Dr. Papadakis received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto in 1989 and his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1993 from the State University of New York College of Optometry in New York City. He completed an internship at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins and the Baltimore Veteran’s Administration Hospital, receiving extensive training in the treatment and management of eye diseases.
He began practicing in 1993 as Chief Low Vision Clinician at the Scarborough General Hospital Low Vision Centre. In 1996, Dr. Papadakis opened his private family practice in North York.
He continues to have a keen interest in the field of low vision and vision rehabilitation, having previously provided services as a staff doctor at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. He continues to support The CNIB Foundation and remains a loyal advocate of Vision Loss Rehabilitation and its clients. He has lectured in his field and is presently a clinical associate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, who oversees and trains optometry students in his practice.
In 2000, Dr. Papadakis received the distinguished status of Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, representing leadership in his profession. As of 2020, only 226 optometrists in all of Canada have become Fellows. In 2022, Dr. Papadakis achieved the status of Clinical Diplomate in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the American Academy of Optometry. He is the only practicing Low Vision Diplomate in Canada, with fewer than 70 in the world.
Dr. Papadakis’ dedication has sent him on numerous volunteer missions to villages in Mexico, providing eye care to the underprivileged. On average, his group would see 3000 patients in a week, providing treatment for eye disease and also supplying donated eyeglasses.
His interests also include contact lenses and dry eye management where he is actively involved in research and clinical investigations. Dr. Papadakis is fully trained in laser co-management and underwent laser refractive surgery in 2004 with excellent results.
Dr. Papadakis is an active member of the Greek community and is fluent in both Greek and Spanish. He is married and has three children. He enjoys yoga, playing hockey, reading, and woodworking.
