Providence Health Care in conjunction with Drs Bill Ross, David Albiani, Andrew Merkur, Andrew Kirker, and Kaivon Pakzad Vaezi are pleased to announce the establishment of a medical retina consultation service in the Eye Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital starting 8 May 2019. The consultation service will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, branch and central vein occlusions, inflammatory eye conditions, and inherited macular dystrophies and disorders. Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of visual disability in Canadians of working age between 20 and 65. Macular degeneration is the main cause of blindness in Canadians over 65.

The St. Paul’s Hospital Eye Clinic has recently obtained a state-of-the-art Optos wide-field fundus camera, which will be able to detect the earliest manifestations of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Patients who are diagnosed with macular pathology will be able to receive laser photocoagulation treatment or intravitreal anti-VEGF injections at the clinic.

Referred patients will be evaluated by the medical retina fellow along with the retina staff. A full consultation report including the appropriate diagnostic testing will be sent to the referring doctor. Appointments for this new service can be made by phone: 604 874-0404, or fax: 604 874-0099. The clinic’s goal is to provide consultations within 2 weeks of the referral.