Only Beholden to Our Patients

At The Pediatric Eye Center, we don’t answer to insurance companies, hospital systems, or shareholders. We’re fully independent, and that allows us to deliver ethical, expert care guided by one thing only: what’s best for your child.

Our Loyalty Is Simple We Do What’s Right for Our Patients

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein founded the practice in 2001, and every decision has been guided by one principle: what’s best for the patient. As a fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist with more than 25 years of surgical experience, Dr. Lichtenstein is one of the most seasoned pediatric eye surgeons in the New York metro area.

His independence from hospital systems, insurance networks, and corporate ownership isn’t just a business choice—it’s a medical one. It means treatments are never dictated by policy, quotas, or profit models. They’re driven by expertise, clinical judgment, and a personal investment in each child’s outcome. We do what’s right, when it’s right—no compromises.

Why Independence Matters More Than Ever

We believe every decision about your child’s care should be made by a doctor, not a corporation. We’re proud to be a fully independent medical practice, which means we answer to no one but our patients.

We’re not owned by a hospital system.
We’re not part of a chain.
We’re not beholden to insurance quotas, shareholder targets, or private equity timelines.

That freedom isn’t just a business model—it’s a promise that allows us to provide thoughtful, ethical, physician-led care, with your child’s best interest at the center of every decision.

What This Means for You and Your Child

We spend more time with each patient.
We offer honest recommendations.
We avoid high-volume, corporate-style care models.
We deliver the kind of personalized, precision care that’s hard to find elsewhere.
We make sure you and your kids feel comfortable, safe, and right at home.
You sees the same doctor every visit.

Why Parents Trust The Pediatric Eye Center

When you come to The Pediatric Eye Center, you’re not a “case.” You’re a parent looking for clarity, confidence, and a doctor who will walk you through options, without pressure, confusion, or spin.

We don’t check with a system.
We don’t wait for preapprovals to offer guidance.
We simply do what’s medically right—and explain why—so you can feel confident choosing what’s best for your child.

Families come to us for answers. And they stay with us because they know we’ll always give them the whole picture, even when it’s complicated.

We Build Genuine Relationships

Our practice isn’t built on patient volume. It’s built on trust. Most of our referrals come from pediatricians, other specialists, and families who’ve been here before. Here’s why. Because they know they can expect a calm, unrushed environment, clear communication from someone who listens, and continuity of care with the same doctor at every visit. Parents regularly tell us, “We wish we’d found you sooner.” That’s not a coincidence. It’s the result of a model that values relationship-building.

Experience You Can Count On

Being independent doesn’t mean we operate in a vacuum. In fact, it means we’re more accountable—our reputation is earned one patient at a time. Dr. Lichtenstein’s track record speaks for itself:

Over 25 years of pediatric surgical experience
Thousands of successful procedures across all ages, from infants to adults
Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
Fellowship-trained in pediatric ophthalmology
Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS)
Specialty Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Former instructor at multiple ophthalmology residency programs
A trusted referral source for pediatricians across Queens, Nassau County, and the NYC metro area

Your Child Deserves the Best Care Possible

At its heart, our practice was built for families. We’ve created a space where parents can finally exhale, knowing they’ve found care that’s truly second to none.

So if you’ve ever felt brushed off...
If you’ve heard “wait and see” one too many times...
Or if you just want a doctor who sees your child the way you do...

You’ve found the right place.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready for care that puts your child first, with flexible options that fit your needs, delivered by a team that treats you like family, contact us today. At The Pediatric Eye Center, we’re only beholden to our patients—always have been and always will be.