NYC Optometrists & Ophthalmologists in Downtown Manhattan

Our highly qualified ophthalmologists and optometrists in NYC provide comprehensive diagnostic procedures and personalized treatment plans for a wide range of eye diseases and conditions. Committed to exceptional patient care, our doctors offer dedicated one-on-one consultations to ensure comfort and satisfaction. Schedule your consultation today and experience the difference.

World Class Optometry & Ophthalmology Care

Recognized around the world as leaders in the field, our ophthalmologists and optometrists have received training and served as educators at some of the world’s most esteemed and highly regarded academic institutions.

Our specialists are proud to be on Newsweek’s list of 350 best ophthalmologists and optometrists in the USA.

Super Doctors

Award-Winning New York Eye Physicians

As prominent ophthalmologists, they have dedicated their efforts and resources to advancing research and pioneering innovative diagnostic and treatment techniques.

Our physicians are proud to be at the forefront of quality vision correction worldwide, establishing global benchmarks for exceptional patient care.

Richard F. Spaide, MD Headshot

Richard F. Spaide, MD

Meet Dr. Spaide

Dr. Richard F. Spaide is a retinal disease specialist with over 400 peer-reviewed articles, 50+ book chapters, and several edited books. He graduated from Muhlenberg College and Jefferson Medical College, completed his Ophthalmology Residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and his Retina Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. His research focuses on macular diseases, retinal surgery, and ocular imaging.

Michael J. Cooney, MD, MBA Headshot

Michael J. Cooney, MD, MBA

Meet Dr. Cooney

Dr. Cooney is a vitreoretinal surgeon who was an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University and later directed the Medical Retina Service and fellowship program at Duke from 2001 to 2005. He earned an MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Dr. Cooney Helped establish InnoRx, an ophthalmic drug delivery and pharmaceutical company acquired by SurModics.

What’s the Difference Between Optometrist and Ophthalmologist?

To become an optometrist, one needs to complete a four-year undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree) in a science- or health-related field. Afterward, one earns a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree studying vision care, which typically takes an additional four years.

An ophthalmologist is an MD, or medical doctor, who has also earned:

  • An undergrad college degree, majoring in science
  • A doctorate during medical school that took four years
  • Completion of an internship for one year
  • Surgical and medical competency following three years as a resident in an eye care program

Our practice ensures the best and most comprehensive eye care in the city as well as targeted eye care for children from trained experts in pediatric eye care.

Eye Conditions- Treated by Ophthalmologists

Leading Ophthalmologists in NYC

Richard F. Spaide, MD, is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He brings decades of experience to Eye Physicians clinic in New York City. After hundreds of publications, many breakthrough innovations and countless accolades, he remains an active and eager participant in the vision care for his patients.

This is the type of specialist you want to work with your family. His specialty is retinal diseases. He’s affiliated with a number of local New York hospitals.

Among his many achievements, Dr. Spaide:

  • Developed effective procedures for autofluorescence imaging using a fundus camera
  • Created the first practical method to image deeper structures in the eye with optical coherence tomography
  • Passed on these imaging methods to eye care physicians around the world
  • Described many new findings and diseases of the eye and helped develop many novel treatments
  • Developed numerous surgical instruments that were named after him
  • Holds patents for many ophthalmic inventions
Susan Young Verified
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The entire staff at this office is always professional, helpful and friendly. In addition, Dr. Cooney is extremely knowledgeable and his treatments have helped my mom immensely. Her macular condition appears to have been arrested. This had not been achieved with her previous ophthalmologist.

Reviews
Julian Apostol Verified
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dr. Cooney was really great and personable! He explained how lifestyle habits are affecting my eyes and talked through what I can do to prevent/improve my eyelid health. He also recommended an eyelid treatment that I never knew existed - after careful consideration, I think I would greatly benefit from it if I decide to do it.

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Cecelia Lazarescu Verified
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dr. Cooney is a kind and caring individual. He has a wonderful ability to explain medical procedures in easily understandable terms. I highly recommend him.

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Tom Tolleson Verified
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cooney is one of the most knowledgeable opthalmologists in New York. He’s also very kind and cares about his patients. He explains things clearly and thoroughly.

Reviews

Michael J. Cooney, MD, is another eye expert with a wealth of experience in the various treatment modalities of vitreoretinal diseases. His expertise is in diagnosing, treating and managing macular degeneration that’s age-related and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Cooney is an ophthalmologist who has also been involved in developing new therapeutic modalities and diagnostic equipment.

He’s been a professor and enjoys training fellows and residents at the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. His decades of experience include:

  • Working as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins
  • Completing an internship in internal medicine at the Cornell Medical Center as well as at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
  • Serving as the director of the Medical Retina Service at the Duke Center for Macular Degeneration
  • Working on the establishment of InnoRx, which is a pharmaceutical company that delivers ophthalmic drugs, and has since been acquired
"In my point of view, ongoing research and development of new diagnostic tools and treatment modalities hold great promise for improving the future of vitreoretinal care." - Dr. Michael J. Cooney

What Conditions Do Ophthalmologists Treat?

In addition to providing your family with a wealth of experience in treatment of eye vision problems, our eye clinic supports specialists in pediatric eye with the ability to offer regular pediatric eye exams and treatment for conditions often seen in children such as:

This family practice prides itself on working diligently to get you in and out of the office in less than an hour with a definitive plan of action to address your vision concerns. They have the latest technology and innovations in eye tests that, in addition to special testing protocols for kids, include:

The earlier you get tested for certain eye disorders and begin the appropriate treatment, the better chance you have of keeping the eyesight you have. Don’t take chances with your eye health. Contact Eye Physicians practice today for a routine eye exam or emergency eye care appointment and get treatment for any type of eye disorder, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Age Should I See an Ophthalmologist?

The type and amount of care your eyes need depend on your age. Some key stages for visits include:

  • 0-18 years: Babies and young kids should have their eyes checked during routine pediatric visits and a full exam if needed. After age 6, it’s good to get eye checks now and then.
  • 19-40 years: If you’re having no issues, a check-up every 5-10 years works. But if you notice any vision problems, it’s best to see an eye doctor more often.
  • 41-60 years: Your eyes may need more attention, so try to schedule exams every 2-4 years as age-related changes start to happen.
  • Over 61 years: At this stage, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked every year to watch for conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.

If you have health conditions like diabetes or a family history of eye problems, you may need to go more often.

Can an Optometrist Prescribe Medication?

Yes, an optometrist can prescribe medication, but this scope of their practice is limited. Optometrists are licensed to prescribe:

  • Medications for eye infections
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Eye drops for glaucoma
  • Antibiotics and antiviral medications for eye-related conditions

How Can I Schedule a Same-Day Consultation With an Optometrist in NYC?

Once you’ve reached out to a specialist, explain your urgency and inquire about same-day availability. Be ready to provide your personal information and insurance details. Same-day appointments may depend on availability, so be willing to adjust your schedule or consider different locations.

Where Can I Locate a New York Optometrist Accepting My Insurance Plan?

Many insurance companies offer an online directory of in-network optometrists. You can log into your account and search for providers in your area. You can also request a list of optometrists in New York who accept your insurance by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.

Moreover, websites like Zocdoc, Vitals, and Healthgrades allow you to filter search results by insurance type, location, and specialty. This can be a convenient way to find an optometrist near you. And last but not least, many optometrists list the insurance plans they accept on their websites. So if you have one particular clinic or doctor in mind, look for up-to-date information about coverage on their website.

Why Choose Eye Physicians?

Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.

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