Ralph Paternoster – Park Professional Eyecare

I had used Dr. Poternastor for several years 2008 – 2014. I noticed a very small growth in my eyelid in summer 2013, which I pointed out during a routine eye exam. He assured me it was nothing to be concerned about. I returned in early December2014 as growth had gotten much bigger. He diagnosed me with blepharatis (inflammation of eyelid) and treated as such with an ointment. I saw him again in late December 2014 and expressed concern that growth was not smaller. He suggested I needed to
Clean my eyelids more frequently. I requested a referral to an opthamalogist (an MD, which Poternastor is not). He shook his head and assured me I did
Not need this. Thankfully I trusted my instincts and went for second opinion in February 2015 to an actual MD. This doctor biopsied the growth on my eyelid and found that it was in fact cancerous. I was referred to an opthalmic plastic surgeon, this was necessary due to delicacy of area and need to ensure minimal
I pregnant, surgery needed to be postponed until after I delivered the baby. Fast forward to January 2016, surgery occurred at the New York eye and Ear Infirmary with both sedation and local anesthesia. Currently healing and stitches from eyelid to be removed this Thursday 1÷28÷16. In my opinion Dr Poternastor operates way beyond the scope of his training. He should have referred me as I requested. Instead, He dismissed me three times regarding the growth which was arrogant and irresponsible.

There optometrists and there are ophthalmologists. Only ophthalmologists go to medical school. Perhaps that is why this guy seems more interested in getting your money than in your eye health. I have always felt rushed, and never fully satisfied with his answers. I get more information online then I do at his office. Then I had a problem and in an effort to just get me out, states the obvious and blames my inability to see with my new glasses on my disease. Funny thing is: I can see almost perfectly with my old glasses. I really think there was a problem with the autorefractor test which gives an objective reading of your prescription, but of course he didn’t bother to repeat it although it takes 30 seconds. The opticians are great and really tried helping me out even though it wasn’t anything they did wrong, but the «doctor» should be a little more caring and take extra time discussing problems, concerns, new advances… etc

Dr. Paternoster is the absolute best. He is professional and very thorough, and his staff is excellent. They have a great selection of designer frames and his stylists are hip and know what looks best on you. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.