Stephen L Trokel, MD

Ophthalmology
General Ophthalmology
More specialties
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Overview

Widely regarded as the first ophthalmologist to recognize the significance of the excimer laser for use in corneal refractive surgery, Dr. Stephen Trokel's vision and exhaustive research has made laser vision correction a realistic alternative to glasses and contacts for millions worldwide. Today, he remains an innovator working closely with VISX, Inc. to further develop and implement new technology.

Dr. Trokel graduated from Cornell University with a degree in physics and subsequently received his master's degree in radiation biology. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rochester, New York. After completing his residency at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons and fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and at Columbia's Edward Harkness Eye Institute, Dr. Trokel received a Doctor of Medical Science degree in Ophthalmology-Physiology, also from Columbia.

Dr. Trokel is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American College of Surgeons, the National Board of Medical Examiners, and is a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In 1999, he was nominated by over 30,000 of his peers as one of the 20th century most influential ophthalmologists.

Areas of Expertise / Conditions Treated

  • 3D Ultrasound
  • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
  • Dry Eyes
  • Laser Surgery
  • Laser Vision Correction
  • Laser Vision Correction Surgery
  • Refractive Surgery
  • Ruby Laser
  • Thyroid Disease

Academic Appointments

  • Professor of Ophthalmology at CUMC

Hospital Affiliations

  • NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Languages

  • French

Gender

  • Male

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Phone Appointments

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Insurance Accepted

Affinity Health Plan

  • Medicaid Managed Care

AgeWell

  • Medicare Managed Care
  • Special Needs

Emblem/HIP

  • Essential Plan

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HealthPlus

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Essential Plan

Fidelis Care

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Essential Plan
  • Medicaid Managed Care
  • Medicare Managed Care

Healthfirst

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Leaf (Exchange)
  • Medicare Managed Care

MVP Health Care

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Essential Plan
  • HMO
  • Medicaid Managed Care

RiverSpring

  • Special Needs

UnitedHealthcare

  • Columbia University Employee Plan
  • Medicaid (Community Plan)

WellCare

  • Medicare Managed Care
  • New Jersey Services (Medicaid Managed Care)

*Please contact the provider’s office directly to verify that your particular insurance is accepted.

Credentials & Experience

Education & Training

  • University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Internship: Montefiore Hospital
  • Residency: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NY
  • Fellowship: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NY

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology

Honors & Awards

2010 Rank Prize Royal College of Medicine

2006 Keynote Speaker ASLMS

2003 Casebeer Award

1998 ISRS Barraquer Award

1993 Stephen L. Trokel Award for Laser Research (Alcon Laboratories)

1991 ASCRS Binkhorst, Award

1989 AAO Senior Honor Award

1975 AAO Honor Award