Do I need a referral?

If you are a new patient to us, you will need a referral from your family doctor, specialist doctor, or optometrist.

You do NOT require a new referral if your last referral was after July 1, 2023 AND you are returning for the same condition.

If the reason you are returning is not for the same condition as your previous visit, another referral will be required.

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If you are not sure if you require a new referral or not, please contact the office at 604-730-8869.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your current eyeglasses (if you have them), and a list of any medications that you take.

Many medications can affect the eyes, so please do not exclude any medications from your list, even if you do not think it is relevant. 

How long will my appointment be?

Most appointments are roughly 15-30 minutes in length, but if you are having additional testing (such as visual field, OCT, or measurements for cataract surgery), please allow at least an hour for your visit.

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*Please note that all patients taking hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil will have visual field testing.*

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Our office normally runs on time, so if you are running late please call the office at 604-730-8869 to let us know.  We may need to reschedule your appointment if you are more than 10 minutes late.

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No-Show + Cancellation Policy

Patients who miss their scheduled appointment without notifying the office in advance are subject to a No-Show Fee of $150.

Will my eyes be dilated?

Most patients do not need to be dilated for their appointments at our office.  If you are having concerns about floaters, flashing lights, or veils in your vision we will likely ask to dilate your eyes so that Dr. Shan can have a closer look at the back of your eye.

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If you have high myopia (nearsighted prescriptions >-6.00) we also recommend to have a dilated eye exam annually as you are at higher risk of having a retinal detachment.  If you have a dilated eye exam with an optometrist regularly we may not need to dilate your eyes at your visit with us. 

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We do not typically dilate patients taking hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil, unless they have any of the above concerns.

Where can I park?

Underground parking is available below our building (entrance off Birch Street). 

Street parking is available on West Broadway from 10:00am and 3:00pm (between Alder Street and Birch Street).

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Both of these options are paid parking, usually at a rate of $6-7 per hour. 

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You can also find parking at other lots in the area, such as above the Toys R' Us building, and on other side streets.

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Wheelchair + Mobility Aid access

Our office is accessible for wheelchairs and most mobility aids.  The hallways and doorways can be a bit tight, depending on the width of your mobility aid.

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We have one exam room that is wheelchair-friendly, so you do not need to be able to transfer to our exam chair for your visit, unless you prefer to.  If this room is in use when you arrive for your appointment, you may need to wait a few extra minutes, so please plan accordingly.

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Some of our testing equipment (such as cameras, visual field and OCT machines, etc.) may not be accessible if you are unable to transfer from your wheelchair.  Most ophthalmologic equipment requires patients to sit very upright and lean forward.  If your wheelchair is able to adjust/get close enough to the machine, or you are able to lean forward enough, we will likely be able to complete the testing. 

It can be hard to determine if we will be able to complete these additional tests in advance, but if you have any concerns please reach out to the office at 604-730-8869. 

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Please note the washrooms on the sixth floor do not have automatic doors and the hallway can be tough to maneuver through, but the washrooms on the SEVENTH floor DO have automatic doors.

I used to take hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil, but I don't anymore... Do I still need to attend my appointment?

If you continued to take hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil for more than 4 months after your last screening with us, we recommend you still attend your appointment.

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If you stopped taking hydroxychloroquine less than 4 months after your last screening, you may contact us to cancel your appointment.  You are welcome to still attend your appointment, if you wish.