About
Dr. Randall Ulate Piedra is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Ottawa Valley Family Health Team in Toronto, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate treatment for all patients. As a comprehensive eye care provider, 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 welcoming and patient-friendly environment, equipped to handle a wide range of eye health needs, in a location that is accessible and comfortable for everyone.
Dr. Piedra received his medical degree from the University of Costa Rica, where he laid the foundation for his future specialization in ophthalmology. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2024, gaining valuable experience in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to Canadian standards of ophthalmic care.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Piedra emphasizes patient education, actively involving individuals in their treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to provide precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He values collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive well-being. Fluent in Spanish, he is able to communicate clearly with a diverse patient population, ensuring understanding and comfort in every consultation.
Dr. Randall Piedra provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Piedra addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
- 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): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Piedra addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Piedra addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
- 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.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Randall Piedra is necessary.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Piedra.
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. Piedra practices primarily at the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team located in the vibrant neighborhood of Lawrence Park in Toronto. The clinic is conveniently situated near Osgoode Hall, making it easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Whether for routine eye exams or specialized surgical procedures, patients can expect personalized and compassionate care in a modern setting.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Piedra?
- Dr. Piedra 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Piedra specialize in?
- Dr. Piedra 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Piedra?
- A visit to Dr. Piedra 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.
- Are services from Dr. Piedra covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Piedra 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. Piedra's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- How does Dr. Piedra treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Piedra 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Piedra?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Piedra 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. Piedra's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Piedra's clinic for referral instructions.
- Does Dr. Piedra perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Piedra. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Piedra can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
Ottawa Valley Family Health Team
2075 Bayview Ave
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Office Phone: (416) 480-4762
Dr. Piedra 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. Piedra, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Piedra's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ulate-Piedra-Randall/0287392-101163