Ophthalmologist Serving Burnaby & Coquitlam — No Long Wait Lists
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC MEd, welcomes patients from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Expert cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and blepharoplasty — all MSP-covered — just 75–85 km east via Trans-Canada Highway 1.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
Burnaby and Coquitlam are two of Metro Vancouver's most populous and diverse municipalities — home to large South Asian, Chinese, Korean, and Filipino communities, as well as many long-term residents and newer families. Both cities have extensive rapid transit coverage (SkyTrain) for everyday urban travel. Yet for ophthalmology specialist care, the most practical path for many residents is to drive east on Trans-Canada Highway 1 toward the Fraser Valley — where Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic offers prompt appointments without the wait lists that characterize Metro Vancouver specialist access.
Ophthalmology for Burnaby & Coquitlam Patients
Dr. Aish Sundaram is a fellowship-trained FRCSC ophthalmologist and UBC Clinical Instructor who welcomes patients from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody at her Chilliwack clinic. The clinic is approximately 85 km from Burnaby and 75 km from Coquitlam — about 55–70 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway 1 off-peak.
The Trans-Canada east from Coquitlam is a well-known commuter route for many residents who work in Langley, Abbotsford, or Chilliwack. For those familiar with this corridor, accessing ophthalmology care at Dr. Sundaram's clinic follows a familiar path. For others making the trip specifically for specialist care, the drive is straightforward and free parking is available at the clinic.
MSP covers cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and most other ophthalmology services regardless of where in BC you receive your care. There is no financial reason to remain on a lengthy Metro Vancouver wait list when equivalent or better access is available just east on Highway 1. Visit our Fraser Valley ophthalmology hub for a full overview of services and referral information.
Serving Burnaby & Coquitlam's Diverse Communities
Burnaby is home to one of BC's most ethnically diverse populations, with significant South Asian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Iranian communities. Coquitlam similarly has large South Asian and Chinese populations, as well as Korean and Latin American communities. Dr. Sundaram's practice places a strong emphasis on culturally humble, inclusive care — ensuring patients from all backgrounds feel respected and fully informed at every stage of their care.
Dr. Sundaram's South Asian heritage and her Master of Education (MEd) in Health Interprofessional Education reflect a genuine commitment to ensuring that every patient — regardless of language background or cultural context — understands their condition and treatment options clearly.
Conditions Treated for Burnaby & Coquitlam Patients
Dr. Sundaram provides the full scope of medical and surgical ophthalmology, including:
- Cataract surgery — standard monofocal IOL (MSP-covered); premium toric and EDOF/multifocal options available
- Glaucoma management — OCT imaging, visual fields, SLT laser, and surgical options; fellowship-trained care
- Blepharoplasty — upper and lower eyelid surgery; functional cases MSP-covered; Asian eyelid surgery available
- Diabetic eye examinations — retinal screening and monitoring for patients with diabetes
- Comprehensive eye evaluations — thorough ophthalmological assessment
- Eye disease co-management — shared care for complex conditions including macular degeneration and uveitis
How to Get a Referral from Burnaby or Coquitlam
Ask your Burnaby or Coquitlam 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 level, current medications, and available vision measurements.
- Via Ocean Health eReferral: Search "Precision Eye Surgery" or "Dr. Aish Sundaram" on the Ocean eReferral platform.
Ophthalmology Services for Burnaby & Coquitlam 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 lens MSP-covered. Premium toric and EDOF options with honest, pressure-free guidance.
✓ MSP CoveredGlaucoma Management
Fellowship-trained subspecialty care. OCT, visual fields, SLT laser, and surgical management.
✓ MSP CoveredBlepharoplasty
Upper and lower eyelid surgery. Functional cases MSP-covered. Asian eyelid surgery also available.
✓ MSP (Functional)Diabetic Eye Exams
Retinal screening and monitoring for patients with diabetes. Early detection of retinopathy preserves vision.
✓ MSP CoveredComprehensive Eye Exams
Thorough ophthalmological assessment — anterior segment, fundus evaluation, and IOP measurement.
✓ MSP CoveredEye Disease Co-Management
Shared care with your Burnaby or Coquitlam family physician and optometrist for complex eye conditions.
✓ MSP CoveredServing Burnaby & Coquitlam's Communities
Burnaby's diverse neighbourhoods — Metrotown, Brentwood, Burnaby North, South Burnaby, and the Edmonds area — are home to one of Canada's most multicultural urban populations. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody form the Tri-Cities, a rapidly growing area east of Burnaby with large South Asian, Korean, and Chinese communities.
While both cities have excellent SkyTrain access for most urban needs, accessing specialist ophthalmology care by driving east on Trans-Canada is often the most practical route — both in terms of appointment availability and travel time. Free parking at the clinic makes the visit straightforward upon arrival.
Ophthalmology for Burnaby & Coquitlam — Questions Answered
Common questions from Burnaby and Coquitlam patients and referring providers about Dr. Sundaram's practice.
How far is Dr. Sundaram's clinic from Burnaby and Coquitlam?
Burnaby is approximately 85 km from the clinic at 9181 Main St, Chilliwack — about 60 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway 1 off-peak. Coquitlam is approximately 75 km and about 55–70 minutes. Port Moody is approximately 80 km (~60–70 min).
Does Dr. Sundaram accept patients from Burnaby and Coquitlam?
Yes. Dr. Sundaram actively accepts new referrals from Burnaby and Coquitlam family physicians and optometrists. BC residents can be referred to any specialist in the province — geographic location does not limit your options under MSP.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for Burnaby and Coquitlam patients?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is covered by BC MSP when medically indicated. Burnaby and Coquitlam patients pay nothing additional for receiving care at Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic versus a Vancouver clinic. MSP coverage is province-wide.
What is the route from Coquitlam to Dr. Sundaram's clinic?
From Coquitlam, take the Brunette Avenue connector to Trans-Canada Highway 1 eastbound. Continue east through Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Mission Road, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. Take the exit for Chilliwack and follow to 9181 Main St, Unit 109. Free parking is available on-site.
How do I get a referral from Burnaby or Coquitlam?
Ask your Burnaby or Coquitlam family physician or optometrist to fax a referral to (604) 426-2721, or submit via the Ocean Health eReferral platform (search "Dr. Aish Sundaram" or "Precision Eye Surgery"). Our office will contact you to book your consultation once the referral is received.
Does Dr. Sundaram offer blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) for Burnaby patients?
Yes. Dr. Sundaram performs upper and lower blepharoplasty for both functional (affecting vision — MSP-covered when indicated) and cosmetic purposes. She also performs Asian eyelid surgery. A referral from your family physician or optometrist is required for MSP-covered blepharoplasty assessment.
Burnaby & Coquitlam: Prompt Eye Care Just East on Trans-Canada
Ask your family doctor or optometrist to refer you to Dr. Sundaram. MSP-covered, fellowship-trained care — no long wait lists — just 55–70 minutes east via Highway 1.