Become a patient
Everything you need before your first visit
Dr. Maisel and our team welcome you to Retina Group of New York. Here you’ll find how to prepare, the forms to complete at home, the insurance plans we accept, and answers to common questions — so your visit is as smooth as possible.
Your first visit
What to expect and how to prepare
Please print and complete the forms below at home and bring them with you — it saves time at check-in. Plan to be in the office for approximately two hours, depending on your eye problem and the type of testing and treatment required.
Bring a driver
Your eyes will be dilated for several hours, so you will need someone to drive you home after your visit.
Complete both sides of the forms
Include the names and addresses of your primary care and referring doctors, and the amounts and types of medications you take.
Bring your glasses
Please remember to bring your current eyeglasses, your insurance card, and a photo ID.
Allow about two hours
Testing and same-day treatment are performed on site, so most patients leave with a diagnosis and a plan.
Accessible parking
Handicapped parking is on the south side of the Hicksville building, and in the northeast lot by the Chase Bank in Islandia.
Referrals and prior approval
If your insurance requires prior approval or a referral authorization, please make sure we receive it before your visit.
Have a question before your appointment? Don’t hesitate to call us — we’re happy to help.
Patient forms
Download, print, and bring with you
Click a form to download it, then print and return it by mail, fax to (516) 939-2510, or bring it to our office. New patients should complete the New Patient Registration Form and Medical History at minimum.
Due to HIPAA regulations, forms cannot be emailed to us or submitted online through the website.
Insurance
Insurance plans we participate in
We participate in a number of insurance plans, including Medicare. You will be responsible for any deductible or co-payment, and we are happy to assist with paperwork. Plans may be updated frequently and some require authorization or a referral — if yours isn’t listed, call the office to verify participation.
Accepted plans
AARP
Aetna
Age-Well
BCBS
Care Connect North Shore/LIJ
Cigna (except Exchange plan)
GHI
Healthcare Partners
HIP
Humana
Magnacare
Medicare
Meritain
Multiplan
National Association of Letter Carriers
Oxford
Oxford Liberty
Quality Health Plans of NY
SEIU 1199
Tricare
UMR
United Healthcare
US Family Health Plan
Vytra
Languages spoken
Please request a translator when making your appointment if needed.
English
Spanish
Italian
Hindi
Urdu
Russian
Most other languages with a translator
Urgent cases and second opinions
We routinely handle urgent referrals from other ophthalmologists — trauma, complications of cataract surgery, and retinal detachments — and are glad to provide second opinions in complicated cases. We are available 24/7 and frequently coordinate with retinal physicians elsewhere in the country, especially for our snowbird patients.
Resources & links
Organizations we support
These organizations fund research, provide trusted information, and advocate for people living with diabetes and retinal disease.
American Diabetes Association
The nation’s leading nonprofit providing diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes takes place across the country and is the premier walk event supporting all people living with diabetes.
JDRF
The leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, with a singular focus on accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Driving the research that will provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal diseases.
“The word ‘doctor’ is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘to teach.’ We take our educational responsibilities seriously and strive to educate patients and their families about their eye conditions.”
James M. Maisel, MD, FAAO