Compassionate Care. Advanced Retinal Expertise.
At Empire State Retina, our mission is to protect and preserve vision through compassionate care and advanced technology. We focus on:
- Providing evidence-based, state-of-the-art retinal care.
- Treating every patient with dignity and building lasting relationships.
New to Our Practice?
To help first-time visits go smoothly, patients should bring a photo ID, insurance cards, a list of medications, and any previous eye records. Please note that dilation is often necessary for evaluations, so patients may want to arrange transportation.
FAQs
Treatments available at our office
Requirements vary by insurance, and our team can help verify coverage.
Most exams require it, which can cause temporary blurred vision.
We treat macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and more.
Appointments & First Visits
Please bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of your current medications, and any previous eye records or imaging if available. If you were referred by another doctor, please bring your referral information as well.
Retina visits are very thorough and may take longer than a routine eye exam. Your visit may include vision testing, imaging, dilation, and a detailed examination by your physician. Please allow approximately 1–2 hours for your appointment.
Yes, most retina evaluations require dilation so your doctor can properly examine the back of your eye. Dilation can cause blurry vision and light sensitivity for several hours, so we recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging transportation if needed. Dilation may last up to 5 hours
Insurance & Billing
Empire State Retina participates with many major insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan, so please contact our office before your visit to confirm your benefits.
Some insurance plans require a referral before seeing a specialist. Please check with your insurance company or contact our office for assistance.
Many medications and procedures require approval from your insurance company before treatment. Our team works with your insurance provider to complete this process as quickly as possible.
Symptoms & Emergencies
Please contact us right away if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss
- New flashes of light
- A sudden increase in floaters
- A curtain or shadow over your vision
- Eye pain with changes in vision
These symptoms may require urgent evaluation.
Yes. Some retinal conditions progress silently, especially in patients with diabetes or other risk factors. Regular exams are important for early detection and treatment.
Conditions & Treatments
Our physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the retina, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic eye disease and diabetic macular edema
- Retinal tears and detachments
- Retinal vein occlusions
- Macular holes and puckers
- Other complex retinal conditions
Intravitreal injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as wet macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal swelling. Your eye is numbed before the procedure to help keep you comfortable. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain.
Some retinal conditions require ongoing treatment to maintain vision and prevent worsening. Your physician will create a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and response to therapy.
Yes. Retina laser treatments may be recommended for certain conditions, including retinal tears and diabetic retinal disease. Your doctor will discuss whether laser treatment is appropriate for you.
After Your Visit
Because your eyes may be dilated, your vision may be temporarily blurry. Some patients feel comfortable driving afterward, while others prefer having someone accompany them.
Your follow-up schedule depends on your condition and treatment plan. Some patients require close monitoring, while others may only need periodic exams.
Our team is here to help with appointments, insurance questions, treatment coordination, and any concerns regarding your eye care.