Gary D. Markowitz, M.D.

I am thoroughly disheartened by a recent experience with Dr. Gary Markowitz, MD. My healthy 13 year-old daughter developed a chalazion (localized swelling/inflammation resulting from obstruction of a gland in the eyelid.) This is a very common and easy to diagnose condition. After not resolving with conservative treatment, it was clear this required incision and drainage, an uncomplicated 10 minute procedure performed in the office. Ocusight stated a referral from a primary care physician to Dr. Markowitz was necessary so that he could review the notes and confirm appropriateness of the referral. A visit was scheduled with our pediatrician to obtain the referral and, shockingly the diagnosis was confirmed. Notes were sent to the office. After reviewing the notes, an appointment was scheduled with Dr. Markowitz. My wife confirmed with the scheduler that this would be for a consultation and definitive treatment of the chalazion. Upon arriving at the office, she was placed in an exam room and informed that she would be having several tests, including a slitlamp exam, refraction testing, intraocular pressure testing and a dilated funduscopic exam. She had no visual complaints nor symptoms suggestive of additional pathology. Her medical history is entirely unremarkable. All of these tests are medically unnecessary given her presenting diagnosis and lack of symptoms. When my wife questioned the nurse, she simply stated these are tests that were performed at every new patient visit for Dr. Markovitz. When I questioned Dr. Markowitz over the phone as to why this was needed in a healthy 13-year-old with no pertinent medical history or visual acuity complaints, he stated this was standard for all new patients because "occasionally we find things ". When I remarked that she was there for a very localized straightforward process and the intent was to simply to have this addressed, he stated that this was not urgent care and she was not coming in for a splinter removal. He stated we could terminate the exam at that point and not move forward if we chose. He stated he would not discuss any further management options until all of the testing was completed. Once she completed her additional unwarranted testing, he stated she could continue to treat the chalazion conservatively or be scheduled with one of the two surgeons in the practice for incision and drainage at a later date. After an hour plus of our time and hundreds of dollars in consultation and testing fees, we were no further ahead in the process than we were 2 weeks earlier. The entire process, hassle and cost associated with a straightforward medical condition requiring 10 minutes of care was absolutely ridiculous. An additional visit and unwarranted tests were scheduled solely for the purpose of profit. After having the unnecessary tests, my daughter was unable to return to school that afternoon and was forced to reschedule a test as her eyes had been dilated needlessly and she was unable to see normally for two hours afterward. I practice primary care medicine and I'm appalled. Needless to say, I will not be referring any patients to this practice in the future. I have also reported the practice to my insurance company as we are undoubtedly, not the first patients to be subjected to unnecessary testing and expense. Practices such as these contribute to the rising cost of health insurance for all.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Markowitz. The staff were incredibly kind and understanding with my autistic daughter, which meant so much to us. I would highly recommend them.

The reception staff here are so rude. There is not one person I've had the pleasure of speaking with in person or over the phone. The Doctor is very impatient with our almost 3 year old and said he "can't finish testing because he won't cooperate." Yeah Doc, he's 2. Terrible customer care and I will not be returning.

Dr. Markowitz fit our 1.5 year old son into his schedule last week. He saw him for a suspected foreign object in the eye. It seemed to have self-resolved by the time of the appointment, but Dr. Markowitz still provided him with a complete and thorough full eye exam. Upon exam, Dr. Markowitz identified a tumor in his left eye, unrelated to our concerns. This silent and fast growing tumor would have gone undetected if it were not for Dr. Markowitz and his professional excellence. He saved our son's eye, and quite possibly his life as well. He provided caring and compassionate care and we absolutely recommend him as an extremely skilled and thorough pediatric ophthalmologist.

Dr Markowitz has treated my son tor 14 years. He is one of the kindest, most effective physicians we have ever had in all our physician experience. Highly recommend

My grandson has been being treated by Dr. Markowitz since he was 13 months old. He is infinitely patient with fidgety children and their concerned caregivers. He is knowledgeable and experienced, and we trust him implicitly with my grandson's precious sight. The staff is friendly and efficient. Highly recommend this office for pediatric ophthalmology.

Dr. Markowitz performed surgery on my one year old to correct her clogged tear ducts. He was so kind throughout the whole process and put us at ease about the procedure. We will continue to use him for our daughter's eye care!

The nurses were amazing! Dr. Markowitz has no bedside manner. He was rude and impatient with my 2 year old son. He accused me of "bringing a sick kid to his office and lying to the health screener" because my son has a reflux cough (he's had it for over a year and takes Zantac for it! It's not a cold!!!) I tried to explain this to him and he rolled his eyes at me and told me to "get out of his office and that I was irresponsible for bringing in a sick kid ." He then stated "your son has an astigmatism in his eye, but I'm not going to finish the exam with a sick kid, so I can't tell you if he needs glasses" and walked out of the room. I was mortified!!!! I started crying! But i have to give credit to the nurses and support staff who were all wonderful!!