University Ophthalmic Consultants

I called to make an appt for a contacts/​glasses fitting, and the receptionist informed me that the doctor would be able to write me a prescription for both. But at the end of my 15-​minute consultation (during which interns asked me seemingly unrelated questions), I was given a referral to go elsewhere for my prescription. As it turns out, the doctor there is unable to write contacts/​glasses prescriptions. I was then sent a copay bill for that waste of my time.
I visited the office a second time, since I had figured out that the doctors there are specialists in eye diseases (instead of contacts/​glasses fitting). I explained to the doctor that I had a «foreign object feeling» in my right eye. After 3 hours and numerous tests, the doctor simply told me not to wear my contact lenses for too long. I still have that «foreign object feeling,» and am going to a different doctor for a second opinion. I was then sent a bill for about $ 1000 for those tests, which apparently were not paid for by my insurance plan. My insurance carrier insists that I am only responsible for the copay. All the paperwork to figure this out is a complete headache, and I definitely do not recommend this office.

I was referred to University Ophthalmic Consultants /​SUNY Downstate Eye Center by my regular ophthalmologist for an issue with my eyelids (subspecialty: occuloplastics). The «junction» location is excellent because of the public transportation options. I didn’t take my car because I expected that my eyes would be dilated. The waiting room is crowded but has a lot of seating and natural light from lots of windows. The front desk staff are very efficient, polite and helpful. The wait to see Dr Roman Shinder was 1 hour, but once inside things moved quickly. Throughout the exam, and the procedure I had immediately following, he was pleasant, conversational, and wiling to answer all my questions. The staff called for insurance approval so I could have the procedure without having to reschedule. I was given antibiotic drops rather than have to fill an Rx at a pharmacy. All good, except for the wait.