At New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE), our Ophthalmologists understand this is a challenging time, and are doing everything we can to see our patients. To minimize your COVID-19 exposure, we are offering virtual visits for existing patients. We appreciate your understanding that most eye conditions require a physical examination and/or visualization of the structures of the eye in the office. This is why only certain conditions/problems are able to be appropriately addressed through a telehealth consultation.

If you are a current patient and need to speak to your provider, please call your office between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday. Our staff will document your questions and concerns and relay them to your provider. Your doctor will decide, on a case-by case-basis, whether a phone or video encounter should be scheduled. In some cases an in-office follow up may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I setup a telemedicine appointment with my ophthalmologist?
During the current health care crisis, telemedicine is a safe and convenient tool that helps physicians treat patients in a timely manner.

A virtual visit will allow your provider to discuss your current condition and symptoms, prescribe medication, develop a plan of care, and determine if any follow-ups are needed. During a video appointment, your doctors will also be able to check your visual acuity and perform a general external examination of your eyes and eyelids, which can help in diagnosis and treatment. In some cases an in-person visit will be necessary for additional examination and diagnostic tests that cannot be performed during a virtual appointment.

Please note: We will not be able to measure eye pressure, examine the retina or optic nerve, or perform visual field testing and imaging studies during a telehealth visit. These tests require a physical examination in the office.

Is telemedicine technology difficult to use? What kind of phone, tablet or computer setup is required?
Our staff is here to help make your virtual visit stress-free and productive. Please call your provider’s office (phone numbers listed above) and ask a staff member about scheduling a telemedicine virtual visit. Once your physician determines that you need a video visit, our scheduler will walk you through the steps to set up your visit.
 
Will insurance cover my telehealth visit?
In most cases, insurances plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will cover telehealth/telemedicine visits. Please note, you may still be responsible for copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance payments based on your insurance plan.

Will my telemedicine visit be private and secure?
Mount Sinai employs encrypted, HIPAA-compliant technology to connect you to our doctors. Your privacy is important to us. During your appointment no one is present in the room with the doctor or listening on the line; you can confidently discuss your health in an environment of secure privacy.