Dr. Hesham A Sherif – Ophthalmologist | Owen Sound, ON

Dr. Hesham A Sherif is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Rebecca Medical in Owen Sound, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the highest standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As an Ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. He provides a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Sherif graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Tripoli Faculty of Medicine in Libya. With over 19 years of specialized experience since 2005, he has established a reputation for excellence in ophthalmology. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and expertise. His certifications include subspecialty training and ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advances in eye care.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Sherif is committed to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He emphasizes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, aiming to provide a welcoming and trustworthy environment for every individual he serves.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Sherif addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Sherif addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• 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.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• 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.

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

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.

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

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. Sherif practices primarily at Rebecca Medical, an eye clinic situated in the Owen Sound neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near major medical facilities and optical services, making it accessible for comprehensive eye care. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic offers accessible and comfortable facilities designed to meet the needs of all patients. Patients can find convenient parking options in proximity to the eye care center, ensuring a smooth visit. The practice is committed to providing a professional, welcoming environment for all who seek eye health services in Owen Sound.

Does Dr. Sherif perform cataract surgery?

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

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Sherif, 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sherif?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Sherif for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sherif?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Sherif for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Sherif's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (519) 376-7160.

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

Dr. Sherif treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Sherif 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. Sherif's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How does Dr. Sherif treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Sherif will develop a personalized treatment plan which can involve daily eye drop medications to reduce eye pressure, in-office laser treatments to improve fluid drainage, or surgical interventions if medications and lasers are insufficient to control the pressure and protect your vision.

Rebecca Medical
1800 8th Street East
Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9

Office Phone: (519) 376-2121 | Office Fax: (519) 376-7160

Dr. Sherif 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. Sherif, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Sherif's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sherif-Hesham-A/0169780-75177