Ophthalmologist Serving Surrey — Expert Eye Care at Chilliwack, 45 Minutes Away
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC MEd, welcomes patients from Surrey and all surrounding communities. Expert cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and blepharoplasty — all MSP-covered — with prompt appointments, just 80 km east on Trans-Canada Hwy 1.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
Surrey is BC's second-largest city — home to approximately 600,000 residents and one of the most diverse urban communities in Canada. Despite its size, finding an ophthalmologist who is accepting new patients within the city can be a significant challenge. Ophthalmology wait lists throughout Metro Vancouver often extend well beyond 12 months for routine cataract consultations, leaving many Surrey residents struggling to access the specialist eye care they need.
Expert Ophthalmology Accessible from Surrey
Dr. Aish Sundaram is a fellowship-trained FRCSC ophthalmologist and UBC Clinical Instructor who sees patients from Surrey and across Metro Vancouver at her Chilliwack clinic, located at 9181 Main St, Unit 109. The clinic is just 80 km east of central Surrey — approximately 45–55 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway 1 under normal off-peak conditions.
For Surrey patients who have been told to wait many months to see a specialist, the short drive east is often well worth the journey. Dr. Sundaram's clinic offers prompt appointments, meaning you can be assessed and begin treatment far sooner than you might be able to within Metro Vancouver. MSP covers cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and most other ophthalmology services regardless of where in BC you receive your care — there is no additional cost to being seen in Chilliwack rather than Vancouver.
Serving Surrey's Diverse Communities
Surrey's communities — Newton, Whalley/City Centre, Guildford, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Fraser Heights, and South Surrey — are among the most culturally rich in BC. Surrey has one of Canada's largest South Asian and Punjabi-speaking communities, as well as significant Filipino, Chinese, and other populations. Dr. Sundaram brings cultural sensitivity and humility to every patient encounter, recognizing that inclusive, respectful care is essential for building trust — particularly for patients who may be navigating the healthcare system in a new country.
Dr. Sundaram's own South Asian heritage informs her commitment to welcoming care for all patients, regardless of background or language. Our office strives to ensure every patient feels heard and respected during their visit.
Conditions Treated for Surrey Patients
Dr. Sundaram provides the full scope of medical and surgical ophthalmology, including:
- Cataract surgery — standard monofocal IOL (MSP-covered); premium toric and multifocal/EDOF options available
- Glaucoma management — including OCT imaging, visual field testing, SLT laser, and surgical options
- Blepharoplasty — upper and lower eyelid surgery; functional cases covered by MSP
- Diabetic eye examinations — retinal screening and monitoring for diabetic retinopathy
- Comprehensive eye evaluations — thorough ophthalmological assessment
- Eye disease co-management — shared care with your family physician and optometrist
How to Get a Referral from Surrey
To be seen by Dr. Sundaram, ask your Surrey family doctor or optometrist to send a referral. You can also visit our Fraser Valley ophthalmology hub page for full information about services and referral pathways. Referrals can be submitted in two ways:
- By fax: Send a completed referral to (604) 426-2721. Include patient demographics, MSP number, reason for referral, urgency level, current medications, and available vision measurements.
- Via Ocean Health eReferral: Search for "Precision Eye Surgery" or "Dr. Aish Sundaram" on the Ocean eReferral platform.
After we receive your referral, our office will contact you to schedule your appointment. A consultation letter is sent to your referring provider within two weeks of your visit to support ongoing shared care.
Ophthalmology Services for Surrey Patients
Dr. Sundaram offers the full range of medical and surgical ophthalmology — most services covered by BC's Medical Services Plan.
Cataract Surgery
Safe, precise lens removal with IOL implantation. Standard surgery is MSP-covered. Premium lens upgrades available — no pressure.
✓ MSP CoveredGlaucoma Management
Fellowship-trained care including OCT imaging, visual fields, SLT laser, and surgical options for advanced disease.
✓ MSP CoveredBlepharoplasty
Upper and lower eyelid surgery. Functional cases affecting vision are MSP-covered. Asian eyelid surgery also available.
✓ 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, fundus evaluation, and intraocular pressure measurement.
✓ MSP CoveredEye Disease Co-Management
Shared care with your family physician and optometrist for complex conditions including uveitis, macular degeneration, and more.
✓ MSP CoveredServing All of Surrey's Neighbourhoods
Dr. Sundaram's clinic is accessible from all parts of Surrey. Whether you live in Newton, Whalley, Guildford, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Fraser Heights, or South Surrey, the drive east on Trans-Canada Highway 1 is straightforward — typically 45–55 minutes off-peak.
Surrey's population of approximately 600,000 includes one of Canada's largest South Asian and Punjabi-speaking communities, significant Filipino and Chinese communities, and many new Canadians navigating the healthcare system. Dr. Sundaram is committed to welcoming, respectful, and culturally sensitive care for every patient who walks through her doors.
Ophthalmology for Surrey Patients — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from Surrey patients and referring providers about Dr. Sundaram's practice.
How far is Dr. Sundaram's clinic from Surrey?
The clinic is located at 9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack — approximately 80 km from central Surrey, which is roughly 45–55 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway 1 during off-peak hours. Cloverdale is even closer, at approximately 65 km (40–50 min).
Is parking available at the clinic?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available at 9181 Main St, Chilliwack, making the visit accessible and straightforward for patients driving from Surrey and the surrounding communities.
Does Dr. Sundaram accept Surrey patients?
Yes — Dr. Sundaram is actively accepting new referrals from Surrey family physicians and optometrists. There is no requirement to live near Chilliwack to be seen. BC patients can access specialist care anywhere in the province under MSP.
Is MSP cataract surgery available for Surrey patients?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) when medically indicated — regardless of where in BC you receive your care. Surrey patients pay nothing more to be seen in Chilliwack versus Vancouver.
How do I get a referral to Dr. Sundaram from Surrey?
Ask your Surrey family doctor or optometrist to fax a referral to (604) 426-2721 or submit it via the Ocean Health eReferral platform (search "Dr. Aish Sundaram" or "Precision Eye Surgery"). Include reason for referral, urgency, current medications, and available vision measurements.
What eye conditions does Dr. Sundaram treat?
Dr. Sundaram provides comprehensive ophthalmology including cataract surgery (with standard and premium IOL options), glaucoma management (including SLT laser), blepharoplasty (upper and lower eyelid surgery), diabetic retinal examinations, comprehensive eye evaluations, and co-management of complex eye diseases.
Surrey Patients: Access Expert Eye Care Sooner
Ask your family doctor or optometrist to refer you to Dr. Sundaram. Just 45–55 minutes east on Trans-Canada Hwy 1 — MSP-covered, free parking, prompt appointments.