Ophthalmologist Serving the South Okanagan — Keremeos, Oliver & Osoyoos
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC, offers fellowship-trained ophthalmology care from her Chilliwack clinic — accessible via the scenic Highway 3 corridor. For South Okanagan patients on lengthy wait lists, Chilliwack offers a compelling alternative with shorter wait times. Cataract surgery, glaucoma, and diabetic eye exams — all MSP-covered.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
The South Okanagan is one of Canada's most distinctive regions — home to Keremeos, the "Fruit Stand Capital of BC"; Oliver, the self-proclaimed "Wine Capital of Canada"; and Osoyoos, Canada's warmest city and a border community with a character all its own. It is a region of stunning natural beauty and a growing population, with significant agricultural and retirement communities. It is also a region where access to specialist healthcare — including ophthalmology — has been a persistent challenge.
A Realistic Alternative for South Okanagan Patients
Keremeos is approximately 210 km from Chilliwack via Hope and Highway 3 — roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive. Oliver is about 250 km (~2.5 to 3 hours), and Osoyoos approximately 275 km (~2.5 to 3 hours). Highway 3 through the Cascade Mountains and the Similkameen Valley is a well-maintained, scenic route that is passable for most of the year, and the drive is manageable for a day trip.
For many South Okanagan patients currently on wait lists for ophthalmology care — sometimes extending 12 months or more for non-urgent cases — the drive to Chilliwack can represent a meaningful time advantage. When you or a family member is dealing with cataracts that are affecting driving or daily life, or glaucoma that requires ongoing monitoring to prevent irreversible vision loss, waiting over a year is not always the right answer. As the Fraser Valley's dedicated ophthalmology hub, Precision Eye Surgery often has shorter wait times and is equipped to handle your complete eye care needs from consultation through surgery and follow-up.
Eye Health Priorities in the South Okanagan
The South Okanagan's lifestyle creates specific eye health considerations. The region receives some of BC's highest annual UV radiation — a significant risk factor for cataract acceleration, pterygium, and other UV-related eye conditions. Outdoor vineyard and orchard workers face prolonged UV and wind exposure. The area's warm, dry climate also contributes to dry eye conditions that can require specialist management.
Diabetes rates in agricultural worker populations — including the significant South Asian and Spanish-speaking communities in the Keremeos, Oliver, and Osoyoos areas — can be higher than provincial averages. Diabetic retinopathy, if not monitored regularly by an ophthalmologist, can lead to preventable blindness. Dr. Sundaram provides diabetic eye examinations as part of her MSP-covered services, and she approaches every patient with the cultural sensitivity and clear communication that diverse communities deserve.
About Dr. Sundaram
Dr. Aish Sundaram is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in glaucoma, earned through her fellowship at Dalhousie University. She is also a UBC Clinical Instructor and holds a Master of Education in Health Interprofessional Education — a credential that reflects her belief that patient understanding is central to good outcomes. Her practice is MSP-first, with no pressure toward premium services, and she brings the same high standard of care to every patient regardless of where they come from.
How to Get a Referral
Dr. Sundaram accepts referrals from family physicians and optometrists throughout the South Okanagan. 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 medical history, current medications, and available vision measurements or optometry reports.
- 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 book your appointment. For patients travelling a significant distance, we aim to make the visit as comprehensive and efficient as possible to minimize unnecessary trips. Consultation letters are returned to your referring provider within two weeks of your visit.
Services Available to South Okanagan 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 the South Okanagan
The South Okanagan is home to fruit orchards, award-winning wineries, and some of BC's most welcoming communities. Keremeos is renowned as BC's fruit stand capital, Oliver is the wine capital of Canada, and Osoyoos is Canada's warmest city — all are communities with proud identities and residents who deserve accessible, high-quality healthcare.
Dr. Sundaram is committed to serving patients from this region who have been waiting too long for specialist care. We welcome referrals from across the South Okanagan and encourage patients who have been on Interior wait lists to ask their referring provider about Precision Eye Surgery as an alternative.
Ophthalmology for South Okanagan Patients — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from patients and referring providers in Keremeos, Oliver, Osoyoos, and the South Okanagan.
Is it worth driving from Osoyoos to Chilliwack for an ophthalmologist?
For many patients, yes. South Okanagan residents waiting 12 months or more for a specialist ophthalmology appointment may find that the drive to Chilliwack — approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Osoyoos via Highway 3 — is a worthwhile investment in their vision health. When cataracts are affecting driving safety or daily function, or when glaucoma requires monitoring to prevent irreversible loss, prompt care matters clinically. We welcome patients who have been waiting elsewhere and encourage you to contact our office to discuss current wait times.
What conditions benefit most from prompt ophthalmology care?
Glaucoma requires regular monitoring — delaying care can mean irreversible optic nerve damage and vision loss that cannot be recovered. Cataracts, when they have progressed to the point of affecting driving safety, reading, or daily activities, are best addressed without unnecessary delay. Diabetic eye disease also benefits from early detection — retinal changes caught early can often be managed to prevent significant vision loss. If you have been waiting for care for any of these conditions, please ask your referring provider to contact our office.
Do you offer virtual pre-consultations for patients from the South Okanagan?
We encourage patients from the South Okanagan to discuss this with our office. Some pre-consultation information gathering — including reviewing referral details, previous imaging, and answering preliminary questions — may be possible remotely, which can help make the in-person visit as efficient and productive as possible for patients travelling a significant distance. Contact us at (604) 426-2720 or info@precisioneyesurgery.ca to discuss your specific situation.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for patients from Keremeos, Oliver, or Osoyoos?
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. South Okanagan residents with valid BC MSP coverage are eligible for the same full coverage as any other BC patient. Optional premium lens upgrades are available at additional cost and are always presented transparently and without pressure.
Ready to Access Expert Eye Care?
Ask your family doctor or optometrist in the South Okanagan to refer you to Dr. Sundaram in Chilliwack. New patient referrals are welcome from Keremeos, Oliver, Osoyoos, and all surrounding communities.