Academic Appointments
- Professor of Ophthalmology at CUMC

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.
Board Certifications
- Ophthalmology
Areas of Expertise
- 3D Ultrasound
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Dry Eyes
- Laser Surgery
- Laser Vision Correction Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
- Ruby Laser
- Thyroid Disease
Education and Training
- University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
- Internship: Montefiore Hospital
- Residency: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NY
- Fellowship: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NY
Locations
CUMC/Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute
635 West 165th Street
Flanzer Suite
New York, NY 10032- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- (212) 305-9535
- Fax:
- (212) 342-5293
ColumbiaDoctors Third Avenue
880 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- (212) 305-9535
- Fax:
- (212) 201-4129
Insurance Programs
Please contact the provider's office directly to verify that your particular insurance is accepted.
- Aetna [EPO, HMO, Medicare Managed Care, NYP Employee Plan, NY Signature, POS, PPO, Signature Administrators, Student Health]
- AgeWell [Medicare Managed Care, Special Needs Plan]
- Capital District Physician Health Plan [Capital District Physician Health Plan]
- Cigna [EPO, Great West, HMO, POS, PPO]
- Elderplan [Medicare Managed Care]
- 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, Medicare Managed Care, PPO]
- MagnaCare [MagnaCare]
- Medicare [Traditional Medicare (NY)]
- Multiplan [Multiplan]
- MVP Health Care [Child/Family Health Plus, Essential Plan, HMO, Medicaid Managed Care]
- Oxford Health Plans [Freedom, Liberty]
- UnitedHealthcare [Columbia University Employee Plan, Compass (Exchange), HMO, Medicaid (Community Plan), Medicare Managed Care, POS, PPO]
This provider accepts new patients
Appointment Phone Number: (212) 305-9535
Honors and 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