READ HERE for an update on Aetna.

Edward C. Lai, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Locations and Appointments

Insurances Accepted

Please contact the doctor's office to verify that your insurance is accepted.

  • HMO
  • Medicare
  • PPO
  • EPO/POS
  • Blue Access
  • EPO
  • HMO
  • Mediblue (Senior)
  • PPO
  • CBP
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Freedom
  • Liberty
  • Medicare Advantage
  • Metro/Core/Charter
  • Community Plan
  • Medicare
  • HMO
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.

Biographical Info

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.

 

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

 

Board Certifications
American Board of Ophthalmology
Clinical Expertise
Refractive 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
Gradual Changes in Vision
Sudden Changes in Vision
Corneal Cross-Linking
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Languages
English
Education 
  • M.D.
    Tufts University School of Medicine
    2003
Appointments 
  • Associate Attending Ophthalmologist
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University

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