New York Eye Surgery Center: Comprehensive Eye Care Services in the Bronx, New York

Introduction

The New York Eye Surgery Center (NYESC) is a premier eye care facility located in the Bronx, New York. Known for its exceptional medical staff and state-of-the-art facilities, NYESC provides high-quality eye care services ranging from routine eye exams to complex surgical procedures. Established in 1971, the center has evolved into a leading institution for ophthalmic care, featuring a diverse team of specialists and offering advanced treatment options. This article delves into the center’s history, services, facilities, and medical team, providing a comprehensive overview of what makes NYESC an esteemed eye care institution.

History and Background

New York Eye Surgery Center was initially founded as Concourse Ophthalmology Associates in 1971, with its first office located at 1938 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. During its early years, the practice was a small, yet dedicated, eye care provider. It consisted of a reception area, a modest waiting room, two examination rooms, and a small executive office. However, due to its growing popularity and demand for specialized eye care, the practice quickly began to expand.

By 1976, the facility had relocated to a larger building at 1940 Grand Concourse, offering two spacious waiting rooms to accommodate the increasing number of patients. The 1980s marked a period of tremendous growth, coinciding with an industry trend toward outpatient surgeries for cataracts and other ocular conditions. After five years of meticulous planning, the practice established a full-service ophthalmic surgical center: the New York Eye Surgery Center, located at 1101 Pelham Parkway North.

The state-of-the-art surgical center boasts two operating rooms, a dedicated laser room, 18 examination rooms, and a fully-equipped Diagnostic Testing Department. The establishment of this facility cemented NYESC’s reputation as a leading center for eye care and surgery in New York.

Professional Staff and Team of Physicians

New York Eye Surgery Center has a robust team of 10 highly qualified physicians, including:

• 8 Ophthalmologists, featuring:
  • 2 Fellowship-trained Cornea Specialists
  • 1 Glaucoma Specialist
  • 1 Retinal Specialist
  • 1 Oculoplastic Surgeon
• 3 Optometrists dedicated to routine eye care and vision correction.
• 1 Part-Time Internist, supporting general medical evaluations.

Certified Ophthalmic Personnel

In addition to its exceptional medical staff, NYESC’s Technical Department is staffed by certified ophthalmic personnel. The team includes:

• Certified Orthoptist: Specializes in ocular motility and binocular vision.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistants: Assist with comprehensive eye exams and diagnostic tests.
• Certified Ophthalmic Scribes: Support documentation and patient care during consultations.

This dedicated team ensures that all patients receive the highest standard of care and support throughout their treatment journey.

Doctors at New York Eye Surgery Center

The center’s esteemed doctors are committed to providing specialized care for a wide range of eye conditions. Below is a brief overview of the key medical professionals at NYESC:

• Dr. Brian Brazzo, M.D. – Oculoplastic Surgeon
• Dr. Jerome Levy, M.D., F.A.C.S. – Founder & Managing Director
• Dr. Maayan Keshet, M.D. – Corneal Specialist
• Dr. Fiona Pathay, M.D. – Ophthalmologist
• Dr. Damon Pettinelli, M.D. – Ophthalmologist and Partner
• Dr. Nathan Radcliffe, M.D. – Glaucoma Specialist
• Dr. Monica Martin, M.D. – Internal Medicine Specialist
• Dr. Isayas Tekie, O.D. – Optometrist
• Dr. Nadezhda Belous, O.D. – Optometrist

These experienced professionals collaborate to deliver comprehensive and personalized eye care solutions to every patient.

Comprehensive Eye Care Services

New York Eye Surgery Center offers an extensive array of diagnostic, medical, and surgical eye care services. Each service is designed to address a wide range of ocular conditions, ensuring that patients receive specialized and effective treatment. The services include:

1. Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed at NYESC. Using the latest phacoemulsification technology and intraocular lenses (IOLs), the center’s surgeons restore patients’ vision with precision and safety. The procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery, allowing patients to recover quickly and return to their daily activities.

2. Glaucoma Treatment and Surgery

NYESC provides advanced treatments for glaucoma, including minimally invasive laser surgeries and traditional surgical options. The center’s glaucoma specialist, Dr. Nathan Radcliffe, offers expertise in the latest surgical methods, such as trabeculectomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and tube shunt surgeries.

3. Corneal Transplants and Treatments

The center has a team of fellowship-trained cornea specialists who perform various corneal procedures, including:

• Corneal Transplants: DSAEK and DMEK transplants for restoring vision.
• Cross-Linking Therapy: Treats keratoconus and other corneal degenerations.
• Pterygium Surgery: Removes abnormal growths from the surface of the cornea.

4. Retinal Services

The dedicated retinal specialist at NYESC offers a comprehensive range of services for retinal diseases, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy Management: Laser treatments and injections.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Anti-VEGF therapy to slow disease progression.
• Retinal Detachment Surgery: Timely interventions to prevent vision loss.

5. Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic procedures address issues related to the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit (eye socket). Dr. Brian Brazzo, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, performs:

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Enhances both the function and appearance of the eyelids.
• Ptosis Repair: Corrects drooping eyelids.
• Orbital Tumor Excision: Removes tumors around the eye.

6. Orthoptics and Pediatric Ophthalmology

The center’s Certified Orthoptist specializes in diagnosing and treating eye movement disorders, such as:

• Strabismus: Misalignment of the eyes.
• Amblyopia: Commonly known as “lazy eye.”
• Binocular Vision Dysfunction: Discrepancies in eye coordination and focus.

7. Dry Eye Management

NYESC offers a dedicated dry eye management program that includes advanced diagnostic tests and personalized treatment plans. Treatment options range from artificial tear supplements to in-office procedures, such as LipiFlow® thermal pulsation therapy.

8. General Ophthalmology and Routine Eye Care

For routine eye exams, vision correction, and management of common conditions like conjunctivitis, NYESC’s optometrists provide comprehensive care. Services include:

• Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses
• Visual Acuity Testing
• Refractive Error Correction

9. Diagnostic Testing Department

The fully-equipped Diagnostic Testing Department at NYESC performs over 30,000 diagnostic tests annually. Key tests include:

• Visual Field Testing: Assesses peripheral vision.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides high-resolution images of the retina.
• Fluorescein Angiography: Evaluates retinal blood flow.
• Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM): High-frequency imaging of the anterior eye.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology

The New York Eye Surgery Center is renowned for its modern facilities and use of cutting-edge technology. The center’s infrastructure includes:

1. Surgical Suites and Operating Rooms

The facility has two dedicated operating rooms equipped with the latest surgical technology, ensuring precise and safe outcomes. The surgical suites are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and sterility, adhering to stringent medical guidelines.

2. Laser Room

A dedicated laser room allows the center to perform advanced laser procedures, including LASIK, YAG laser capsulotomy, and laser trabeculoplasty for glaucoma. The room is equipped with the latest ophthalmic laser systems for precise treatment.

3. Diagnostic and Imaging Equipment

The center’s Diagnostic Testing Department features state-of-the-art imaging tools and diagnostic systems to facilitate early detection and accurate diagnosis of eye conditions.

• OCT Imaging Systems
• Fundus Photography
• Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
• Corneal Topography

4. Patient-Centric Design

The facility is designed with the patient’s comfort and convenience in mind. Spacious waiting areas, private consultation rooms, and comfortable recovery areas create a supportive environment for both patients and their families.

Patient Volume and Research Contributions

New York Eye Surgery Center sees nearly 30,000 patient visits annually, with an average of 150 patients per day. Additionally, over 30,000 diagnostic tests are conducted each year. The center’s physicians are actively involved in clinical research studies, contributing to the advancement of ophthalmic treatments and technologies.

Contact Information

Patients seeking specialized eye care can visit the New York Eye Surgery Center at:

• Address: 1101 Pelham Pkwy N, Bronx, NY 10469, United States
• Phone: +1 718-519-1000
• Website: New York Eye Surgery Center
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Conclusion

New York Eye Surgery Center is a premier eye care facility offering a comprehensive range of services for various ocular conditions. With a team of highly qualified physicians, advanced technology, and a patient-centric approach, NYESC is committed to delivering exceptional eye care and improving the vision and quality of life for its patients.