Fraser Valley Cataract & Laser - Dr. Gabriel Chu

Edit: Since posting this review, I had received a phone call from the manager the next day and he apologized for what we experienced. He has stated that this situation was brought up during the staff meeting and has implemented ways that the tech staff can approach these types of interactions in the best way possible. Thank you for listening to your patients and being susceptible to feedback!

original review:

We have been going here for a while but have noticed a lack of kindness and compassion from the staff. My father recently came in for his appointment and was treated with little respect due to the language barrier. I understand how frustrating it can be to communicate with someone who knows very little english, however, this kind of situation should be dealt with patience and not combated with a snarky attitude. Not to mention that my sister was there for translation but was quickly cut off before she could even rely what the staff was saying to him. From the moment we walk in to the moment we leave, there is not a single time that we can say we’ve felt welcome or had the best experience. Dr. Chu is very talented, but the staff at this office makes it almost unbearable to keep coming here.

The staff from the surgeons and to the front end staff are always make you feel welcomed and each staff member is confident in what they do. A wonderful place to go if you are having eye problems and want to go with the best, I would strongly suggest Fraser Valley Cataract and Laser should be your first choice. I'm glad I'm going with pure professionals.

I am extremely pleased with my new eyes! Let’s get into my story. During the Covid pandemic I worked in an Assisted Living facility where the fluorescent lighting was quite powerful. I had no clue the damage that was being caused to my eyes and my health due to severe migraines.
I went to get my eyes checked thinking I needed glasses. That wasn’t the case I developed cataract in both my eyes and this is how I was introduced to: Fraser Valley Cataract & Laser.
I met first with the fabulous helpful staff and was put thru a series of testing. My next step was to meet with Dr. Chu he was awesome very knowledgeable and very supportive. My next step I met with Dr. Dhaliwal he was very personable and concerned making sure I was informed and comfortable truly a good Doctor.
Fast forward surgery day… Dr. Heinrich is AMAZING! Made me feel at ease and is an experience Surgeon over 30yrs. I had both eyes done with laser surgery. Dr. Heinrich last words to me were…
“ Enjoy your new eyes”. I thought hmmmm what does that mean?
I know now the vibrant colors I see and my vision is great and not seeing stars while driving at night is exactly what Dr. Heinrich was talking about!
A BIG THANK YOUto all those who were involved in my FABULOUS care!
I couldn’t be more grateful for the wonderful team. I took a few photos post surgery you can see below.

My grandpa had cataract surgery here and had a great experience during his counseling session. Very informative and organized.

**EDIT** Upon this review. I was contacted by the office regarding my concern. I mentioned the impersonal 'sales approach' feeling I had on my voicemail. Well.apparently they are no longer going to reach out to customers re: private surgery costs.except at the office. THAT IS AWESOME. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR PATIENTS *****. (Original review listed below) Went to get my hooded eyelid reviewed abt a year ago. Was told it wasn't that bad, but if I wanted it done for $3k, I could. I said no.the next follow up appt 6 mths later, it still wasn't bad, so it was left again (which is fine). But about two months after that. I got a voicemail offering me the private surgery at a cost. That sounds like desparation.no thanks.

After my 3rd pre cataract surgery, i left the appointment feeling bad, and a bit shamed. I am a 74year old on pension. With a small fixed income, and having paid into my medical plan for 50 years, I feel I deserve the respect as anyone else. Unfortunately that was not the case. Because I opted to have the surgery at the hospital instead of their clinic in Surrey, they told my I would have to wait 1 to 2years for that to happen. Also because of where I was getting it done I would have to wear glasses full time after. I have never had to wear glasses. That was only marked on the hospital n/c line.not the clinics line. They had lost all my paper work that morning and wanted me to refill it out again.
Sorry, I have lost all trust in this place now. How can I trust them with my precious eye?
Janet macdonald

As soon as you arrive, they take your temperature before telling you that your cannot enter because the mask you have on is not a medical mask. If you want to enter, you must purchase one of their masks for two dollars, then at the risk of getting covid19, remove your own mask in order to put one of their mask on-which is no different that the one I have in my car. Next you wait over an hour just for eye drops which never come because of the emergency announcement that you must either reschedule or wait another few hours for your appointment. Then while trying to reschedule upon leaving, they try to get you to sign a legal waiver of your rights to future care.

Ridiculous place & doesn’t care about patients’ condition. They reschedule you at a last minute with short notice for appointments and surgery and when we tried tried to cancel/reschedule a surgery date, they charge you penalty because the turnaround date too soon. But that was THE day they told us about the surgery date. How can we let you know sooner if we were notified with such short turnaround? Also, very difficult to get a call and even difficult to get a call back. ‍️‍️

Dr Chu was such a kind, polite and very meticulous in doing my eye surgeon. My eyes are still in recovery mode but wow what a difference. I can see my eyes again. I’m just thrilled with my surgery. I truly recommend him!

I love this place! On an app't with Dr. Chu he said, you need glasses, I said I need Lasik surgery - it was the best decision made! No more reading glasses, no more blurred vision, no blind spots and seeing 20/10 - what can be better than that? ! Manpreet is awesome with measuring eyes and discussing the procedure (long app't), Dr. King (Surrey clinic) was great with the actual Lasik procedure as I have autoimmune diseases to keep in mind and he knew exactly about it and Dr. Dhaliwahl has been great with after care. Whatever you do, if you go with Lasik (do) USE the hydrating tear drops constantly after surgery! You will love your new superhuman vision, my new superpower! Thank You FVCL Team

My experience was great from start to finish. I was at the Abbotsford clinic with Dr Chu. He was informative and personable. From the first appointment to surgery was one week. Dr Chu was kind and reassuring when I expressed my nervousness. The surgery went well and my droopy eyelids are replaced by natural looking bright open lids. I would definitely recommend Fraser Valley Cataracts and Laser.

No body told me when to use the numbing cream on time, the needle is painful, 2 day of some pain and then alot of ice pack, was so worth it, 1 week later a bit of swelling, 100 percent improvement, no more tired heavy eyes, and I see more, I Highly recommend correcting droopy eyelids,

I had LASIK done with the team at FVCL. Everyone from the staff, technicians and doctors were very helpful, explanative and thorough. I am very happy with the service and results I was provided.

I was very happy with the service I received at Fraser Valley cataract and laser. The staff were extremely efficient and pleasant. Everything ran very smoothly. Dr. Chu did an excellent job in removing my cataracts and replacing the lenses. My vision is better than it’s been in years.

I had a wonderful experience with the team at FVCL while getting LASIK. The staff are kind and courteous as well as mindful of COVID guidelines and policies. The clinic is clean and there is adequate room for social distancing as well as minimal wait times. The follow up was easy and the office is well run. Thank you especially to Dr Dhaliwal for his excellent care during my follow up appointments. I’m very happy I chose to use FVCL for my LASIK.

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, the booking was fast and easy, the procedure was quick, a little uncomfortable but not painful, and I was amazed at how quickly the discomfort went away after.
I should have done it years ago.

Dr. Payne and Dr. Chu were the 6th and 7th doctors I had seen in 15 months, previous doctors told me to remove my eye and I had no other options. Dr. Chu suggested (and performed a tarsorrhaphy). For the first time in 20 years it doesn't feel like there is sand in my eye. Also it cosmetically looks a so much better. The reception is friendly and Amber the Clinic leader was very attentive and friendly as well. I cannot say enough good things.

Dr Chu and his team are amazing. Making the decision to have cataract surgery and new lenses felt overwhelming. I had no idea how wonderful and emotional the out come would feel. I decided on multi focal lenses. After surgery I was free of cataracts and glasses, and able see each individual tree on a hilltop, and read labels or books. I am feeling very blessed to have experienced the talents of Dr. Chu, Dr. Dhaliwal and their team. Thank you.

The staff were all so nice and very helpful. There was no waiting time at all and the doctors were very knowledgeable and helpful.

After 34 years of wearing glasses and having a very difficult time with bifocal lenses. I finally had the PRK Monovision surgery done by Dr. King recently. It was one of the best decision of my life so far. The whole team at Abby and Surrey Office are very professional, knowledgeable, and helpful, especially Manpreet @ Abby Office. She answered all my questions and arrange everything for me. On the surgery day, Dr. King was very kind and assured me that I am in very good hands and he was right! The whole surgery took only within 5-7 minutes and it was surreal to be able to see without having glasses on right after the surgery! THANKS SO MUCH to Dr. King, Dr. Dhaliwal (who is taking care of my case after the surgery) and everyone at Abby Office especially Manpreet, and others staff at Surrey Office (Rachna, Dina, and others). You have an amazing team here at Fraser Valley Cataracts & Laser. I would totally recommend this office to everyone that is for sure!

My mom had her appointment with Dr. Chu and he took the time to explain to her to her what was going on with her eyes. The staff is super friendly and the office is very open!

This is a very large operation with 6 doctors and a huge staff. I've had both cataract surgery as well as laser work from Dr. Chu and both went smoothly with not a hitch. For such a large operation the doctors still offer the personal touch that one would expect from a small operation.

Arrived at 2.15 appointment. The ladies that did the testing were good and efficient. 25 minutes for the testing. Then asked to wait in another area. Waited for 30 minutes. Then taken to Dr.assessment room where a tech.person spent 2 minutes going over my file. She said the Dr.would be in next. Waited 40 minutes. No Dr.came. I finally went to the front desk and asked where the Dr.was. I told them i was not impressed. After 10 min wait again a tech.told me they had a computer problem. Why did they not inform me earlier? I finally got out of their office at 3.45. Not impressed.

T

Very poor in Communications schedule surgery 6 months prepayment demand is a little too much when they told me I have to pay 3 weeks in advance I agreed fair enough and left the office the next day they phone they said they want it all in full new protocol they said wow I guess the pandemic and a long layoff they experienced made them in need of money fast wow I was taken back I don't mind paying my bills but that's outrageous

What a difference! I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes a week apart. I was nervous but quickly realized these folks know what they are doing and delivered what was promised.great vision again. Dr. Chu demonstrated a high degree of proficiency and professionalism and is a nice guy, too. His clinic runs like a well oiled machine with everyone doing their share of the work incredibly well.
I would happily recommend the Fraser Valley Cataract & Laser clinic to anyone needing this critical surgery to restore vision. I don't think you could find anyome better skilled than Dr. Chu.
Major kudos must also go out to Dr. Dhaliwal for his kindness, knowlege and explanation of the process.

Dr. Chu is an awesome dr. All the staff were excellent and very cheerful in my experience. I would highly recommend their office to everyone.

Very welcoming and quick experience. It was easy for me to assist my grandmother in her wheelchair to this location and around the floor.

Very clean, professional and friendly clinic. Impressed with the quick, professional service of all involved - from the first to the last - felt I was in very good hands. Thank you

Bright and spacious waiting room on 5th floor made the short wait quite pleasant. Friendly and attentive service from the staff was also appreciated. Big parking lot with plenty of spaces.

Excellent, top-of-the-line service, professionalism and care. If you want the best quality care, this is where you should inquire regarding your eye-care needs.

I had numerous chalazion surgeries done by Dr. Chu and each one turned out AMAZING, from following Dr. Chu's post operation advice. The surgeries were really quick and efficient. The staff are extremely friendly. The doctors there are all very professional and informative.

So far so good.staff and doctors pleasant and informative. Only issue I had was they do not return phone calls. But it worked out.

Doctors are not bad but make sure you confirm with someone on the phone your appointment.
They have that automated phone call reminders that last time not only called twice to remind me of my appointment but it never mentioned that they moved and that the doctor will not be in.
I took time off work to come from chilliwack to be told that the doctor is not in and someone should call me.