SMILE
Considering SMILE Surgery?
Learn About a Safer Alternative at Park Avenue LASEK
Are you thinking about SMILE eye surgery to correct your vision? At Park Avenue LASEK, we understand the appeal of advanced laser treatments like SMILE. However, we also believe in providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your vision correction options. We invite you to explore LASEK, a safer, non-cutting alternative that offers significant benefits compared to SMILE.
Understanding SMILE and LASEK: How Do They Compare?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer type of laser eye surgery that involves creating a small incision in the cornea to extract a piece of tissue called a lenticule. While SMILE is less invasive than LASIK, it still involves cutting into the cornea, which may carry some risks, particularly for those with thin corneas or higher prescriptions.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), on the other hand, is a non-cutting procedure. Instead of creating a flap or incision, the outermost layer of the cornea is gently loosened and the underlying tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser. This approach offers a safer, flap-free option for patients seeking vision correction, minimizing the risks associated with cutting into the cornea.
SMILE causes less dry eye that LASIK. LASEK has the least dry eye after the procedure.
Why LASEK May Be the Better Choice
No Cutting, No Flap: Unlike SMILE, LASEK does not require any incisions or flap creation, making it a less invasive procedure that preserves the integrity of your cornea.
Safer for Thin Corneas: If you have thin or irregular corneas, SMILE may not be the best choice. LASEK is ideal for patients who are not good candidates for other types of laser eye surgery due to corneal thickness.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Because LASEK does not involve cutting into the cornea, it significantly reduces the risk of complications such as flap dislocation, dry eye, or other issues related to corneal healing.
Better for Active Lifestyles: If you have an active lifestyle or participate in contact sports, LASEK is the preferred choice because it eliminates the risk of flap-related complications, providing greater long-term stability.
Your Vision, Your Choice
We understand that deciding on vision correction surgery can be challenging, especially with so many options available. At Park Avenue LASEK, our goal is to provide you with a thorough, honest assessment of your vision and help you explore all the possibilities.
SMILE is an effective procedure, but for many patients, LASEK presents a safer and more comfortable alternative, especially if you’re concerned about the risks associated with cutting into the cornea.
Book a LASEK Consultation to Explore Your Options
We offer consultations for those considering SMILE or other vision correction procedures to help you make the best decision for your eye health. During your consultation, we’ll assess your individual needs, explain the benefits of LASEK, and help you understand why it might be the better option for you.
Contact Us Today: Call us at (212) 741-8628 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. We accept all major medical and vision insurance plans, making it easier for you to access the care you need.
Why Choose Us
Most Experienced Eye Surgeon In The US
Dr. Chynn’s graduated from Harvard, Columbia, Emory, Dartmouth and NYU and has performed 1,000 PRKs, 5,000 LASIKs, 10,000 epiLASEKs, 15,000 LASEKs – more than any surgeon in the US.
100% Non-Cutting with No Flap Complications
LASEK is the most modern way to perform laser vision correction. Because it’s 100% non-cutting and 100% non-invasive, it’s 10x safer than LASIK. Dr. Chynn is the only surgeon in the world who has LASIK in one eye & LASEK in the other.
Medical & Vision
Insurance Accepted
Park Avenue LASEK is the only LASIK, LASEK, PRK and SMILE provider in NY, NJ, CT or PA who is authorized for all major medical insurance plans including GHI, Oxford, Cigna, BCBS, Emblem, Empire, Medicare, and Oscar (among others), as well as all major vision insurance plans, including VSP and EyeMed.
I got the HD LASEK surgery and got my eyes to now be 20/15 which is incredible, even better than 20/20. Thank you so much Dr. Chynn for your help through the process and it has now been a year without needing contacts.
Chris G.
17:55 19 Dec 24
Seeing much better with Dr Chynn!
Suman D.
20:21 17 Dec 24
Best doctors and smoothest procedure
Harsh D.
19:10 17 Dec 24
Had LASEK 10 years ago. Did one eye for distance and one eye for reading. I came back to get enhanced in my right eye for reading because I got older and Dr Chynn helped my vision in my right eye for reading. Very happy outcome and result!
robert R.
16:50 17 Dec 24
I had my LASIK procedure performed by Dr. Chynn. He is an excellent doctor, and I admire his organized work style. While he can be quite strict at times, it’s essential for the seriousness of the procedure; any mistakes could lead to permanent vision loss. What I appreciate about his approach is the use of a WhatsApp group chat. If any issues arise, he promptly responds. I’ll kept you updated while my vision keeps improving.
Hager K.
15:46 17 Dec 24
I’m extremely pleased with my decision to see Dr. Chynn. Like many of the best surgeons, Emil is no-nonsense and focused. He is zeroed in on patient outcomes. Unlike a general practitioner, he wants his patients to never have to see him again. His expertise is unparalleled and just one week out I’m seeing 20-20 and likely inching toward 20-15.
Jake T.
13:44 17 Dec 24
I had my Lasek performed when it was called IWANT2020. That's HOW LONG ago it was and they gave me a VHS tape. Yes, a VHS tape for the operation. ALL I remembered was a few zappings for a few seconds and it was done. TODAY, my visions are AS GOOD AS EVER. I owe it to Dr. Chynn. I can recommend Dr. Chynn WITHOUT ANY RESERVATION. How much are your eyes worth to you?!! For me, you can't put a price on it. You think a World Class Eye Surgeon is easy to come by? WRONG!
DD
22:15 16 Dec 24
Excellent experience…professional staff
Tony R.
19:40 12 Dec 24
amazing doctor
valentina C.
17:24 11 Dec 24
Great expertise.
Jake T.
16:54 11 Dec 24
Excited to do my eye surgery. Hopefully I will not need contacts any longer. Please use their trial lense before having surgery.
Suet C.
15:28 10 Dec 24
I cannot recommend Dr. Chynn and Park Avenue LASEK enough! From the moment I walked in, the friendly and professional staff made me feel completely at ease. Dr. Chynn’s expertise and knowledge in his field are unmatched—I knew I was in great hands throughout the entire process.Having worn glasses my entire life due to a high prescription and significant astigmatism, I had always relied on them (and contacts) just to see clearly. It felt like something I’d never escape. But thanks to Dr. Chynn, I am now glasses-free, and it’s truly life-changing!The procedure was smooth, and Dr. Chynn took the time to explain everything in detail, answering all my questions with care and patience. The results speak for themselves—I still can’t believe how clearly I see now without any assistance. If you’ve been on the fence about laser eye surgery, or not sure if you’re eligible, do yourself a favor and visit Park Avenue LASEK. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Daniel H.
01:47 09 Dec 24
Dylan S
19:58 03 Dec 24
Dr. Chynn is a true genius at what he does. He did my first Lasek procedure in 2018. Because I have a thin cornea, regular lasik wasn't an option for me. Dr Chynn corrected my vision from -9.00 to 20/20! I didn't have any complications and healed perfectly. It was truly a medical miracle! Because I was quite young when I got it done my nearsightedness came back so I came right back to Dr. Chynn for my second procedure last week. As with the first, it went smoothly and his staff are all so incredibly nice and attentive. They make themselves available 24/7 via WhatsApp so that I can text them any questions I have. They're all very knowledgeable and well trained by Dr, Chynn.One word of caution: Dr Chynn is not for the faint of heart. He is very stern and strict about everyone following protocol so don't expect to be coddled. He's not a participation trophy / orange slices kinda guy. He's very direct which can seem a little alarming at first but just understand that he expects his staff to operate only at the highest standards. Come here if you want to be treated by a world class surgeon and get great results!
Linda L.
18:18 03 Dec 24
I recently had LASEK surgery, and I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only am I thrilled with my results, but the level of care and support I received from Dr. Chynn and his team, especially Tarek, was truly exceptional.Dr. Chynn set the tone for an outstanding experience. During my initial consultation, he took the time to explain the entire procedure in detail, including why LASEK was the best option for my specific vision needs. His ability to clearly outline the steps, potential outcomes, and aftercare instructions made me feel completely at ease and confident in moving forward. A special shoutout to Tarek, who went above and beyond to assist me with the financial aspects of the procedure. He patiently worked with me to explore all payment options and ensure I was comfortable with my plan. His professionalism, empathy, and dedication made the process stress-free and manageable. The surgery itself was smooth and painless. Dr. Chynn was incredibly thorough, walking me through each step of the procedure as it was happening. This level of transparency was so reassuring and showed his commitment to ensuring I felt safe and informed. Recovery was as expected—mild discomfort during the first couple of days, but Dr. Chynn’s aftercare plan was meticulous. His clear instructions and the team’s follow-up care made all the difference. By the end of the first week, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my vision, and full recovery followed shortly after. My vision is now better than ever (20/15), and it feels amazing to wake up and see clearly without glasses or contacts. This surgery has completely transformed my life, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Dr. Chynn’s expertise and thoroughness, combined with his entire staffs incredible support, made this an exceptional experience. If you’re considering LASEK, I wholeheartedly recommend this clinic. You’ll not only get outstanding medical care but also a team that truly prioritizes your well-being every step of the way.
Cammy A.
19:53 26 Nov 24
Dr Chynn, or “Professor Chynn” as the staff refers to him is so good at what he does that he has trained hundreds of other doctors who have worked under him during his career, and it shows. I met with Dr D and she was amazing. She said when she first met Dr Chynn years ago she was skeptical that he could correct extreme prescriptions like -13 or complex conditions like amblyopia, ocular albinism, keratoconus, and nystagmus, but he showed her how he does it. She’s an MD/PhD surgeon and a retina specialist so the fact that she learned anything new after all of those accolades really speaks to how knowledgeable “the professor” truly is!Dr Chynn and Dr D remind me of a paternal and a maternal figure. Dr Chynn is tough because he wants the best outcomes for his patients and he is NOT SHY about correcting the staff, the doctors, or the patients. He only cares about excellent results and I love that about him. Dr D is kind because she connects with the patients on an emotional level and which really complements Dr Chynn in a perfect blendAnd with their powers combined, I’m now 20/15. Forget glasses, that’s for people who only want 20/20 vision 😜. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks to the whole team at Park Avenue LASEK!
Jimmy 2.
21:21 22 Nov 24
One of my favorite things about Park Avenue LASEK is they put you in touch with someone who already had their LASEK with a prescription just like my own, AND they had the same job so I felt confident knowing they had my way of life in mind when correcting my visionI didnt think I would be able to afford the surgery and felt stuck in my glasses. Luckily, I was able to finance the whole thing and it only cost about $3/day! I felt great knowing I would save tens of thousands of dollars on glasses, lifetime!Dr Chynn is TOUGH and that’s the best thing I could ask for. He’s a perfectionist and that’s exactly how he gets perfect results. He treated me like his own son and was a great “father figure” when it came to telling me how to perform during the surgery and how to take my meds during post care. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m better than 20/20 and can’t remember the last time I saw this well. Maybe neverIf you’re thinking about getting this done, get it done asap. This man is a blessing and not enough people know about him and his safer LASEK over LASIK
Jonathan S.
21:04 22 Nov 24
I was looking into lasik and happened across LASEK, a safer, non-cutting procedure. No dry eyes, no halos, no night glare, no flap. I CHOSE Dr.chynn and Park avenue LASEK because he has done the procedure on his own eyes and he looked into why I have dry eyes. After Lasek, I’m glad that I can see everything without glasses or contactsI have dry eyes, -5.25 and -7.25
W S
16:06 26 Sep 24
Great service! Totally recommend it. Doctor Chynn is very knowledgeable, so is the team!
Veronica S.
20:09 17 Sep 24
Dr Chynn and the Park Avenue LASEK staff have to be easily the best trained out there in this line of work. I know, because before I had my LASEK, I was desperate to find a solution to getting rid of contacts and glasses that didn't involve cutting from LASIK or pain and scarring from PRK. Out of every place I visited only Dr Chynn seemed the most knowledgeable and rightfully so, given his 5 Ivy League degrees and membership in MENSA. His staff knows more and is better versed in not only his LASEK surgery but even the types of surgeries other doctors performMy LASEK was June 1st, 2012. Six years later and my vision is still better than 20/20. I'm actually 20/15 without any side effects and I could not be more grateful. You'd think you'd get used to having better than perfect vision but honestly, you don't. Every now and then I have a moment where I'm impressed with how sharp something looksI sincerely wouldn't look elsewhere for a better surgeon. Dr Chynn can be brusque and at times curt. This stems from his perfectionist approach to everything in his life with exacting precision leading to optimal results for his patients. His no nonsense attitude ensures you get what you pay for. As a fellow New Yorker, I recognize and respect this approach in a world of wishy-washy types who just want to tell you what you want to hear. The truth is always going to be the truth and the safest option is always going to be LASEK
Tarek E.
19:27 14 Sep 24
I had an incredible experience with Park Avenue LASEK. I purchased the platinum package and was able to fully resume my life after 3 days and my eye sight is perfect. Could not have asked for better results then with Dr Chynn.
Bogart R.
01:07 06 Sep 24
Great Experience at Park Avenue LasekI had a fantastic experience at Park Avenue Lasek. Dr. Chynn and the team are highly professional and attentive. What really stood out to me was their willingness to answer questions via WhatsApp—something you don’t often find. It made a big difference in feeling supported throughout the process. I highly recommend them for their expertise and personal touch. Granted I am still in recovery so I will make any updates to this review regarding my vision as time progresses.
Steven M.
19:02 02 Sep 24
I made the decision to do the LASEK procedure after wearing glasses for 21 years. It was a big decision but one I knew I needed and wanted to get it done at a place that had great reviews.I was told by a relative who had lasik done years ago that it was worth it. So I came to Dr. Chynn and learned about what he does now, Lasek and what this type of procedure involves.I was educated on the procedure, pre-op steps and post-op steps.As I did the procedure, I was grateful I had the comfort package as it helped my anxieties. The entire experience was very cool and painless. Recovery was over a few days and time went by fast as your eyes and body will just want to keep sleeping.No regrets about this surgery because now I’ll be able to learn how to swim without the fear of not seeing clearly!
Melanie C.
22:45 28 Jul 24
After getting LASEK here, I’m seeing even better than with my glasses! The surgery was quick and was made as comfortable as possible! Thank you so much Dr Chynn
Teresa D.
17:20 08 Jul 24
Best decision I’ve ever made! Ever since my surgery, my vision has never been better. My original prescription was -4.25. Today it’s nearly 20/20 and it’s only going to get better. I cannot wait!! Dr. Chynn is excellent, along with his excellent staff! Thank you so much!
Tommy P.
19:20 25 Jun 24
Dr.Chynn is simply the best. He provides an exceptional level of service, and his follow up is really second to none. I'm so glad that my daughter Catherine chose to go with him.
Susan W.
23:33 24 Jun 24
From 20/800(-6.75) to 20/15 vision in one week after my surgery! As a medical student I was very hesitant to get lasik done knowing the complications such as severe dry eye and night glares. Once I heard about the different surgery lasek and how this prevents those complications my interest was peaked. Dr Chynn is an incredible surgeon and I wouldn’t trust my eyes with anyone else.
Vaughn S.
19:47 05 Jun 24
I was a bad candidate for LASIK because I had a very extreme prescription. I met with Dr Chynn and his team and because they do a zero-cutting LASEK procedure it is not only safer but allows anyone who has high prescriptions/very bad vision to successfully correct their vision. I am loving not being stuck with glasses and contacts. Check them out
Arturo R.
18:24 16 May 24
Praise God, I had my Park Avenue LASEK graduation! 💯🥹😃😇🙏🏿 My vision is excellent! Doctor Chynn and all of his constituents did a miraculous job! I highly recommend Park Avenue LASEK for anyone, especially with a high prescription in need of eye care. They work with smart and compliant patients. Be sure to follow the protocol given by the Surgeon and observe all ethical practices before, during, and after surgery. I thank the Surgeon and everyone here. Most importantly, I thank God for making it all possible! 🙏🏿
Leonard
22:24 10 May 24
Doctor D was excellent! She went above and beyond to make sure my eye sight was perfect before I left. She is very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything to me. It’s rare to find a doctor so caring and dedicated. The staff(Tarek and Britany were warm and welcoming. I highly recommend Park Avenue Lasek.
Ann F.
18:02 29 Apr 24
Gorgeous staff and very friendly
Nadia A
14:42 22 Apr 24
I searched for about 9 months for the right eye surgeon before I stumbled upon Dr. Chynn. Best decision ever. Very thorough and attentive. I'm writing this with my new eyes. Just came in for my 5 month post op and been glasses free for about 1 month. Highly recommend!
Judy Z.
17:12 16 Apr 24
Doctor C and his staff were incredibly helpful, prompt, and kind!
Tatiana K.
20:48 08 Apr 24
Loving my new vision!
M S
17:24 15 Nov 23
One word…Amazing! After 30+ years with glasses and contacts I can finally see and do all the things I love to do with clear vision. Park Ave Lasek changed my life.
Iris A.
14:40 12 Nov 23
My sister just got lasek here and we’re excited for the results
Samaiya K.
17:17 09 Nov 23
An exceptional location with an exceptional founder!He has gone above and beyond to assist Ukraine, personally delivering medical aid on two occasions. Additionally, he has sponsored three Ukrainians for U4U visas, provided them with employment, and extended his support to other Ukrainian friends.Expressing gratitude for your generosity!
Anastasia S.
15:08 03 Nov 23
Dr. Chynn does EXCEPTIONAL work! 20/20 would recommend
Mark K.
20:23 24 Oct 23
I traveled to NYC from out of state for Dr Chynn’s non-cutting, no-flap procedure so I could eliminate the risk of post-operative dryness, night glare, flap re-opening, etc. Two months later, I can now say that getting epi-LASEK surgery performed by Dr Chynn was well worth the added cost of travel. I am seeing 20/20 without any complications, and in his follow up care Dr Chynn is more responsive remotely than most physicians are in person! I highly recommend Dr Chynn.
Tyler S.
23:59 20 Oct 23
Amazing Experience! Very Professional… happy with my results! Thank you Doc
Roes L.
22:04 17 Oct 23
Easy and fast procedure
Dan T.
20:26 17 Oct 23
Great serviceVery safe, nice people its great to see without glasses!Would highly recommend
joe B.
19:00 11 Oct 23
Originally a -10 prescription heavily reliant on thick glasses, with this painless procedure i was seeing better than 20/20 in under a month. 3years later im still happy with my vision
Sir. P.
17:19 10 Oct 23
2 and a half month post surgery and I am seeing 20/20!! : ) very happy with my results thus far!
Amanda C.
20:37 05 Oct 23
Dr. Chynn had helped me with a corneal abrasion of 3 years. Seeing way better than 3 years ago after a week of treatment.
Brian P.
16:33 04 Oct 23
Get Directions to Park Avenue LASEK
102 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010
