Cataract Surgeon Serving the Entire Fraser Valley
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC, is a fellowship-trained cataract surgeon based in Abbotsford, providing MSP-covered cataract surgery and complete ophthalmology care to patients from every community in the Fraser Valley — from Langley and Maple Ridge in the west to Hope and Harrison Hot Springs in the east.
The Fraser Valley — stretching from Langley and Maple Ridge in the west through Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack to Hope and Agassiz in the east — is home to more than 600,000 people. Dr. Sundaram's practice is strategically centred in Abbotsford to serve this entire region, offering cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and comprehensive ophthalmology care without the need to travel to Vancouver.
Why Choose a Fraser Valley Cataract Surgeon?
Many Fraser Valley residents have historically felt that high-quality cataract surgery required a trip to Vancouver or the immediate suburbs. This is no longer the case. Dr. Sundaram brings FRCSC-level surgical expertise — the highest standard in Canadian ophthalmology — directly to the Abbotsford clinic.
Choosing local care means shorter travel times for pre-operative consultations, the surgery itself, and follow-up appointments. It means no navigating the Massey Tunnel, no downtown Vancouver parking, and no multi-hour round trips for what is typically a 15-minute same-day procedure. For older patients or those relying on family members for transportation, the convenience benefit is significant.
Dr. Sundaram's surgical outcomes and quality of care are equivalent to any major academic centre. As a UBC Clinical Instructor in the Glaucoma Division, she maintains active engagement with current evidence and teaching, ensuring her practice reflects the latest standards.
MSP Coverage — What Fraser Valley Patients Should Know
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan for eligible residents when surgery is medically indicated. This means Fraser Valley residents pay nothing out-of-pocket for the essential procedure. There is no socioeconomic barrier to accessing this vision-restoring surgery through Dr. Sundaram's practice.
Optional premium lens upgrades — including toric lenses for astigmatism correction and multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses for reduced spectacle dependence — are available at an additional cost. Dr. Sundaram is committed to transparent, pressure-free discussions about these options. She will clearly explain what is covered by MSP and what represents a personal choice, so you can make the right decision for your circumstances.
Dr. Sundaram's Surgical Expertise
Dr. Sundaram completed her ophthalmology residency at Dalhousie University (2016–2021), one of Canada's leading ophthalmology training programs, and received her FRCSC designation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her fellowship training in glaucoma management adds another layer of expertise particularly relevant for patients with both cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure — a common combination in older patients.
Cataract surgery is performed using modern phacoemulsification technique — a small-incision approach that provides precise lens removal and rapid visual recovery. The procedure is typically performed under topical or local anesthesia as a day surgery, with patients returning home the same day. Most patients report noticeable vision improvement within 24 to 48 hours.
All Communities in the Fraser Valley Welcome
Dr. Sundaram's practice welcomes referrals from every community in the Fraser Valley. Whether your patient is in Langley, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or as far east as Hope — all are within a reasonable drive of the Abbotsford clinic. Referrals can be sent by fax to (604) 426-2720 or through Ocean Health eReferral.
Every Fraser Valley Community Served
Dr. Sundaram's Abbotsford clinic serves the entire Fraser Valley — from the western suburbs to the eastern mountain communities. No one in this region should need to travel to Vancouver for cataract surgery or ophthalmology care.
Abbotsford
Primary clinic location. Full range of surgical and medical ophthalmology. Central base for the entire Fraser Valley.
View Abbotsford page →Chilliwack & Sardis
~35 min from Chilliwack via Highway 1. Serving all Chilliwack, Sardis, Vedder Crossing, and Cultus Lake residents.
View Chilliwack page →Mission & Langley
~30–40 min from Langley and Mission. Serving Mission, Langley City, Township of Langley, and Aldergrove.
View Mission/Langley page →Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
~45–55 min from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Serving the western ridgeline communities of the Fraser Valley.
Hope, Agassiz & Harrison
~60–70 min from Hope and Agassiz. Serving eastern Fraser Valley communities that otherwise lack local specialist access.
Rosedale, Yarrow & Kent
Small communities east of Chilliwack — all within the clinic's catchment area and welcome to be referred.
All Communities in the Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is one of BC's most diverse regions — agricultural communities, urban centres, rural townships, and mountain villages. Every one of these communities deserves equal access to specialist ophthalmology. Dr. Sundaram's practice was built with this principle at its core.
No matter where in the Fraser Valley you live, a referral to Dr. Sundaram brings FRCSC-certified cataract surgery and ophthalmology care within reach — without the cost, time, and stress of travelling to Vancouver.
Fraser Valley Cataract Surgery — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from patients and referring providers across the Fraser Valley about cataract surgery and ophthalmology care with Dr. Sundaram.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP in the Fraser Valley?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan when medically indicated. This applies to all BC residents regardless of which Fraser Valley community they live in. Optional premium lens upgrades are available at additional cost and are thoroughly explained during your consultation.
Why choose a Fraser Valley surgeon instead of going to Vancouver?
Choosing Dr. Sundaram in Abbotsford means shorter travel for consultations, surgery, and follow-ups — no Massey Tunnel, no downtown parking, no congested city driving. Wait times are often comparable or shorter than Vancouver specialists. The quality of care is equivalent to major academic centres: Dr. Sundaram is FRCSC-certified and a UBC Clinical Instructor.
What does cataract surgery involve?
Cataract surgery removes the eye's clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial IOL. It is performed under local anesthesia as a day procedure — patients go home the same day. Modern phacoemulsification technique uses a tiny incision for precise, minimally invasive lens removal. Most patients notice significant vision improvement within 24–48 hours.
How do I get referred to Dr. Sundaram for cataract surgery?
Ask your family physician or optometrist to send a referral by fax to (604) 426-2720 or through Ocean Health eReferral. Include reason for referral, visual acuity measurements, relevant medications, and any complicating history. Dr. Sundaram will perform a consultation to confirm surgical candidacy and discuss lens options.
What lens options are available for cataract surgery?
The MSP-covered standard option is a monofocal IOL providing clear vision at one distance. Optional upgrades include toric lenses to correct astigmatism, and multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery. All options are explained without pressure during your consultation — the goal is informed choice, not upselling.
Does Dr. Sundaram treat glaucoma alongside cataracts?
Yes. Dr. Sundaram's fellowship training in glaucoma makes her particularly well-suited to manage patients who have both conditions — a common combination. She evaluates each patient's complete picture, and in appropriate cases may recommend combined surgical procedures. Glaucoma management including SLT laser, medical management, and surgical options is fully available at the clinic.
Expert Cataract Surgery for the Entire Fraser Valley
From Langley to Hope, every Fraser Valley resident deserves access to FRCSC-certified cataract surgery close to home. Ask your family doctor or optometrist to refer you to Dr. Sundaram today.