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Home About Leonard Bley, MD, FACS

Leonard Bley, MD, FACS

NY LASIK & Laser & Microsurgery Institute

Meet Dr. Bley

Dr. Leonard M. Bley is an internationally recognized ophthalmologist and board-certified refractive and cataract surgeon with over 35 years of clinical experience. As Surgical Director of Laser & Microsurgery Institute and founder of NY LASIK, Dr. Bley has established himself as a leading authority in advanced eye surgery, specializing in LASIK, SMILE, premium cataract surgery, and oculoplastic procedures. A Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and member of the American College of Eye Surgeons, Dr. Bley combines rigorous surgical training with a patient-centered approach to deliver outcomes that restore and enhance vision.

Detailed Biography

Dr. Bley earned his Doctor of Medicine from New York University School of Medicine in 1989, where he demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to ophthalmology from the outset. Following his medical degree, he completed a comprehensive internship in Internal Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, establishing a strong foundation in general medical knowledge before specializing in eye care. From 1990 to 1993, Dr. Bley completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, one of the nation’s most prestigious training programs for eye surgeons. This rigorous three-year program provided extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of ophthalmology, from general eye care to complex surgical procedures.

Recognizing the importance of subspecialty training, Dr. Bley pursued a fellowship in Oculoplastics at New York University Hospital from 1993 to 1994. This advanced training enhanced his surgical precision and expanded his capabilities in delicate periocular procedures, including eyelid surgery and orbital reconstruction. Following his fellowship, Dr. Bley established a private practice with New York Eye Associates (1994–2001), where he built a reputation for clinical excellence and patient satisfaction. In 2002, he founded Laser & Microsurgery Institute and NY LASIK, recognizing the transformative potential of refractive surgery technology to improve patients’ quality of life.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Bley has become an internationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract surgery. He has pioneered the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), premium intraocular lenses, and the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens—making NY LASIK the first and only practice in the New York area with locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offering this advanced technology. His commitment to innovation, combined with his meticulous surgical technique, has earned him recognition from patients and peers alike. Dr. Bley maintains active involvement in continuing medical education, regularly attending national and international conferences to stay at the forefront of ophthalmologic advances.

Your Consultation

Dr. Bley believes that successful eye surgery begins with a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique vision goals and concerns. During your initial consultation, Dr. Bley will conduct a comprehensive eye examination, review your medical and surgical history, and discuss your lifestyle and visual expectations. Advanced diagnostic imaging, including corneal topography and wavefront analysis, will be performed to assess your candidacy for LASIK, SMILE, cataract surgery, or other procedures. Dr. Bley will explain the benefits and risks of each option in clear, understandable terms, answer all your questions, and work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. His approach emphasizes informed decision-making and realistic expectations, ensuring you feel confident and prepared before any procedure.

Facilities

NY LASIK operates state-of-the-art surgical facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn, both equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical technology. The surgical suites meet the highest standards of safety and sterility, with advanced LASIK platforms, femtosecond lasers, and phacoemulsification systems for cataract surgery. Each facility features a comfortable consultation area, modern examination rooms, and a dedicated recovery suite where patients receive attentive post-operative care. The practice employs experienced surgical nurses and certified anesthesia professionals to ensure patient safety and comfort throughout every procedure. Dr. Bley’s commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art facilities reflects his dedication to delivering the highest quality of care.

Education and Training

  • Bachelor of Arts, Washington Square College, New York University (1985) | Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, Silverstein Scholar, Catechin Society Best Chemistry Major Award, Dean’s Honor List
  • Doctor of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine (1989)
  • Internship in Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital (1989-1990)
  • Residency in Ophthalmology, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital (1990-1993)
  • Fellowship in Oculoplastics, New York University Hospital (1993-1994)
  • Continuing Medical Education: Regular attendance at national and international ophthalmology conferences and surgical training programs

Board Certification

  • American Board of Ophthalmology, Board Certified (1995)

    • Professional Memberships

    • American Academy of Ophthalmology, Fellow (1998)
    • American College of Eye Surgeons, Member (1999)
    • IOL Society of New York, Member (2004)
    • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Member (2005)

    Specialties and Clinical Focus

    Philosophy and Approach to Patient Care

    Dr. Bley’s surgical philosophy is grounded in precision, innovation, and compassionate patient care. He believes that vision correction should be tailored to each individual’s unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach. By combining advanced diagnostic technology with meticulous surgical technique, Dr. Bley achieves outcomes that restore clarity and enhance quality of life. He is committed to staying at the forefront of ophthalmologic innovation, regularly adopting new technologies and techniques that benefit his patients. Above all, Dr. Bley prioritizes patient safety, informed consent, and realistic expectations, ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and confident in their treatment plan.

    Research and Academic Contributions

    • 1982: Laboratory Research in Chemistry, Albert Einstein Medical School | Project: Chromatographic Methods for Drug Level Determination | Preceptor: A. Karmen, M.D.
    • 1988: Corneal Wound Healing Research, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary | Preceptor: P. Hersh, M.D.
    • Published Research: Contributor to peer-reviewed literature on exfoliation deposits and ocular pathology (IOVS—Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science)

    Languages Spoken

    • English
    • Spanish
    • Russian

    Hospital Affiliations

    • NYU Langone Hospitals
    • Staten Island University Hospital
    • Calvary Hospital (Brooklyn Campus)
    “Dr. Leonard Bley is the BEST!!! Our family ophthalmologist in the past 13 years. Extremely professional, talented, with magical manual dexterity. My husband had his LASIK done at the Manhattan location in 2015 and until now he still has the best results. I decided to do mine because I didn’t want to wear glasses. My LASIK was done in a few minutes and the results are amazing. I could see right away.”
    - Z.
    “I had LASIK performed last week by Dr. Bley. I am blown away by the results just 7 days later. My entire experience was fantastic! As a physician myself, I knew that I wanted a responsive staff, a proficient surgeon, and cutting-edge equipment in my search for a LASIK center in Manhattan. Dr Bley, his staff, and the LASIK center met all of my criteria and I will be recommending them to my friends and family.”
    - M.P.
    “The best and the most professional doctor ever. He is a pioneer of laser eye surgery and in practice for 30+ years. I trust Dr. Bley a lot. Recommend him to everyone who needs laser eye surgery.”
    - M.I.