Ophthalmologist Serving New Westminster — Expert Eye Care, Prompt Appointments
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC MEd, welcomes patients from New Westminster and surrounding areas. Expert cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and blepharoplasty — all MSP-covered — at her Chilliwack clinic, approximately 90 km east via Trans-Canada Highway 1.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
New Westminster is BC's oldest incorporated city — a place with deep roots, established communities, and a population that has called the Royal City home for generations. Many New Westminster residents have lived here for decades, and the city's older demographic reflects a high prevalence of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and eyelid ptosis. Accessing a specialist ophthalmologist who is both accepting new patients and available promptly is a genuine challenge for many in this community.
Expert Ophthalmology Accessible from New Westminster
Dr. Aish Sundaram, a fellowship-trained FRCSC ophthalmologist and UBC Clinical Instructor, sees patients from New Westminster at her Chilliwack clinic at 9181 Main St, Unit 109. New Westminster is approximately 90 km from the clinic — roughly 55–65 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway 1 off-peak.
Access to Highway 1 from New Westminster is straightforward via the Queensborough Bridge connector to the Trans-Canada, or via Brunette Avenue. The drive east is one of BC's scenic highway routes, passing through Coquitlam, the Tri-Cities, Mission, and Abbotsford before reaching Chilliwack. Free parking is available on-site at the clinic.
MSP covers cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and most ophthalmology services regardless of where in BC you receive your care. New Westminster patients pay nothing additional to be seen in Chilliwack versus Vancouver. For many patients on lengthy Metro Vancouver wait lists, the approximately one-hour drive east can mean the difference between waiting months and accessing care much sooner. Our Fraser Valley ophthalmology hub page provides a full overview of our services and referral pathways.
Serving New Westminster's Long-Term Residents
New Westminster has a proud history as the original capital of British Columbia. Its established neighbourhoods — Queensborough, Glenbrooke, Sapperton, Uptown, and Brow of the Hill — are home to many residents who have lived in the Royal City for decades. This includes a meaningful population of older adults who are at peak risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and eyelid conditions.
Dr. Sundaram's practice is committed to the highest standard of evidence-based care — with a genuine MSP-first philosophy ensuring that every patient receives the appropriate treatment regardless of financial considerations. Her Master of Education (MEd) in Health Interprofessional Education underpins a practice culture of thorough patient communication, ensuring New Westminster patients always understand their diagnosis and options.
Conditions Treated for New Westminster Patients
- Cataract surgery — standard monofocal IOL (MSP-covered); premium toric and EDOF/multifocal options available
- Glaucoma management — OCT, visual fields, SLT laser, and surgical options; fellowship-trained subspecialty care
- Blepharoplasty — upper and lower eyelid surgery; functional (vision-affecting) cases are MSP-covered
- Diabetic eye examinations — retinal screening and monitoring
- Comprehensive eye evaluations — thorough ophthalmological assessment
- Eye disease co-management — shared care for macular degeneration, uveitis, and other complex conditions
How to Get a Referral from New Westminster
Ask your New Westminster family physician or optometrist to send a referral to Dr. Sundaram. Referrals can be submitted:
- By fax: (604) 426-2721. Include patient demographics, MSP number, reason for referral, urgency, current medications, and available vision measurements.
- Via Ocean Health eReferral: Search "Precision Eye Surgery" or "Dr. Aish Sundaram" on the Ocean eReferral platform.
After receiving your referral, our office will contact you to book an appointment. A consultation letter is sent to your referring provider within two weeks of your visit.
Ophthalmology Services for New Westminster Patients
Dr. Sundaram provides the full range of medical and surgical ophthalmology — most services covered by BC's Medical Services Plan, province-wide.
Cataract Surgery
Precise IOL surgery. Standard monofocal MSP-covered. Premium toric and EDOF lenses with honest, evidence-based guidance.
✓ MSP CoveredGlaucoma Management
Fellowship-trained subspecialty care. OCT imaging, visual fields, SLT laser, and surgical management for advanced disease.
✓ MSP CoveredBlepharoplasty
Upper and lower eyelid surgery. Functional cases MSP-covered. Cosmetic and Asian eyelid surgery also available.
✓ MSP (Functional)Diabetic Eye Exams
Retinal screening and monitoring for patients with diabetes. Early diabetic retinopathy detection preserves vision.
✓ MSP CoveredComprehensive Eye Exams
Full ophthalmological assessment including anterior segment, fundus, and intraocular pressure measurement.
✓ MSP CoveredEye Disease Co-Management
Shared care with your New Westminster family physician and optometrist for macular degeneration, uveitis, and more.
✓ MSP CoveredServing New Westminster's Neighbourhoods
New Westminster's established neighbourhoods — Queensborough, Glenbrooke, Sapperton, Uptown, Brow of the Hill, and the historic downtown — are home to many long-term residents who deserve the highest quality of specialist eye care, accessible without prohibitive wait times.
The city's mature population includes many patients who have been managing progressive eye conditions — cataracts, glaucoma, or eyelid ptosis — for some time, often waiting for a specialist appointment. Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic aims to change that, offering prompt access to the care these patients need.
Ophthalmology for New Westminster — Questions Answered
Common questions from New Westminster patients and referring providers about Dr. Sundaram's practice.
How far is Dr. Sundaram's clinic from New Westminster?
New Westminster is approximately 90 km from the clinic at 9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack — about 55–65 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway 1 off-peak. Access from New Westminster is via the Queensborough Bridge to Hwy 1 East, or via Brunette Avenue to Hwy 1 East.
Does Dr. Sundaram accept patients from New Westminster?
Yes. Dr. Sundaram actively accepts new referrals from New Westminster family physicians and optometrists. BC residents can access specialist care anywhere in the province — your location in New Westminster does not limit your referral options under MSP.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for New Westminster patients?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is covered by BC MSP when medically indicated. New Westminster patients pay nothing additional to receive surgery at Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic. MSP coverage applies throughout British Columbia.
Why should New Westminster patients consider travelling to Chilliwack for eye care?
Ophthalmologist wait lists throughout Metro Vancouver can be considerable for routine cataract consultations. New Westminster patients may find prompt appointments available at Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic — with full MSP coverage and no additional cost. For many patients, the approximately 55–65 minute drive is a worthwhile trade for timely access to specialist care.
How do I get a referral from New Westminster?
Ask your New Westminster family physician or optometrist to fax a referral to (604) 426-2721, or submit via Ocean Health eReferral (search "Dr. Aish Sundaram" or "Precision Eye Surgery"). Our office will contact you to schedule your consultation once the referral is received.
Is glaucoma management covered by MSP for New Westminster patients?
Yes. Medical management of glaucoma — including OCT imaging, visual field testing, and SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) — is covered by BC MSP when referred by a physician or optometrist. Dr. Sundaram has subspecialty fellowship training in glaucoma and provides the most current evidence-based treatment.
New Westminster Patients: Prompt Eye Care Just East on Trans-Canada
Ask your family doctor or optometrist to refer you to Dr. Sundaram. MSP-covered, fellowship-trained, evidence-based care — approximately 55–65 minutes from New Westminster.