NUMC unveils new eye center

A new eye center at Nassau University Medical Center opened Friday in a modernized, 3,500-square-foot facility, officials said.

For the last 40 years, doctors have treated patients in exam rooms in a trailer outside the hospital.

NUMC spokeswoman Shelley Lotenberg said the new center is located on the first floor of the B building. It will have 10 exam rooms, compared with the trailer’s six.

The hospital also hired two ophthalmologists to handle the anticipated 10 percent increase in patient visits, Lotenberg said.

Renovating the space took six months and $600,000. Patients can receive treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, retina and vitreous disease, as well as pediatric eye care, eye care for trauma patients and laser vision corrections, Lotenberg said.

The existing center accommodates 11,000 patient visits annually and performs more than 600 surgeries.