Dr. James Kelly Ophthalmologist | Eye Surgeon | Eye Doctor

Dr. James Kelly is a comprehensive board-certified ophthalmologist in New York and Long Island, offering a wide variety of procedures. He is extraordinarily specialized and provides personalized, one-on-one care for his patients.

My core beliefs are ‘patients come first’ in every aspect of the practice.

Dr. James Kelly

World-Renowned Ophthalmologist

Watch: Dr. Kelly's exciting announcement on being named Director of Refractive Surgery Education at Northwell Health

James R. Kelly, MD is an ophthalmologist in NYC, with refractive surgery as his subspecialty. He is the Director of Refractive Surgery Education for Northwell Health and The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and is certified in all aspects of refractive surgery, which allows him to offer patients a full repertoire of surgical and non-surgical options to get the best solution for their visual needs.

Dr. James Kelly with Kelly Vision Center in tuxedo sitting on couch

James Kelly, MD

50,000 surgeries

LASIK/SMILE/PRK

15,000

Cataract surgeries

30 Years

Of Surgical Experience

Director

Refractive Surgery Education, Northwell Health

Industry Collaborator

Johnson and Johnson, Staar Surgical, Alcon and others

Innovator

Comprehensive Refractive Surgeon

Meet Your Eye Doctor Dr. James Kelly

What Is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is the study of medical conditions relating to vision and the eyes, and an ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. Specifically, ophthalmologists specialize in both the diagnosis and treatment of various eye-related conditions.

Ophthalmology Services Provided

LASIK
LASIK is one of our primary specialties at Kelly Vision. During this popular procedure, Dr. Kelly uses a highly controlled and precise laser to reshape the cornea and permanently improve the patient’s vision.
EVO ICL
EVO ICL (implantable Collamer lens) is an innovative vision correction procedure used to permanently correct moderate to severe astigmatism and nearsightedness. The procedure involves implanting a biocompatible lens into the eye to achieve sharper, clearer vision.
Laser Cataract Surgery
We offer laser cataract surgery to patients over the age of 50 who are suffering from cataracts. This surgery is performed using a highly controlled laser, which dissolves the cataract without damaging the eye.

Dry Eye Treatment
If you're struggling with dry, irritated eyes, professional Dry Eye Treatment can provide lasting relief and improve your eye health. Our advanced treatments target the root causes of dry eye syndrome, whether it's inadequate tear production, poor tear quality, or environmental factors.
Pterygium Surgery
If a patient is suffering from a large, painful pterygium, Dr. Kelly can perform pterygium surgery to correct the issue. During the procedure, the pterygium is carefully removed and replaced with a graft to prevent any pterygium growths from returning.
Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking is a procedure used to correct keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea becomes thin and weak. This minimally invasive procedure utilizes ultraviolet light and special eyedrops to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea.

Dr. James Kelly: Ophthalmologist of Choice in New York City

As a premier ophthalmologist in New York City and Long Island, Dr. Kelly has been the LASIK surgeon of choice and favored eye doctor for numerous physicians (including eye surgeons) and their families along with many New York area celebrities. He has also been honored as a Top Doctor in New York. Dr. Kelly also serves as the Director of Refractive Surgery Education at Northwell Health and The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in vision correction. His work has been featured in Newsday, Daily News, New York Post, and on numerous radio stations including POWER105, Z100, WKTU, K98.3, WALK, LITE-FM, and KROCK (The Howard Stern Show).

I received great information as well as the proper diagnosis

by J.G.

I visited Dr. Kelly's office 2 weeks ago and I can't tell you enough about how thorough and nice he was. I received great information as well as the proper diagnosis. His office staff is amazing. I also got to meet Dr. Ram who works in the office too. She was great. If you need any type of eye care please be sure to visit Kelly Vision, I promise you, you will not regret it. It's worth the trip.

J.G.

Kelly Vision has some of the best customer care there is!

by C.C.

Kelly Vision has some of the best customer care there is! Staff is super friendly and made me comfortable throughout the entire process, from the consultation through to all of my follow ups. The procedure was a little scary for me but I felt supported the whole time, people holding my hands, pillows to make the operating table nicer, and Dr. Kelly talking me through every step. They were also very clear with post op care. Best money I've ever spent.

C.C.

Everyone at the office makes you feel like family

by S.C.

Dr. Kelly and his staff are amazing. I found his practice on social media and followed him for some years and watched the reviews of some ladies I knew before taking a leap of faith. I'm so happy that I did. Dr. Kelly was super patient and talked to me through the entire LASIK process even though it was fairly short but he definitely is like a coach that encourages you the whole way through. I felt so relaxed. Everyone at the office makes you feel like family. My vision...by next day I was seeing 20/15 and after 30 years of glasses.

S.C.

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How Is Ophthalmology Different From Optometry?

While optometry refers to the practice of examining and treating the eyes, ophthalmology refers specifically to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. For example, you would typically visit an optometrist for routine eye care, such as your yearly eye exam or when you need a new contact lens prescription. However, when you’re having specific issues related to your eyes or vision, that’s when you would want to visit an ophthalmologist.

Eye Conditions Treated

Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is an extremely common condition, and having to wear contact lenses or glasses every day can become quite a hassle. Dr. Kelly offers various treatments that can correct nearsightedness, including LASIK, EVO ICL, and Intacs eye surgery.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that is typically associated with aging. Cataracts are the result of a protein buildup on the eye, and they can cause dulled colors, trouble seeing at night, nearsightedness, and issues with glare. For patients suffering from cataracts, Dr. Kelly offers laser cataract surgery as well as intraocular lenses.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a prevalent condition that most of us have experienced at one time or another. If you’re suffering from persistent dry eyes, Dr. Kelly will diagnose the cause and determine the ideal treatment.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common disorder of the optic nerve typically caused by high pressure inside the eye. The condition can cause vision problems, acute eye pain, nausea, and eye reddening. Dr. Kelly offers several options for treating glaucoma, including LASIK and certain medications.
Pterygium
A pterygium is a pink, triangle-shaped growth that can develop and spread around the eye. As these growths gradually get worse, they can cause astigmatism or even vision loss if they aren’t surgically removed.

Dr. Kelly's Background & Education in Ophthalmology

New York City eye doctor, James Kelly, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University in New York City and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. After completing an internship in internal medicine, he performed his laser eye surgery residency at The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, widely regarded as one of the country’s top ten specialty eye surgery centers. Dr. Kelly is now a top LASIK surgeon in New York and Long Island, with Kelly Vision being the top cataract surgery practice in the area.

When Should You See an Ophthalmologist?

Generally speaking, you should make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist whenever you’re experiencing problems or unusual symptoms relating to your eyes or vision. Some common examples of when to see an ophthalmologist include:

You’re experiencing vision changes
Your eyes are persistently dry
Your eyes appear red or bloodshot
You’re experiencing eye pain
You’re feeling an unusual pressure in your eyes

When you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, an ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose the issue and provide the necessary treatment.

A Devotion to Corrective Eye Surgery

He pursued extensive additional training and certification in refractive laser eye surgery before devoting his entire professional career to the exciting field of corrective eye surgery: LASIK, PRK, implant surgery, cataract surgery, and other vision correction procedures. Dr. Kelly has personally performed many thousands of vision correction procedures since 1996.

Dr. Kelly's Credentials: A Fellow, Member, Diplomat, and Mentor

Dr. Kelly is a board-certified laser eye surgeon and a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is an active fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is also proud to be a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the New York State Ophthalmological Society, and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons.

In addition, Dr. Kelly is an academic mentor for the International School of Optometry in Puerto Rico and a clinical instructor for Alcon Surgical, for which he certifies other surgeons on various lasers and techniques. Dr. Kelly lectures on the topic of refractive surgery (laser eye surgery) and instructs other eye surgeons on the LASIK technique as a certified instructor for Alcon. He has distinguished himself by scoring in the top 2% in the United States on the written certification for ophthalmology.

Media

Dr. James Kelly is a sought-after ophthalmologist whose expertise has been featured on Fox & Friends, Good Day New York, and in OK! Magazine, where he was noted as Logan Paul’s trusted LASIK surgeon. He has performed LASIK for high-profile figures including Jordan Belfort, and his insights have been published in VOGUE, Allure, HuffPost, Parade, CNET, Vision Monday, and Ophthalmology Times. Known for advancing refractive surgery, Dr. Kelly is frequently quoted on eye health, laser procedures, and innovations like EVO ICL and SMILE.

Learn More

Why Choose New York City Ophthalmologist Dr. Kelly?

When you choose Dr. James Kelly as your ophthalmologist in New York City or Long Island, you’re not just choosing a top LASIK surgeon who has the top cataract surgery practice in the area — you’re also choosing a highly personalized, boutique experience with a doctor who truly cares. His passion for correcting his patients’ vision extends to their lives. When you can see the world around you clearly, it’s an invaluable gift. At Kelly Vision, you’re not just another patient. You’re not a number or the next case. You’re a unique individual who is more than that to us. To meet Dr. Kelly and get on your way to improved vision, we invite you to contact us and set up your free consultation.

Dr. James Kelly Ophthalmologist | Eye Surgeon | Eye Doctor

World-Renowned Ophthalmologist

James Kelly, MD

50,000 surgeries

15,000

30 Years

Director

Industry Collaborator

Innovator

Meet Your Eye Doctor Dr. James Kelly

What Is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology Services Provided

LASIK

EVO ICL

Laser Cataract Surgery

Dry Eye Treatment

Pterygium Surgery

Corneal Cross-Linking

Dr. James Kelly: Ophthalmologist of Choice in New York City

I received great information as well as the proper diagnosis

Kelly Vision has some of the best customer care there is!

Everyone at the office makes you feel like family

How Is Ophthalmology Different From Optometry?

Eye Conditions Treated

Myopia

Cataracts

Dry Eyes

Glaucoma

Pterygium