Ophthalmologist Serving Hope, Boston Bar & Surrounding Communities
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC, provides expert eye care at her Chilliwack clinic — just ~60 km west of Hope on the Trans-Canada. Hope-area residents can access fellowship-trained ophthalmology without travelling to Vancouver or Abbotsford. All major services are MSP-covered.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
Hope, BC sits at the eastern gateway to the Fraser Valley, where the Trans-Canada Highway, the Coquihalla, and Highway 3 converge beneath the peaks of the Cascade Mountains. It is a community of remarkable natural beauty — and one where access to specialist medical care has historically required long journeys to Vancouver or Abbotsford. Precision Eye Surgery offers Hope-area residents a closer, faster alternative for expert ophthalmology care.
Expert Eye Care Within Reach of Hope
Dr. Aish Sundaram's clinic in Chilliwack is located approximately 60 km west of Hope on the Trans-Canada Highway — typically a 45-minute drive under normal conditions. The Trans-Canada is one of BC's best-maintained highways year-round, making Chilliwack an accessible destination for a day trip from Hope, Boston Bar, Yale, Kawkawa Lake, Silver Creek, and Laidlaw.
Many Hope-area patients have historically been referred to Vancouver or Abbotsford for specialist eye care — journeys of one to two hours or more in each direction, often with lengthy wait times upon arrival. Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic changes the equation: patients from Hope can typically reach us faster than they would reach many urban centres, and benefit from shorter specialist wait times. As the Fraser Valley's dedicated cataract and ophthalmology hub, Precision Eye Surgery is equipped to handle the full spectrum of eye care needs.
Why Hope-Area Patients Choose Precision Eye Surgery
Rural and small-town patients deserve the same standard of care as those in major urban centres. Dr. Sundaram is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and UBC Clinical Instructor with subspecialty expertise in glaucoma — a condition where timely care can make the difference between preserved vision and irreversible loss. She holds both an MD and a Master of Education, reflecting her belief that patient understanding is as important as clinical excellence.
Her practice is firmly MSP-first: there is no pressure toward privately billed services. Standard cataract surgery, glaucoma care, diabetic eye exams, and comprehensive ophthalmological assessments are all covered by BC's Medical Services Plan. Hope-area residents can attend their consultation and surgery knowing the core costs are covered — the same as anywhere in the province.
Seasonal Travel and Highway Conditions
The Trans-Canada between Hope and Chilliwack runs through the lower Fraser Canyon and is well-serviced by BC Ministry of Transportation. Compared to mountain passes, this stretch of highway sees fewer weather-related closures. Patients are encouraged to check Drive BC conditions on the day of their appointment and to allow extra travel time in winter months. Our office is happy to reschedule appointments affected by severe weather — please call us at (604) 426-2720 if travel conditions are a concern.
How to Get a Referral
Dr. Sundaram accepts referrals from family physicians and optometrists throughout the Hope area and surrounding communities. Your referring provider can send a referral in one of two ways:
- By fax: Send a completed referral form to (604) 426-2721. Please include patient demographics, MSP number, reason for referral, urgency level, relevant medical history, current medications, and available vision measurements.
- Via Ocean Health eReferral: Search for "Precision Eye Surgery" or "Dr. Aish Sundaram" on the Ocean eReferral platform (Health Link BC eReferral network).
Once your referral is received, our office will contact you directly to schedule your appointment. Consultation letters are sent back to your referring provider within two weeks of your visit, supporting seamless shared care across the region.
Services Available to Hope-Area Patients
Dr. Sundaram offers the full range of medical and surgical ophthalmology at her Chilliwack clinic — most services are covered by BC's Medical Services Plan.
Cataract Surgery
Safe, precise removal of clouded lenses with IOL implantation. Standard surgery is MSP-covered. Premium lens upgrades available.
✓ MSP CoveredGlaucoma Management
Fellowship-trained glaucoma care including OCT imaging, visual field testing, SLT laser, and surgical options for advanced disease.
✓ MSP CoveredBlepharoplasty
Upper and lower eyelid surgery. Functional cases affecting vision are MSP-covered. Cosmetic cases available as private pay.
✓ MSP (Functional)Diabetic Eye Exams
Retinal screening and monitoring for patients with diabetes. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy helps preserve long-term vision.
✓ MSP CoveredComprehensive Eye Exams
Thorough ophthalmological assessment including anterior segment examination, fundus evaluation, and intraocular pressure measurement.
✓ MSP CoveredEye Disease Co-Management
Shared care with your family physician and optometrist for complex or chronic conditions including uveitis, macular degeneration, and more.
✓ MSP CoveredServing Hope & the Fraser Canyon Communities
Hope sits at a geographic crossroads where the Trans-Canada, Coquihalla, and Highway 3 meet — it is the gateway between the Lower Mainland and the BC Interior. Dr. Sundaram recognizes that residents of Hope and the surrounding mountain communities face unique challenges in accessing specialist healthcare, and she is committed to being a reliable resource for this region.
Whether you are in the townsite of Hope, in the farming community of Laidlaw, beside the shores of Kawkawa Lake, or further up the canyon at Yale or Boston Bar, the drive to Chilliwack is a manageable and worthwhile journey for the specialist care you need.
Ophthalmology for Hope-Area Patients — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from patients and referring providers in Hope, Boston Bar, and the surrounding Fraser Canyon communities.
How far is Precision Eye Surgery from Hope, BC?
Precision Eye Surgery is located at 9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC — approximately 60 km west of Hope via Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). The drive typically takes about 45 minutes under normal conditions. The Trans-Canada through this corridor is well-maintained year-round and is one of BC's primary routes, making it a comfortable day trip for Hope-area patients.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for patients from Hope?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan when medically indicated — regardless of where in BC you live. Hope-area residents with valid BC MSP coverage are eligible for the same coverage as patients in Vancouver or Chilliwack. Optional premium lens upgrades are available at additional cost, and Dr. Sundaram will explain all options without pressure.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sundaram?
Yes. In BC, a referral from your family physician or optometrist is required to see a specialist ophthalmologist under MSP. Ask your Hope-area family doctor or optometrist to fax a referral to (604) 426-2721 or submit through Ocean Health eReferral. Our office will contact you once the referral is received to book your appointment.
How long does a cataract consultation take?
A cataract consultation at Precision Eye Surgery typically takes approximately 45 minutes. Your eyes will be dilated during the examination, so plan for your vision to remain blurry for 2–4 hours afterward. We recommend bringing a driver or arranging a ride home. The visit includes a thorough examination, biometry measurements for lens calculations, a discussion of your options, and dedicated time for your questions.
Ready to Access Expert Eye Care?
Ask your family doctor or optometrist in Hope to refer you to Dr. Sundaram in Chilliwack. New patient referrals are welcome from Hope, Boston Bar, Yale, and all surrounding communities.