Dr. Rami Abo-Shasha – Ophthalmologist | Owen Sound, ON

Dr. Rami Abo-Shasha is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at North York General Hospital in Owen Sound, 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), ensuring that patients receive care that is both safe and effective. 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 full range of eye care services in a patient-friendly environment, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and modern treatment options.

Dr. Abo-Shasha graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. Since 2019, he has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist with over five years of specialized experience, focusing on both medical and surgical treatments for various eye conditions. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to excellence and continuous professional development in ophthalmology.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, Dr. Abo-Shasha strives for precise and effective treatments. His approach includes early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All patient communication and care are provided in English, with a dedicated focus on maintaining the highest standards of patient-centered care in Owen Sound.

Dr. Rami Abo-Shasha provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Abo-Shasha addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Abo-Shasha 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): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Rami Abo-Shasha is necessary.

• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.

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

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. Abo-Shasha's primary eye clinic is situated within North York General Hospital, located in the heart of Owen Sound's medical district. The clinic serves as a comprehensive eye care centre, conveniently accessible to residents via local public transit routes. The facility is situated in a neighborhood known for its medical facilities and optical services, offering easy access for patients seeking routine eye exams, optical products, and surgical consultations. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. For surgical procedures, Dr. Abo-Shasha often performs surgeries at Grey Bruce Health Services Hospital, located in Owen Sound, ensuring high-quality surgical care in a well-equipped hospital environment. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming atmosphere dedicated to their eye health and visual well-being.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Abo-Shasha?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Abo-Shasha 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.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abo-Shasha and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Abo-Shasha, 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. Abo-Shasha covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abo-Shasha, 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. Abo-Shasha's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abo-Shasha?

A visit to Dr. Abo-Shasha 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abo-Shasha specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Abo-Shasha, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. a Ophthalmologist, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Abo-Shasha?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abo-Shasha 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. Abo-Shasha 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. Abo-Shasha's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (226) 664-0193.

North York General Hospital
1360 20th St E
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N3

Office Phone: (226) 664-0072 | Office Fax: (226) 664-0193

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

Verify Dr. Abo-Shasha's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/AboShasha-Rami/0297347-103544