Academic Appointments
- Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology
George J. Florakis, M.D., is Professor of Ophthalmology at CUMC and Director of Columbia Ophthalmology in Westchester. Dr. Florakis is an expert in corneal surgery and consultation. He specializes in management techniques for corneal transplants, endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK, DSAEK), corneal dystrophies, and anterior segment trauma and reconstruction.
A national leader in corneal diseases, Dr. Florakis is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a member of the National Eye Bank Association of America, a longtime member of the medical advisory board of the Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration in New York, the New York Ophthalmological Society, New York State Medical Society, and the Northeast Cornea Society, as well as many other professional organizations. Dr. Florakis has authored many book chapters and peer-reviewed articles, and lectures extensively both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Florakis received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Columbia University. Following his ophthalmology residency training at Columbia’s Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Dr. Florakis completed a fellowship in corneal and external eye diseases under the preceptorship of Jay Krachmer, MD, at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Florakis sees patients in Westchester and in the Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Board Certifications
- Ophthalmology
Areas of Expertise
- Cornea and External Eye Disease
- Corneal Disorders
- Cornea Transplant
- Pterygium
Education and Training
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Residency: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NY
- Fellowship: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Locations
CUIMC/Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute
635 West 165th Street
303
New York, NY 10032- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- 212 305 3378
ColumbiaDoctors - 110 Brook Street
110 Brook Street
Scarsdale, NY 10583- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- 914-723-1641
Insurance Programs
Please contact the provider's office directly to verify that your particular insurance is accepted.
- AETNA [Aetna Signature Administrators, EPO, HMO, Medicare Managed Care, NYP Employee Plan, NY Signature, POS, PPO, Student Health]
- CIGNA [EPO, Great West (National), HMO, POS, PPO]
- Emblem/GHI [Medicare Managed Care, PPO]
- Emblem/HIP [ConnectiCare, EPO, Essential Plan, HMO, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicare Managed Care, POS, PPO, Select Care (Exchange), Vytra]
- Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield [EPO, HMO, PPO]
- Local 1199 [Local 1199]
- MagnaCare (National) [MagnaCare]
- Medicare [Railroad, Traditional Medicare]
- Multiplan [Multiplan]
- Oxford Health Plans [Freedom, Freedom PPO, Liberty, POS]
- Quality Health Management [Quality Health Management]
- RiverSpring [Special Needs]
- UnitedHealthcare [Compass (Exchange), Empire Plan, HMO, Medicare Managed Care, POS, PPO]
This provider accepts new patients
Appointment Phone Number: (212) 305-3378
Honors and Awards
2018 – 2023 Visiting Professor/ Consultant of the Ophthalmology Department
of the Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, China
2008 – 2022 New York Times “Super Doctors”
1995 – Present Best Doctors in America, including Castle Connolly
2019 American Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Award
2014 Visiting Professor Yale University Department of Ophthalmology
2012 Tom Casey Memorial Lecture – Joint Irish and UKISCRS
2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award
2010 Williford Distinguished Visiting Professor – Hamilton Eye Institute
2009 Foundation Fighting Blindness Man of Vision Award
2007 Awarded New York City Council Proclamation
2000 Edward S. Harkness Nurses First Annual “Physician of the Year”
1997 Edward S. Harkness Ophthalmology Resident Appreciation Award
1997 Election to New York Ophthalmological Society
1995 Philip Knapp Memorial Teaching Award