About

The Pediatric Eye Center delivers specialized, compassionate vision care—from babies just starting to focus to adults seeking answers. With decades of experience and a reputation for surgical excellence, we ensure every patient feels understood, supported, and in expert hands.

Only Beholden to Our Patients Eric A. Lichtenstein, MD Our Team

Concierge-Level Care, Right Here in Queens

Founded in 2001 by Dr. Eric Lichtenstein - now one of the most experienced pediatric ophthalmologists in the region —our practice remains the first and only dedicated pediatric ophthalmology practice in Queens. It is built on the belief that children deserve second-to-none care close to home. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted destination for families throughout Queens, Nassau, and beyond.

Our Mission

At The Pediatric Eye Center, our mission is to protect and restore vision in children, relieve suffering from pediatric eye conditions, and help adults with strabismus regain clarity, comfort, and confidence. We specialize in comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology and oculoplastic care, offering everything from precise diagnoses and glasses prescriptions to complex surgeries—all delivered with compassion, clinical excellence, and a steadfast commitment to doing what’s best for every patient.

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

The Pediatric Eye Center offers concierge-level care led by a surgeon with unmatched training, surgical volume, and heart. Dr. Lichtenstein is known not just for his clinical precision but also for the calm, approachable way he connects with kids—and reassures their parents. The majority of our referrals come from word-of-mouth, from pediatricians and from parents who want the very best for their children.

Meet Dr. Eric Lichtenstein

Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
Member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Specialty Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein has spent over 25 years diagnosing and surgically treating pediatric eye conditions, earning the trust of thousands of families and pediatricians across the New York metro area. Before founding The Pediatric Eye Center, he taught at several ophthalmology training programs and worked in busy practices in New York and New Jersey. Those early experiences taught him what matters most: families want answers, and children deserve care from someone who truly understands them.

“Children are not just little adults: Their visual system is a work in progress until around 8 years of age, and the methods and clinical skills needed to evaluate and manage their problems are very different from what adults need. I am superb at figuring out what is wrong with the eyes of babies and children and fixing it.”

– Dr. Eric Lichtenstein

The Pediatric Eye Center Meet the Doctor

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A Flexible Model for Every Family

Our pediatric ophthalmology practice operates as one cohesive entity with two distinct divisions to effectively cater to your needs. No matter which path you take, your family receives the same warmth, expertise, and thoughtful attention that defines our practice.

The Pediatric Eye Center Direct Payment Division

For families who are out-of-network or seeking services beyond what insurance typically covers, The Pediatric Eye Center offers a direct-pay model with concierge-style care from Dr. Lichtenstein himself. This includes personalized treatment plans and advanced services like myopia management, which often fall outside of insurance reimbursement. Your care will always be guided by what’s best for your child.

Pediatric Eye MD Insurance-Based Care

This division of our practice is designed to make care more accessible for families with insurance coverage. By accepting a wide range of plans, we can minimize out-of-pocket costs for standard ophthalmic services, like exams, diagnostics, and follow-up care. You’ll still receive expert, child-focused treatment from our experienced team, with the added convenience of working within your insurance network.

Conditions We Treat

The Pediatric Eye Center treats everything from everyday eye issues to rare, complex conditions.

Myopia Management

Nearsightedness is more than blurry distance vision—it’s a growth issue. Our management program uses advanced diagnostics and personalized plans to slow the growth of the eye, limiting myopia progression and supporting long-term eye health. It’s thoughtful, proactive care for a growing concern.

Pediatric Eye Care

From pink eye and glasses to cataracts and amblyopia, we care for the full range of pediatric vision needs—whether it’s your child’s first eye exam or their fifth pair of frames. We figure out what’s happening even when others aren’t quite sure.

Eye Muscle Surgery Yes, Even for Adults

Strabismus and nystagmus don’t just affect how the eyes look—they affect how they work. Dr. Lichtenstein offers surgical solutions for children and adults, including cases once considered untreatable. If you’ve been told “nothing can be done,” we’ll take another look.

Pediatric Oculoplastics Surgically Treating Lumps & Bumps

We treat the small things that can cause big worries, like recurring chalazia and styes, dermoid cysts, tear duct blockages, and droopy eyelids (ptosis). Many are readily managed with a well-timed same-day surgery that brings real change.

Explore Our Office

Our Queens Location

192-13 Union Turnpike
Fresh Meadows, NY 11366

We’re Only Beholden to Our Patients

We’re not owned by a hospital. We don’t answer to shareholders. We’re a fully independent medical practice, and that’s a big part of why our care is different. There are no quotas here, no “in-network only” restrictions, just real expertise, thoughtful recommendations, and a commitment to doing what’s right for each patient—every time. That’s how we’ve earned our reputation. And that’s the kind of care your family deserves.

What if You Can Have a Visit That Feels Good—for Everyone

Going to the eye doctor shouldn’t be something your child dreads. We’ve designed every part of our practice to feel calm, friendly, and respectful of your time. You’ll talk to real people, you’ll see the same doctor, and you’ll leave with a plan that makes sense. Kids feel safe here. Parents feel heard. And that’s precisely how it should be.