Edward C. Lai, M.D.
Ophthalmology
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Edward C. Lai, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Profile Photo of Edward C. Lai, M.D.
Accepts New Patients
Gender: Male
Language: English

About

Personal Statement

Welcome! When you visit our office at Weill Cornell Medicine, your eye health is my top priority. My entire team is dedicated to providing you with compassionate, personalized eye care. I am a true believer that excellence in performing eye care is derived from both education and experience.  My team and I strive to keep current on the latest techniques and standards so we can provide you with the best care and the most optimal results.  I offer a variety of general ophthalmology, cornea, and refractive surgery treatments to help restore and maintain your optimal vision health. Some of these eye care services include: comprehensive eye examinations, cataract surgery, LASIK surgery, corneal transplantation, treatment of various corneal diseases, and dry eye.  I never take for granted that you have placed a great deal of confidence in me and I look forward to meeting with you.

Specialties and Expertise

Specialties

  • General Ophthalmology
  • Ophthalmology

Expertise

  • Refractive Surgery
  • Cataract Surgery
  • Corneal Disorder
  • Corneal Surgery
  • Corneal Disease
  • LASIK Surgery
  • Cataract
  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Laser Vision Correction
  • Laser Vision Correction Surgery
  • Clinical Research
  • Problems With Sight
  • Dry Eyes
  • Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Eye Surgery

Biography

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.

 

Research

Honors and Awards

Honors and Awards

New York Magazine's Top Doctors 2018, 2019
Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019
Resident Teacher of the Year 2010, 2011, 2019
Medical Advisory Board, Eye Bank for Sight Restoration 2015-present

 

Top Doctors
Edward C. Lai, M.D. has been named one of America's Top Doctors by Castle Connolly. Across 65 medical specialties, 404 Weill Cornell Medicine physicians have been awarded this designation.

Learn more

Credentials

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Ophthalmology

Clinical and Academic Positions

  • Associate Attending Ophthalmologist - NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology - Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University

Education and Training

  • M.D., Tufts University School of Medicine, 2003

Insurance

Insurance Plans Accepted

The following represents most of the managed care plans accepted by this doctor. If your insurance carrier does not appear here please contact the doctor’s office as they may have individual contracts not included on this site.

* indicates this doctor is no longer accepting new patients with this insurance plan.

  • AETNA - HMO
  • AETNA - PPO
  • AETNA - Medicare
  • Aetna Weill Cornell Employee Managed Care Plan
  • Aetna Weill Cornell Employee PPO Plan
  • Aetna-NYP - EPO/POS
  • CIGNA
  • Emblem Select Care
  • Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - Blue Access
  • Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - EPO
  • Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - HMO
  • Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - Mediblue (Senior)
  • Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - PPO
  • GHI - CBP
  • Health First
  • Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP) - Medicare
  • Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP)
  • Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP) - Medicaid
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Oxford Health Plans - Freedom
  • Oxford Health Plans - Liberty
  • Oxford Health Plans - Medicare Advantage
  • Oxford Health Plans - Metro/Core/Charter
  • Rockefeller University - Trustmark
  • United Empire
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare - Community Plan
  • United Healthcare - Medicare
  • United Healthcare Compass
  • WorldWide Medical

Locations and Appointments

External Relationships

External Relationships

Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.

No External Relationships Reported