Certified Eye Doctors on Long Island

Dr. Vincent Basilice – Medical Director

Long Island Ophthalmologist

“We are self fulfilling prophecies. A positive attitude and outlook yields positive results. A negative attitude and outlook yields negative results. Be positive and especially grateful for all you have and do in your life and successful abundance will follow”

Vincent P. Basilice, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist that has been regarded as one of the best eye surgeons on Long Island for over 30 years. Dr. Basilice is regularly sought out as a community, organizational, and education speaker, addressing a diverse array of ophthalmic topics including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye care, and the latest advances in cataract IOL treatment and laser vision correction. Dr. Basilice is beloved by his patients, as evidenced by the ‘Vitals Patient’s Choice Award’ in 2010, 2011, & 2013-2015, and the ‘Compassionate Doctor Award’ in 2011, 2013, and 2015.

Dr. Basilice has been invited to participate in a number of clinical trials including investigation for the multifocal intraocular lens as well as numerous other pharmaceutical test protocols. In addition, Dr. Basilice is recognized as one of the Island’s foremost authorities on LASIK laser vision correction, being among the first on Long Island to regularly include the advanced technologies of WaveScan pre-surgical testing and the capabilities of the VISX Star S4 excimer laser.

Dr. Basilice is also a published authority on many aspects of ophthalmic care, with his most recent article appearing in “Refractive Eyecare for Ophthalmologists”. He is familiar to New York audiences for his many radio guest appearances and is regularly invited to speak in front of health care professionals, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. Dr. Basilice is a member of numerous medical societies including Castle Connolly Top Doctors, Teddy Roosevelt Humanitarian of the Year Award, Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NYS Society of Surgeons, American Congress of Glaucoma, Oculoplastic Fellowship Society of New York, American Medical Society Physicians Recognition Award, American Medical Association Physicians’ Recognition Award, Long Island Health Heroes Award, America’s Top Doctors.

“Dr. Basilice is the best! He performed my mother’s cataract surgery and the care she received was above and beyond. My husband and I have been going to Dr. Basilice for years and would highly recommend him!” – Yelp, Dr. Basilice Review

Michael S. Conners, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.O.

Long Island Ophthalmologist

“At TOC Eye®, we treat patients like family”

Michael S. Conners, M.D., Ph.D., a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, brings expertise in the fields of Cornea and External Diseases as well as Refractive Surgery to The Ophthalmic Center. Dr. Conners is a graduate of Hofstra University and completed his medical and graduate training at New York Medical College resulting in a dual M.D., Ph.D. degree. Dr. Conners subsequently trained at the prestigious Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. He completed fellowship training in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery both at Washington University and the nationally recognized Minnesota Eye Consultants in Minneapolis. Dr. Conners then joined the faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology at Washington University. As an academic physician, he co-directed the Cornea service and was medical director of The Refractive Surgery Center, educating numerous physicians on advanced surgical techniques. As director of The Refractive Surgery Center, he performed thousands of refractive surgical procedures including LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and PTK.

Dr. Conners has extensive experience in routine and complex cataract surgery including the newer multifocal and accommodative lens technology. Dr. Conners’ knowledge and surgical experience in corneal diseases has created national recognition. He is sought after for opinions regarding newer surgical approaches to corneal transplant and is well experienced in the newest corneal transplant procedures including Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK). Dr. Conners also has a significant interest in the treatment of dry eye and has consulted for numerous drug companies in the past.

Dr. Conners is a Long Island native, having grown up in East Meadow. He now resides in Miller Place with his wife and 3 children. Dr. Conners is an active member of many societies and associations including Fellow of the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation, Best Doctors in America, The Society of Heed Fellows, The Cornea Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Americas Top Ophthalmologist, Consumers Research Council of America.

“Dr. Conners saved me! I was suffering from severe eye pain caused by dry eye and blepharitis for over a year. I feel human again. He is very thorough and takes his time with you. Definitely recommend him.” – Facebook, Dr. Conners Review

Alexander Llinas, M.D., Ph.D.

Long Island Ophthalmologist

“Honesty, Integrity, Great Medicine”

Alexander Llinas, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in the treatment of glaucoma both medically and surgically. His education has been quite extensive, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University. He attended St. Andrews University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, where he received a Ph.D. in molecular biology. Dr. Llinas also received his Medical Doctorate from New York University School of Medicine in Manhattan.

His training in ophthalmology has also been quite extensive, attending Yale University, Nassau University and Stony Brook University during his residency. Finally Dr. Llinas attended New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan and trained with the world renowned Dr. Robert Ritch in glaucoma.

Although Dr. Llinas spends most of his time caring for his glaucoma patients, he still finds time to do research in the field. He has given many lectures to very diverse groups and continues to author papers on the subject of glaucoma.

Dr. Llinas was born in Chicago, Illinois, but spent most of his life in Manhattan. He recently moved to Long Island, where he resides with his wife Christine, his young son Paul and daughter Sidney. He is and active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the New York State Ophthalmological Society.

Alex J. Schaffer, O.D.

Long Island Optometrist

“Care and compassion for each and every patient’s individual needs”

Alex J. Schaffer earned his doctorate degree in optometry from SUNY Optometry in Manhattan. His undergraduate was completed at the University of Delaware where he earned his bachelors degree in Biology.

While obtaining his degree, Dr. Schaffer interned here at The Ophthalmic Center, The Veterans Hospital in Northport, and at Family Vision Care in San Carlos, California.  The majority of Dr. Schaffer’s clinical experience was completed at the University Eye Center in Manhattan.  In those sites, he has worked closely with both optometrists and ophthalmologists in treating diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, in addition to fitting contact lenses and providing vision therapy and rehabilitative services to patients.

Dr. Schaffer has volunteered with VOSH, in Lima Peru, as part of its mission to eliminate preventable blindness around the world by the year 2020.

Dr. Schaffer is a member of the American Optometric Association. He is a long time resident of Setauket and a graduate of Ward Melville High School. He is proud to call the Three Villages his home and hopes to provide continuing quality eye-care within the community.

“I see Dr. Schaeffer. He is extremely thorough and knowledgeable in his field and beyond. I have an extremely challenging set of health issues which he is assisting to sort our and has been more helpful than some of my other specialists. He takes time to listen to concerns and isn’t afraid to answer any questions I have. All that AND he’s very caring, compassionate AND has a great sense of humor. Wish all my doctors were like him.” – Facebook, Dr. Schaeffer Review