Ophthalmologist Serving Merritt & the Nicola Valley
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC, provides expert ophthalmology care from her Chilliwack clinic — approximately 190 km from Merritt via the Coquihalla Highway. Merritt residents can access fellowship-trained cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and comprehensive eye care with wait times that are often shorter than Interior alternatives. All major services MSP-covered.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
Merritt, the "Country Music Capital of Canada," sits at the heart of the Nicola Valley — a landscape of open range, cattle ranches, and lakes that draw people from across the province. It is also a community where residents have historically relied on longer drives to reach specialist healthcare. The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) connects Merritt directly to the Lower Mainland, making Precision Eye Surgery in Chilliwack a practical and often faster choice for ophthalmology care.
The Coquihalla Advantage: Merritt to Chilliwack
The Coquihalla Highway is one of BC's premier road links — a modern, divided highway running directly from Merritt south to Hope. At approximately 190 km, the drive from Merritt to Chilliwack takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. This is a direct, well-serviced route used by thousands of travellers daily. Merritt residents who have previously driven to Kamloops (about 1 hour north) or further for specialist eye care may find that the Coquihalla route to Chilliwack offers a compelling wait-time advantage.
As the Fraser Valley's dedicated ophthalmology hub, Precision Eye Surgery is fully equipped to serve Interior BC patients. Dr. Sundaram's clinic offers complete diagnostic imaging, surgical consultation, and follow-up care in a single location — reducing the need for multiple long-distance trips.
Equitable Care for the Nicola Valley
The Nicola Valley is home to a significant Indigenous population including members of the Nlaka'pamux and Syilx peoples. Precision Eye Surgery is committed to providing culturally respectful, patient-centred care for all individuals, regardless of background. Dr. Sundaram's practice philosophy is grounded in equity: every patient deserves the same thoughtful, high-quality ophthalmology care. Cultural humility and clear communication are core values of the practice.
Dr. Sundaram holds both an MD and a Master of Education in Health Interprofessional Education. Her teaching background means she takes genuine care to explain diagnoses and treatment options in plain language, and she creates space for patients to ask questions and express concerns without feeling rushed.
Eye Health in the Nicola Valley
The Nicola Valley's ranching, agricultural, and outdoor recreation lifestyle creates specific eye health considerations. UV exposure from working outdoors accelerates cataract formation and increases pterygium risk. Diabetes — which has higher prevalence in some Indigenous communities — can cause diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of preventable vision loss. Regular specialist monitoring is essential for managing these conditions effectively.
Dr. Sundaram provides fellowship-trained glaucoma care, cataract surgery, diabetic retinal examinations, and comprehensive ophthalmological assessments. All core services are covered by BC's Medical Services Plan. Her fellowship training in glaucoma — a condition that can cause irreversible vision loss when not monitored — makes her an especially valuable specialist resource for communities like Merritt where specialist access has been limited.
How to Get a Referral
Dr. Sundaram accepts referrals from family physicians and optometrists throughout the Nicola Valley. Your referring provider can send a referral in one of two ways:
- By fax: Send a completed referral form to (604) 426-2721. 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 to book your appointment. Consultation letters are returned to your referring provider within two weeks, supporting seamless shared care across the distance.
Services Available to Merritt & Nicola Valley 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 Merritt & the Nicola Valley
The Nicola Valley encompasses a diverse region with a proud ranching heritage and significant Indigenous communities. Dr. Sundaram is committed to serving all patients with dignity and respect, and she welcomes patients from across the valley — from Merritt's townsite to the smaller communities of Quilchena, Douglas Lake, Coldwater, and beyond.
Whether you are a longtime Nicola Valley resident or recently moved to the area, accessing specialist ophthalmology care should not require months of waiting. We are here to help, and the Coquihalla makes that access more straightforward than ever.
Ophthalmology for Merritt & Nicola Valley Patients — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from patients and referring providers in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.
How far is Merritt from Precision Eye Surgery in Chilliwack?
Merritt is approximately 190 km from Precision Eye Surgery's Chilliwack clinic (9181 Main St, Unit 109) via the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5). The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The Coquihalla is a major divided highway connecting Merritt directly to the Lower Mainland — a well-maintained, heavily travelled route with good services along the way.
Are specialist wait times shorter in Chilliwack compared to Kamloops?
Often yes — though wait times vary based on referral urgency and time of year. We encourage patients and referring providers to contact our office for current wait time estimates. Many Merritt-area patients find that the wait-time advantage, combined with the direct Coquihalla access, makes Chilliwack a worthwhile choice for both cataract and glaucoma care.
Does Dr. Sundaram speak any languages other than English?
Dr. Sundaram is welcoming of all patients and committed to clear, respectful communication regardless of background or language. If you have specific communication needs or require an interpreter, please contact our office when booking your appointment and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for Merritt residents?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan when medically indicated — regardless of where you live in BC. Merritt-area residents with valid BC MSP coverage are fully eligible. Optional premium lens upgrades (toric or multifocal lenses) are available at additional cost, and Dr. Sundaram will always present these options transparently and without pressure.
Ready to Access Expert Eye Care?
Ask your family doctor or optometrist in Merritt to refer you to Dr. Sundaram in Chilliwack. New patient referrals are welcome from across the Nicola Valley.