Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Lai, Ophthalmologist in New York, NY?
Edward C. Lai, M.D. is a board certified ophthalmologist and an accomplished ocular surgeon. He is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College and serves as the Director of the Comprehensive Service and of Clinical Operations. He is also an integral member of the Cornea service and has been named on New York Magazine?s and Castle Connolly?s Top Doctors Lists since 2017.? He has also been recently listed as one of America's Top Eye Doctors by Newsweek Magazine. Dr. Lai specializes in cataract surgery, laser vision correction (LASIK and PRK), and general eye disease.After receiving his undergraduate degree with honors in Biology from Brown University, Dr. Lai worked with AmeriCorps prior to attending Tufts University School of Medicine for his medical training. He then completed his internship in general surgery and internal medicine at St. Vincent?s Hospital in Manhattan and his residency in Ophthalmology at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and New York University. Following his residency, he performed additional advanced training in Corneal, Cataract, and Laser Vision Correction surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.Dr. Lai?s research has focused on ocular surface diseases and cataract surgery and he has authored textbook chapters and peer-reviewed articles on these subjects. He is a gifted educator and has played an integral part in fellow, resident and medical student training. He has been awarded the resident teaching award on four occasions. Dr. Lai has been an invited lecturer at Harvard University?s intensive cataract course, and has also lectured internationally, most recently at the Pan American Ophthalmology Congress and the Asian Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology annual meetings. Dr. Lai has interest in global health and has volunteered on several cataract surgical missions in Tanzania.Dr. Lai is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, and is an active member of various professional societies. He is committed to excellence in the provision of a complete range of ophthalmic service. His practice interests include comprehensive ophthalmology, advanced corneal, cataract, and laser vision correction. Dr. Lai is currently accepting new patients; appointments can be made by calling 646-962-2020.?
WebsiteWhat are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Lai?
Dr. Edward Lai, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Ophthalmologist known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions or procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Lai empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Cataract Surgery, Cornea & External Eye Disease, Dry Eye Syndrome, Laser Refractive Surgery, LASIK-Refractive Surgery, or comprehensive wellness support. Serving the New York/NY community, Dr. Lai is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
What languages does Dr. Lai speak?
Dr. Lai and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
Chinese
English
Spanish
What conditions does Dr. Lai treat?
As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Lai diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Lai. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.
Also known as:
- Cataract
- Other Secondary Cataract
- Secondary Cataract
- Cloudy lens
- Lens clouding
- Eye cloudiness
- Cataract from another condition
- Complicated cataract
- Acquired cataract
- After-Cataract
- Posterior Capsule Opacification
- PCO
ICD-10 Codes:
- H2513: Age-related nuclear cataract, bilateral
- H2511: Age-related nuclear cataract, right eye
- H2512: Age-related nuclear cataract, left eye
- H25813: Combined forms of age-related cataract, bilateral
- H26493: Other secondary cataract, bilateral
- H26491: Other secondary cataract, right eye
- H26492: Other secondary cataract, left eye
Also known as:
- Borderline Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Preglaucoma
- Glaucoma
- Early Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma suspect
- Risk of Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Early Glaucoma
- Borderline Glaucoma
- Risk of Glaucoma
ICD-10 Codes:
- H40013: Open angle with borderline findings, low risk, bilateral
- H40003: Preglaucoma, unspecified, bilateral
Also known as:
- Other Vision Problems
- Vision Impairment and Blindness
- Other visual disturbances
- Unspecified vision issues
- Various eye problems
ICD-10 Codes:
- H538: Other visual disturbances
Also known as:
- Dry Eyes
- Tears
- Dry eye syndrome
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Ocular dryness
ICD-10 Codes:
- H04123: Dry eye syndrome of bilateral lacrimal glands
Also known as:
- Strands and floaters in the eye's gel
- Aging of the eye's gel
- Eye Disease
- Vitreous Detachment
- Eye floaters
- Vitreous opacities
- Vitreous membranes
- Vitreous syneresis
- Eye gel breakdown
- Vitreous aging
ICD-10 Codes:
- H43393: Other vitreous opacities, bilateral
- H43813: Vitreous degeneration, bilateral
Also known as:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Diabetes Type 2
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Adult-Onset Diabetes
- Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
ICD-10 Codes:
- E119: Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
Also known as:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
- Eyelid Disorder
- MGD
- Blocked Eyelid Glands
- Oil Gland Dysfunction of Eyelid
ICD-10 Codes:
- H02883: Meibomian gland dysfunction of right eye, unspecified eyelid
Also known as:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
- Eyelid Disorder
- MGD
- Blocked Eyelid Glands
- Eyelid Gland Problems
- Meibomianitis
ICD-10 Codes:
- H0288A: Meibomian gland dysfunction right eye, upper and lower eyelids
Also known as:
- Other Long-Term Drug Therapy
- Chronic medication use
- Ongoing drug treatment
- Extended drug therapy
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z79899: Other long term (current) drug therapy
Also known as:
- Other Pre-Procedure Examination
- Various pre-op checks
- Miscellaneous pre-surgery exams
- Other pre-treatment assessments
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z01818: Encounter for other preprocedural examination
Also known as:
- Pink Eye
- Conjunctivitis
- Red eye
- Viral eye infection
ICD-10 Codes:
- B309: Viral conjunctivitis, unspecified
Also known as:
- Optic Disc Disorder
- Optic Nerve Disorder
- Optic nerve head anomaly
- Optic disc problem
- Disorder of the optic nerve head
ICD-10 Codes:
- H47393: Other disorders of optic disc, bilateral
What procedures does Dr. Lai perform?
As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Lai performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Lai. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.
Also known as:
- Cataract Removal with Lens Implant
- Extracapsular cataract extraction
- Phacoemulsification
- IOL implantation
CPT Codes:
- 66984: Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1 stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification); without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Also known as:
- Laser Surgery for Secondary Cataract
- Corneal Lesion Removal (Keratectomy)
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy
- Posterior Capsulotomy
- Secondary Cataract Removal
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Corneal Excision
- Lamellar Keratectomy
- Partial Cornea Removal
CPT Codes:
- 66821: Discission of secondary membranous cataract (opacified posterior lens capsule and/or anterior hyaloid); laser surgery (eg, YAG laser) (1 or more stages)
- 65400: Excision of lesion, cornea (keratectomy, lamellar, partial), except pterygium
Also known as:
- Complex Cataract Removal with Lens Implant
- Advanced Cataract Surgery
- Phacoemulsification with IOL
- Complex Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
CPT Codes:
- 66982: Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification), complex, requiring devices or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery (eg, iris expansion device, suture support for intraocular lens, or primary posterior capsulorrhexis) or performed on patients in the amblyogenic developmental stage; without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Does Dr. Lai accept my insurance?
Dr. Lai accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (917) 300-0553 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Lai accept in New York, NY?
Dr. Lai in New York, NY accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
ArcBest Corporation
Cigna
Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC)
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
EmblemHealth
Express Scripts
Healthfirst
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Lai's office located?
Weill Cornell Ophthalmology
1305 York Avenue
11th Floor
New York, NY 10021
(917) 300-0553
Recognitions
Castle Connolly Doctor’s Choice Awards
Doctor’s Choice - All Time
Among the most nominated for the Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition across all time
Doctor’s Choice - Last 5 Years
Among the most nominated for the Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition in the last 5 years
What is Dr. Lai's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Lai's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1255481701.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Lai?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Lai
What is Dr. Edward Lai's specialty?
Dr. Lai is a Ophthalmologist near New York, NY. An ophthalmologist possesses the knowledge and professional skills required to deliver comprehensive eye and vision care. These medical doctors are trained to diagnose, monitor, and treat all ocular and visual disorders, whether through medical or surgical interventions. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of issues affecting the eye and its structures, including the eyelids, orbit, and visual pathways. Additionally, ophthalmologists prescribe vision services, such as glasses and contact lenses, to help patients achieve optimal visual health. Contact Dr. Lai to book an appointment today.
Is this Dr. Edward Lai affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Lai is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
Where can I learn more about Ophthalmologist?
Explore Ophthalmologist with insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Edward Lai accepting new patients in New York, NY?
Yes, Dr. Edward Lai is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Edward Lai offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Lai's office at (917) 300-0553 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Edward Lai?
Please contact Dr. Lai's office at (917) 300-0553 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Other Ophthalmologist Near New York, NY
Accepting patientsDr. Gary Lelli Jr, MD is an Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, who primarily practices in New York, NY. He is board certified.
Accepting patientsDr. Marc Dinkin, MD is a Neuro-ophthalmologist, who primarily practices in New York, NY. He has been practicing for over 17 years.
Accepting patientsDr. Christopher Starr, MD is a Cornea and External Diseases Specialist, who primarily practices in New York, NY. He is board certified.
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