Ophthalmologist Serving South Surrey & White Rock — Expert Care Nearby
Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC MEd, welcomes patients from White Rock, South Surrey, and surrounding communities. Expert cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and blepharoplasty — MSP-covered — with prompt appointments at her Chilliwack clinic, approximately 55–65 km via Trans-Canada.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
White Rock and South Surrey form one of BC's most desirable communities — known for their ocean views, established neighbourhoods, and a significant senior population. With a higher proportion of older residents than most Metro Vancouver municipalities, the demand for ophthalmology services — particularly cataract surgery and glaucoma management — is substantial. Finding a specialist who is accepting new patients promptly is a real challenge for many residents of this area.
Ophthalmology Serving White Rock & South Surrey
Dr. Aish Sundaram, a fellowship-trained FRCSC ophthalmologist and UBC Clinical Instructor, sees patients from White Rock and South Surrey at her Chilliwack clinic located at 9181 Main St, Unit 109. The route is straightforward: take Highway 15 (King George Boulevard) north from White Rock, connect to Trans-Canada Highway 1 eastbound, and continue to Chilliwack — approximately 55–65 km and 45–55 minutes off-peak.
For patients near the US border at Blaine and Peace Arch, accessing BC specialist care in Chilliwack via Trans-Canada is often more practical than driving through heavy Metro Vancouver traffic toward specialist centres further north and west. Free on-site parking at the clinic means no additional hassle on arrival.
Why White Rock & South Surrey Patients Seek Specialist Care Further East
White Rock is a retirement destination: many residents have lived here for decades and are at peak age for cataracts, glaucoma, and eyelid conditions. The local area has a high per-capita need for ophthalmology services, but access to accepting new patients within Metro Vancouver can be limited. Ophthalmology wait lists throughout the Lower Mainland are well-documented.
Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic offers an accessible solution — prompt specialist assessment, evidence-based care, and full MSP coverage for eligible services. There is no financial disadvantage to being seen at a BC clinic outside your immediate city. Visit our Fraser Valley ophthalmology hub for more information about our practice and referral process.
Conditions Treated
Dr. Sundaram provides comprehensive ophthalmology services for White Rock and South Surrey patients, including:
- Cataract surgery — standard monofocal IOL (MSP-covered); premium toric and EDOF/multifocal upgrades available
- Glaucoma management — including OCT, visual field testing, SLT laser, and surgical options; high prevalence in senior populations
- Blepharoplasty — upper and lower eyelid surgery; functional cases covered by MSP
- Diabetic eye examinations — retinal screening for patients with diabetes
- Comprehensive eye evaluations — thorough ophthalmological assessment
- Eye disease co-management — shared care for macular degeneration, uveitis, and other complex conditions
How to Get a Referral from White Rock or South Surrey
Ask your White Rock or South Surrey family physician or optometrist to send a referral to Dr. Sundaram:
- By fax: (604) 426-2721. Include patient demographics, MSP number, reason for referral, urgency, current medications, and available vision measurements.
- Via Ocean Health eReferral: Search "Precision Eye Surgery" or "Dr. Aish Sundaram" on the Ocean eReferral platform.
After we receive your referral, our office will contact you to book your appointment. A consultation letter is sent to your referring provider within two weeks to support seamless shared care.
Ophthalmology Services for White Rock & South Surrey
Dr. Sundaram provides the full range of medical and surgical ophthalmology — most services covered by BC's Medical Services Plan.
Cataract Surgery
Precise lens removal with IOL implantation. Standard surgery MSP-covered. Premium lens options discussed honestly.
✓ MSP CoveredGlaucoma Management
Fellowship-trained glaucoma care. 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. Cosmetic options also available.
✓ MSP (Functional)Diabetic Eye Exams
Retinal screening and monitoring for patients with diabetes. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy preserves vision.
✓ MSP CoveredComprehensive Eye Exams
Thorough ophthalmological assessment including anterior segment, fundus evaluation, and intraocular pressure measurement.
✓ MSP CoveredEye Disease Co-Management
Shared care for complex conditions including macular degeneration, uveitis, and more — in collaboration with your local providers.
✓ MSP CoveredServing White Rock & South Surrey's Communities
White Rock and South Surrey encompass a wide range of established and growing neighbourhoods. White Rock's waterfront community has a particularly significant senior population — an age group with high rates of cataracts and glaucoma. Whether you live near the beach, in the rolling hills of Morgan Creek, or the newer developments of Grandview Heights and Willoughby, Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic is accessible via a straightforward highway drive.
Patients near the US border particularly benefit: the drive east on Trans-Canada to Chilliwack avoids the heavier congestion of central Metro Vancouver, making for a less stressful journey to specialist care.
Ophthalmology for White Rock & South Surrey — Questions Answered
Common questions from patients and referring providers in the White Rock and South Surrey area.
How far is Dr. Sundaram's clinic from White Rock?
The clinic at 9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack is approximately 55–65 km from White Rock — about 45–55 minutes via Highway 15 north to Trans-Canada Highway 1 east, off-peak. Grandview Heights residents may experience a slightly longer drive of around 50–60 minutes.
Does Dr. Sundaram accept patients from White Rock and South Surrey?
Yes. Dr. Sundaram actively accepts new referrals from White Rock and South Surrey family physicians and optometrists. BC residents can access specialist care at any BC clinic under MSP — your location within the province does not limit your referral options.
Is MSP cataract surgery available for White Rock patients?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan when medically indicated — regardless of where in BC the surgery takes place. White Rock and South Surrey patients pay the same (nothing) to receive surgery in Chilliwack as they would in Vancouver.
Why should senior patients in White Rock consider Chilliwack for eye care?
White Rock has a significant senior population with high rates of cataracts, glaucoma, and eyelid conditions. Ophthalmology wait lists in Metro Vancouver can be lengthy. Dr. Sundaram's clinic offers prompt appointments — the 45–55 minute drive via Highway 1 is often much faster than waiting many months for a Metro Vancouver appointment.
How do I get a referral from White Rock or South Surrey?
Ask your White Rock or South Surrey family physician or optometrist to fax a referral to (604) 426-2721, or submit via Ocean Health's eReferral platform (search "Dr. Aish Sundaram" or "Precision Eye Surgery"). Our office will contact you to book your consultation.
Is glaucoma management covered by MSP?
Yes. Medical management of glaucoma including OCT imaging, visual field testing, and SLT laser are covered by BC MSP when referred by a physician or optometrist. Dr. Sundaram has subspecialty fellowship training in glaucoma and provides the most current evidence-based care.
White Rock & South Surrey: Expert Eye Care, Just East on Trans-Canada
Ask your family doctor or optometrist to refer you to Dr. Sundaram. MSP-covered, prompt appointments, free parking — about 45–55 minutes from White Rock.