About
Dr. Mark David Bariciak is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Sault Ste. Marie in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, safe, and comprehensive care. Dr. Bariciak’s role encompasses a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The practice provides a patient-centered environment, emphasizing clarity, compassion, and professionalism in every consultation.
He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). With over 28 years of experience since beginning his practice in 1996, he has developed a deep expertise in ophthalmology, continually updating his skills with the latest advancements in eye care technology. Dr. Bariciak graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has maintained a strong commitment to ongoing education and professional development, ensuring his patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.
Driven by a philosophy of preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care, Dr. Bariciak is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their 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. His approach emphasizes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a firm commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient service and satisfaction in Sault Ste. Marie.
Dr. Mark Bariciak provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Bariciak addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Bariciak addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Bariciak addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Mark Bariciak is necessary.
- 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.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Bariciak.
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. Bariciak practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. The clinic is situated in the West End, Steelton neighborhood, conveniently close to the Agawa Canyon Tour Train Station and easily accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. The facility offers a welcoming and accessible environment for comprehensive eye care, with ample parking options usually available nearby. Surgical procedures, including cataract and glaucoma surgeries, are often performed at Sault Area Hospital, ensuring state-of-the-art surgical support and patient safety. The clinic's design emphasizes comfort and accessibility for all patients, providing a professional setting for routine and advanced eye care services.
- How does Dr. Bariciak treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Bariciak manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Bariciak?
- Dr. Bariciak 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bariciak and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bariciak is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.
- Does Dr. Bariciak perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Bariciak. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Bariciak can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bariciak?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bariciak 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. Bariciak?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Bariciak 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. Bariciak'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 (705) 251-9969.
- Are services from Dr. Bariciak covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Bariciak, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Bariciak's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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. Bariciak's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
a specialized eye clinic in Sault Ste. Marie
1-677 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 5A1
Office Phone: (705) 949-5182 | Office Fax: (705) 251-9969
Dr. Bariciak 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. Bariciak, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Bariciak's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bariciak-Mark-David/0051087-65066