Mark R. Barakat, MD graduated magna cum laude in 1999 from Duke University with a degree in Computer Science. After one year of research at University of Pennsylvania, developing imaging modules for retinal photo analysis, he entered medical school to further pursue his interest in retina.

He graduated University of Pennsylvania medical school in 2004 and continued in Philadelphia for ophthalmology residency at Hahnemann University, graduating in 2008 as chief resident. Dr. Barakat then completed a 2-year fellowship in medical and surgical retina at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute. In 2014, he joined Retinal Consultants of Arizona, with a focus on clinical research, transitioning to found Retina Macula Institute of Arizona in 2023.

Dr. Barakat has published and presented a spectrum of retina research at national meetings, ranging from basic science to the clinical. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a fellow of the American Society of Retina Specialists. He serves as Director of Research at Retina Macula Institute of Arizona and as Medical Director of Spectra Eye Institute.