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 the 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.

Affiliations, Clinical Research & Authorships

Dr. Barakat has published and presented a spectrum of retina research at national meetings, ranging from basic science to 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.

Wendy Huang, MD, is a board-certified Ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in adult and pediatric eye diseases. She graduated in 2003 from the University of Chicago with a degree in Biology and was awarded a Howard Hughes fellowship in research. She attended medical school at Rush University in Chicago in 2008 and went on to complete ophthalmology residency at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in 2012. She further specialized with a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult strabismus at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the Doheny Eye Institute/USC in 2012. After a decade in practice, she obtained further expertise and completed a fellowship in Uveitis and Cornea and External Disease at The University of California, Irvine- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute in 2023. Her focus is on ocular inflammatory disorders, cornea, and complex pediatric eye diseases, including pediatric uveitis.

Affiliations and Memberships

Dr. Huang is an Associate Professor at Midwestern University and is on faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine- Phoenix. She has memberships in the following national organizations: American Board of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Cornea Society, and American Society of Cornea and Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Churgin was born in Mesa, and graduated from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus. He then did a year of Internal Medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He completed his residency training at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, in Miami, Florida. He then spent an additional 2 years at the renowned Moran Eye Center of the University of Utah as a Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellow and Clinical Instructor. He has practiced as a retinal specialist in metro Phoenix since 2018 and has performed thousands of retinal surgeries, helping patients with a wide range of adult retinal diseases.

Dr. Churgin speaks fluent Spanish. He enjoys fitness, travel, reading, and good food with his partner, family, and friends.

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology

Education:

• Fellowship, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, John A Moran Eye Center
• Residency, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami – Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Internship, Internal Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
• Medical School, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus
• Undergraduate, The University of Arizona

Affiliations and Memberships

Dr. Daniel Churgin is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. He holds several professional memberships including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Phoenix Ophthalmological Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He has an interest working with residents and students in training, and serving underserved communities. He has a multitude of publications in Ophthalmology and has presented at prestigious national conferences.