Dr. George Hutul Hachkowski Beiko

Dr. George Beiko provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Beiko addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Beiko addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Beiko addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. George Beiko is necessary.

• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Beiko.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Beiko practices at a specialized eye clinic located in the heart of St Catharines, ON. The clinic is situated within a modern facility in the St Catharines neighborhood, offering easy access for patients via local public transit routes. The practice is complemented by nearby medical facilities and optical services, ensuring comprehensive eye care in one convenient location. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The clinic's environment promotes a professional and welcoming atmosphere, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered eye care. Surgical procedures, when necessary, are performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, which is equipped with advanced surgical suites and staffed by experienced ophthalmic surgeons. This setting ensures that patients receive safe, efficient, and effective surgical interventions in close proximity to their primary care services.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beiko specialize in?

Dr. Beiko is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beiko and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Beiko, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

Are services from Dr. Beiko covered by provincial health insurance?

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Beiko for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Beiko's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Does Dr. Beiko perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Beiko, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Beiko would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beiko?

A visit to Dr. Beiko is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Beiko?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Beiko that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Beiko receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Beiko's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (905) 687-8766.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Beiko?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Beiko manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

a specialized eye clinic in St Catharines
180 Vine Street
St Catharines, ON L2R 7P3

Office Phone: (905) 687-8322 | Office Fax: (905) 687-8766

Dr. Beiko is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Beiko, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Beiko's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Beiko-George-Hutul-Hachkowski/0043652-57630