Dr. Tarek Youssef – Ophthalmologist | Cornwall, ON

Dr. Tarek Youssef is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at UHN Toronto General Hospital in Cornwall, 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 full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2008, accumulating over 16 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to excellence and adherence to provincial standards. His certifications affirm his expertise in the field of eye health and surgical procedures.

Dr. Youssef’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing 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 allows him to provide precise and effective treatments. He prioritizes early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in Arabic and French, he communicates clearly with all patients, ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable throughout their care journey. His dedication to patient vision and eye health in Cornwall is unwavering.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Youssef 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): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Youssef addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.

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

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
• 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.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.

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

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. Youssef’s primary eye clinic is located in a dedicated eye care center in Cornwall’s “eye clinic in Cornwall” neighborhood, situated conveniently near medical facilities and optical services. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes and offers a welcoming, professional environment designed for comprehensive eye care. The facility provides accessible and comfortable surroundings for patients, with ample parking options usually available nearby. Patients can benefit from personalized attention and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, ensuring they receive the highest quality of ophthalmic care. Surgical procedures, such as cataract and glaucoma surgeries, are often performed at Cornwall Community Hospital, ensuring seamless coordination for surgical interventions. The clinic’s location fosters easy access for residents in Cornwall and surrounding areas, prioritizing patient convenience and optimal eye health outcomes.

How does Dr. Youssef treat glaucoma?

Dr. Youssef 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.

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

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

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

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

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Youssef 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Youssef specialize in?

Dr. Youssef 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.

UHN Toronto General Hospital
RFE-GS-480, 127 Sydney Street, Department of Emergency Medicine
Cornwall, ON K6H 3H1

Office Phone: (613) 933-9100 | Office Fax: (613) 902-3178

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

Verify Dr. Youssef's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Youssef-Tarek/0189609-89744