About
Dr. Mark Xu is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Parkwood Institute in Guelph, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, he offers 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 patient-friendly environment equipped to deliver personalized care in a comfortable setting.
Dr. Xu graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2019, accumulating over five years of specialized experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His expertise encompasses both medical and surgical management of eye diseases, ensuring comprehensive care for his patients.
Driven by a commitment to preserving and improving vision, Dr. Xu emphasizes compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments. His professional philosophy focuses on early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Additionally, Dr. Xu collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient well-being. He is proficient in Mandarin, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Guelph.
Dr. Mark Xu provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Xu addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Xu addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Xu addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Mark Xu is necessary.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- 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. Xu.
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. Xu's primary clinic is located at the Parkwood Institute in Guelph, ON, where he offers comprehensive ophthalmic services in a modern, accessible facility. Surgical procedures are often performed at Guelph General Hospital, situated in Guelph's vibrant Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood. The clinic enjoys proximity to Riverside Park, providing a serene environment for patients. Easily accessible via Guelph Transit, the location is convenient for residents and visitors alike. The eye care center is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking options typically available nearby. Patients can expect a welcoming environment dedicated to high-quality eye care and patient comfort.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Xu?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Xu 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. Xu'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 (226) 486-0170.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Xu?
- A visit to Dr. Xu 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.
- How does Dr. Xu treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Xu 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.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Xu and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Xu 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.
- Are services from Dr. Xu covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Xu, 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. Xu's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Xu specialize in?
- Dr. Xu 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 are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Xu?
- Dr. Xu 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.
Parkwood Institute
89 Dawson Road, Suite 214
Guelph, ON N1H 1B1
Office Phone: (519) 265-9022 | Office Fax: (226) 486-0170
Dr. Xu 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. Xu, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Xu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Xu-Mark/0295521-103205