible via the Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit). The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, ensuring a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye examinations, diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures. The practice offers a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical interventions, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. De Bruin 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 eye health and surgery. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which attests to his professional competence and commitment to ongoing education and excellence in ophthalmology.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. De Bruin is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health, involving them actively in treatment decisions. He utilizes the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and improve quality of life. He collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, and all communication and consultations are conducted in English. Dr. De Bruin’s commitment is to maintain and improve the eye health and vision of his patients in Chilliwack and surrounding communities.

Dr. Wouter De Bruin provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Wouter De Bruin is necessary.

• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.

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

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. De Bruin practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the heart of Chilliwack's Downtown, Central neighborhood. The clinic provides comprehensive eye care services in a modern, accessible facility designed to ensure patient comfort and convenience. Located near Garrison Crossing, the clinic is easily reachable via public transit, including the Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit). Patients will find ample parking options in close proximity to the clinic. The environment is welcoming and professional, dedicated to delivering high-quality ophthalmologic care in a patient-centered atmosphere.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. De Bruin?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. De Bruin that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. De Bruin receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. De Bruin's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 792-2707.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. De Bruin, 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.

Are services from Dr. De Bruin covered by provincial health insurance?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. De Bruin specialize in?

Dr. De Bruin is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. 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. De Bruin?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. De Bruin manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. 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. De Bruin?

A visit to Dr. De Bruin 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 Chilliwack
1-8980 Mary St
Chilliwack, BC V2P 4J3

Office Phone: (604) 792-2020 | Office Fax: (604) 792-2707

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

Verify Dr. De Bruin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328841/De%20Bruin%2CWouter