Montefiore unveils new ophthalmology lab

Montefiore unveils new ophthalmology lab

The newest specialty at the Montefiore Medical Center has doctors focused on the future of eye care in the Bronx.

The Montefiore North Campus on 600 E. 233rd Street officially unveiled its brand new, state-of-the-art Ophthalmology Practice to over 100 physicians and staff members at a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, November 28.

The 5,000-square-foot practice, which was funded directly by Montefiore, is fully equipped with the most advanced equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of any eye disease or condition in adults and children.

The new outpatient practice is staffed by board-certified ophthalmologists from Montefiore’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, including specialists in pediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, cornea, uvetis and retina, oculoplastic surgery, and refractive surgery.

Dr. Roy Chuck, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, is looking forward to the advanced eye-care services that the Montefiore North Division will be able to provide for new and recurring patients at the hospital.

“The pre-existing clinic was almost one-fifth the size of our new practice here on the third floor,” Chuck said. “I have been here at Montefiore for a little over three years now and when we learned that we would be receiving this new space, I was very excited. At first sight, I saw a lot of space, but I realized, we will be able to service so many residents of the Bronx now.”

With over 20 spacious exam and treatment rooms, the practice can now service up to 200 patients per day. Chuck said this will further benefit Montefiore’s Ophthalmology Department, which is already the busiest in New York State.

The ophthalmology practice is the first completed phase of a total modernization of the Carpenter Avenue Medical Pavilion, Montefiore’s North Campus outpatient building. Once the renovations are fully completed, the pavilion will also house state-of-the-art practices for Montefiore orthopedics, neurology, and cardiology.

Montefiore president and CEO Dr. Steven Safyer was given his first full tour of the practice and was impressed with Montefiore’s latest advanced technology.

“We now have the opportunity, with all of this state-of-the-art equipment, to allow our excellent staff to provide top-notch service to our patients,” Safyer said. “This is just the beginning of great things to come in the near future for Montefiore. With this new practice, we are able to double the amount of patients we were previously capable of seeing.”

The new Ophthalmology Practice is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For appointments and more information, call (718) 920-2020.

Reach Vito Signorile via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 742-3383.