Ophthalmologist Serving Princeton & the Similkameen Valley
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC, provides expert ophthalmology from her Chilliwack clinic — a ~2 to 2.5 hour drive from Princeton via Highway 3. For Similkameen Valley residents waiting months for specialist care in the Interior, Chilliwack is a realistic and often faster alternative. All major services MSP-covered.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
Princeton is the heart of the Similkameen Valley — a region of open ranch lands, fruit orchards, and a tight-knit community nestled between the mountains of southern BC. It is also a community where accessing specialist medical care has long meant a significant drive, whether east toward Kelowna or west toward the Lower Mainland. Precision Eye Surgery in Chilliwack offers Princeton and Similkameen residents a high-quality ophthalmology option that is often faster to reach than Interior specialists — and with shorter wait times.
Princeton to Chilliwack: A Realistic Alternative
The drive from Princeton to Chilliwack via Hope and Highway 3 (the Hope-Princeton Highway) is approximately 165 km — typically 2 to 2.5 hours. This is comparable to, and in many cases shorter than, the drive Princeton residents would otherwise make to reach a specialist in Kelowna or the Lower Mainland. Highway 3 through the Cascade Mountains is a well-maintained route, and for most of the year it is a straightforward daytime drive.
Patients who have been waiting extended periods for ophthalmology care in the Interior — sometimes up to 12 months for non-urgent cataract consultations — frequently find that the drive to Chilliwack is well worthwhile. As the Fraser Valley's dedicated ophthalmology hub, Precision Eye Surgery is equipped with full diagnostic imaging, biometry, and surgical facilities to manage your complete eye care needs in one location.
Eye Health in the Similkameen Valley
The Similkameen Valley's agricultural heritage and outdoor lifestyle create specific eye health considerations. UV exposure from working and living outdoors is a significant risk factor for cataract development and pterygium (a growth on the eye surface). Farming and ranching communities also have higher rates of type 2 diabetes, which can cause diabetic retinopathy — a leading cause of preventable blindness that requires regular ophthalmology monitoring.
Dr. Sundaram's practice prioritizes preventive care alongside treatment. She takes time to discuss how lifestyle factors interact with eye health, and her patient education background — she holds a Master of Education degree — means she explains diagnoses and options in plain language that empowers patients to make informed decisions.
Serving Princeton & Surrounding Communities
Beyond Princeton itself, Precision Eye Surgery serves patients from Tulameen, Coalmont, and Hedley, as well as Keremeos residents (about an hour south of Princeton on Highway 3). Whether you are in the heart of the Similkameen Valley or in one of its smaller surrounding communities, our Chilliwack clinic is accepting new referrals and ready to support your eye health needs.
How to Get a Referral
Dr. Sundaram accepts referrals from family physicians and optometrists throughout the Similkameen 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 history, medications, and any 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 schedule your appointment. Consultation letters are returned to your referring provider within two weeks of your visit, supporting continuity of care across distance.
Services Available to Princeton & Similkameen 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 Princeton & the Similkameen Valley
The Similkameen Valley is home to a significant agricultural and ranching community, with a large seniors population and outdoor workers who face elevated eye health risks from UV exposure and occupational factors. Dr. Sundaram understands the realities of rural healthcare access and is committed to welcoming patients who have had to travel long distances to find specialist care.
Traveling for specialist care is routine for Similkameen residents — our goal is to make that journey as worthwhile as possible by delivering timely, thorough, and compassionate eye care at every visit.
Ophthalmology for Princeton & Similkameen Patients — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from patients and referring providers in Princeton and the Similkameen Valley.
How far is Chilliwack from Princeton, BC?
Princeton is approximately 165 km from Chilliwack via Hope and Highway 3 (the Hope-Princeton Highway). The drive typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours depending on road and traffic conditions. This is comparable to — or in some cases shorter than — the drive Princeton residents would make to reach a specialist in Kelowna. Highway 3 is a well-maintained route and is generally passable year-round, though winter conditions should always be checked before departure.
Is it worth the drive from Princeton to see an ophthalmologist in Chilliwack?
For many patients, yes. Specialist wait times in the Interior can extend to 12 months or more for non-urgent ophthalmology cases. Precision Eye Surgery often has shorter wait times, meaning Princeton-area patients can be seen sooner — which is particularly important for conditions like glaucoma, where delayed monitoring can result in irreversible vision loss. We encourage patients and their referring providers to contact us to discuss current wait times.
What should I bring to my cataract consultation?
Please bring your BC health card (CareCard), your current glasses or contact lens prescription if available, a list of all your current medications (including any eye drops), and any prior eye imaging or records from your optometrist or previous specialist visits. Plan to bring a driver or arrange a ride home, as your eyes will be dilated and your vision will be blurry for 2–4 hours after the appointment.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for Princeton 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. Princeton residents with valid BC MSP coverage receive the same full coverage as any other BC resident. Optional premium lens upgrades are available at additional cost, and Dr. Sundaram will always present these options without pressure.
Ready to Access Expert Eye Care?
Ask your family doctor or optometrist in Princeton to refer you to Dr. Sundaram in Chilliwack. New patient referrals are welcome from across the Similkameen Valley.