SUNY Optometry State-Of-The-Art Pediatric Eye Care Center For NYers From Harlem To Hollis

April 6, 2020

The State University of New York College of Optometry announced the official opening of the Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care which resides in the University Eye Center.

Amid nationwide shutdowns and growing demand to meet patient needs, the new state-of-the-art pediatric eye care center is now open for urgent vision needs. The Center will also see patients through the newly launched University Eye Center’s telehealth platform.

The new Center, named in honor of the late Barbara Saltzman, who served as the President of the Board of Trustees for the Optometric Center of New York, is located in mid-town Manhattan on the College’s campus. The $3.3 million, 5,000 square foot facility is dedicated to accommodating the growing need for both basic and advanced pediatric eye care within the University Eye Center.

Photos are available here: www.ourvisionforchildren.org.

“The launch of the Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care is a remarkable chapter in SUNY College of Optometry’s history. It is a reflection of the dedication of many incredible individuals across the vision care industry who understand the significance of early and ongoing eye care interventions in improving the lives of children,” said SUNY College of Optometry president David A. Heath, OD, EdM. “As leaders in vision care, our goal at the College is to continue enhancing the patient experience through groundbreaking world-class services and innovation, which the Center allows us to provide.”

“As health care workers across New York City continue to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that thousands of patients still have other health issues,” said SUNY College of Optometry vice president for clinical administration Liduvina Martinez-Gonzalez, FACHE. “Although in-person consultations are limited, we are excited to continue meeting the needs of our patients through the implementation of private and secure telemedicine that allows our patients to interact with their providers remotely. ”

Construction on the state-of-the-art pediatric center began in April 2019 thanks to the support and generous contributions of many donors including a grant from the State of New York NYSUNY 2020 awards (in 2016) and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The Center features eight new exam rooms, a room for sensory-sensitive children (Chill Room), the ability to examine children with special needs, a child-friendly waiting area with interactive activities, and a dedicated area for optical dispensing.


Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center.

SUNY College of Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY College of Optometry, visit www.suny.edu.

Existing or new patients can schedule virtual consultations with a University Eye Center provider. Referrals are also accepted. For more information, visit www.sunyopt.edu or call 212-938-4001.

Photo credit: Screenshot from SUNY College of Optometry.


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