Cataract Surgery Near Surrey, BC — Prompt Appointments, MSP Covered
Surrey patients facing ophthalmology wait lists: Dr. Aish Sundaram, MD FRCSC MEd, offers expert cataract surgery just 45–55 minutes east via Trans-Canada. MSP-covered, evidence-based, and accepting new referrals.
9181 Main St, Unit 109, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9
Clinic Information
For Surrey patients needing cataract surgery, the path forward should not mean months of waiting. Dr. Aish Sundaram, a fellowship-trained FRCSC ophthalmologist, sees Surrey patients at her Chilliwack clinic — just 80 km east on Trans-Canada Highway 1. With MSP covering standard surgery and prompt appointments available, access to high-quality cataract care does not have to mean a long wait or a complicated process.
The Cataract Surgery Journey for Surrey Patients
Cataracts develop gradually — the lens of the eye becomes clouded, causing blurry or dim vision, increased glare, and difficulty with night driving. When cataracts significantly affect your vision and quality of life, surgery is the only effective treatment. The procedure involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
For Surrey patients, the journey typically begins with a referral from your family doctor or optometrist. Dr. Sundaram will conduct a thorough preoperative assessment — including measurements of your eye's shape and optical characteristics — before recommending the most appropriate IOL for your visual needs. The surgery itself is performed at a surgical facility; detailed information about the surgical venue will be provided at consultation.
Why Surrey Patients Look Beyond Metro Vancouver
Ophthalmology capacity in Metro Vancouver is under significant pressure. Routine cataract surgery consultations often involve lengthy waits at large urban centres. For many Surrey patients — particularly those with significant vision impairment from cataracts — an extended wait is not just inconvenient: it can affect daily activities, driving, independence, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic offers a practical solution: prompt specialist access, expert surgical care, and the same MSP coverage — regardless of where in BC the surgery is performed. The 45–55 minute drive east on Trans-Canada is, for many patients, a worthwhile trade for faster access to vision-restoring surgery. Visit our Fraser Valley ophthalmology hub for more about our broader service area.
Standard vs Premium IOL Options
Cataract surgery involves replacing your natural lens with an artificial one. There is no pressure from Dr. Sundaram's practice to choose a premium option — the right lens is the one that fits your eyes, lifestyle, and values. Here is a plain-language summary of available options:
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Standard Monofocal IOL
Fully covered by BC MSP when medically indicated. Corrects distance vision clearly — most patients also use reading glasses post-operatively for near tasks. This is the most proven, widely used IOL option worldwide.
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Toric IOL (Astigmatism Correction)
An optional premium upgrade for patients with pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Corrects both the cataract and the astigmatism simultaneously, potentially reducing dependence on glasses for distance vision. Well-evidenced and widely used. Available at additional cost.
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Multifocal & EDOF IOLs
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) and multifocal lenses aim to reduce spectacle dependence at multiple distances. Well-studied options that suit certain patients well. Dr. Sundaram will discuss candidacy honestly — these lenses are not appropriate for everyone. Available at additional cost. Read our full IOL options guide.
Dr. Sundaram's philosophy is straightforward: she will give you an honest, evidence-based recommendation. If a premium lens is not in your best interest, she will say so.
Dr. Sundaram's Credentials
Dr. Sundaram completed her medical training at Dalhousie University and received her FRCSC designation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She completed a fellowship in glaucoma and is an active Clinical Instructor in the Glaucoma Division at UBC. Her Master of Education (MEd) in Health Interprofessional Education reflects her commitment to thorough patient communication — ensuring every patient fully understands their condition and options before making any decision.
How to Get a Referral from Surrey
To start the cataract surgery process, ask your 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 level, current medications, and available vision measurements or optometry reports.
- Via Ocean Health eReferral: Search "Precision Eye Surgery" or "Dr. Aish Sundaram" on the Ocean eReferral platform.
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 — evidence-based recommendations.
✓ MSP CoveredGlaucoma Management
Fellowship-trained glaucoma care including OCT imaging, visual fields, SLT laser, and surgical options.
✓ MSP CoveredBlepharoplasty
Upper and lower eyelid surgery. Functional cases 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 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 with your family physician and optometrist for complex conditions including uveitis and macular degeneration.
✓ MSP CoveredCataract Surgery for All of Surrey
From Newton to Cloverdale, Whalley to South Surrey — Dr. Sundaram's Chilliwack clinic is accessible from every corner of BC's second-largest city. For Surrey patients who have been navigating long ophthalmology wait lists, the drive east on Trans-Canada is a proven path to prompt, expert cataract care.
Surrey's large South Asian, Filipino, and Chinese communities include many patients who may have been managing reduced vision for some time. Dr. Sundaram's MSP-first approach ensures that high-quality cataract surgery is accessible to every patient — regardless of income or background.
Cataract Surgery from Surrey — Your Questions Answered
Common questions from Surrey patients and referring providers about cataract surgery with Dr. Sundaram.
How do I get cataract surgery from Surrey?
Ask your Surrey family doctor or optometrist to send a referral to Dr. Aish Sundaram at Precision Eye Surgery. Referrals can be faxed to (604) 426-2721 or submitted via the Ocean Health eReferral platform. Once we receive your referral, our office will contact you to book a consultation appointment.
What are the premium lens options for cataract surgery?
Beyond the standard MSP-covered monofocal lens, optional premium upgrades include toric IOLs (for astigmatism correction), EDOF (extended depth of focus) lenses, and multifocal IOLs. These are well-evidenced options that suit certain patients. Dr. Sundaram will explain all choices honestly and recommend what is genuinely best for your eyes — with no pressure toward premium options. You can also read our detailed IOL options guide.
How long is the wait for cataract surgery from Surrey?
Contact our office for current wait estimates. We strive to offer timely access to care — typically faster than major Metro Vancouver centres. Urgency is triaged appropriately, so patients with more significant vision impairment are prioritized.
Is the drive from Surrey worth it for cataract surgery?
Many Surrey patients find the approximately 45–55 minute drive east on Trans-Canada Highway 1 well worth the access to prompt, expert care. The drive is straightforward on Highway 1, free parking is available at the clinic, and MSP covers the surgery regardless of where in BC it is performed.
Is cataract surgery covered by MSP for Surrey patients?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is fully covered by BC's Medical Services Plan when medically indicated. Surrey residents have the same MSP entitlement regardless of which BC city performs the surgery. There is no additional cost to being seen in Chilliwack.
Can my family doctor in Surrey refer me to Dr. Sundaram?
Yes. Any Surrey family physician or optometrist can send a referral to Dr. Sundaram. There are no geographic restrictions on specialist referrals within BC under MSP. Your referring provider can fax the referral to (604) 426-2721 or use the Ocean Health eReferral platform.
Surrey Patients: Don't Wait — Access Expert Cataract Surgery
Ask your family doctor or optometrist to refer you to Dr. Sundaram. MSP-covered, evidence-based, honest. Just 45 minutes east on Trans-Canada.