Russak Dermatology Clinic — Local services in New York

I saw Dr. Amanda Doyle at the end of July, and it's one of my biggest regrets. It was over something minuscule, a broken blood vessel on my eyelid, which, in hindsight, I should've just left alone. I made the suggestion of putting protective goggles on and lifting the lid up when using the laser (after all, when doctors have used lasers on me, they always put the goggles on, even when not treating my face). She literally laughed it off and said she was just going to put gauze over my eyes. Immediately after using the laser, I felt intense pain in my eye. Hours later, when the pain had not subsided, I looked in the mirror and saw my pupil was deformed. I was then diagnosed with Iritis (inflammation of the iris which causes intense pain, redness, pupil deformity, amongst other things). Even though it was treated, unfortunately, I have scarring in my right eye. For the most part, my pupils will never look symmetrical again--and it's permanent. My right pupil no longer constricts or dilates properly. I wanted to share this information because people go to this office in the hopes of improving their appearance--I went for a minute issue with my appearance and I have ended up with a permanent eye deformity. My pupils with never look the same. The doctors have told me the only way to address the issue is via surgery to remove the scar tissue, which may lead to cataracts. This is all over a stupid broken blood vessel. I cannot comprehend what was the harm in simply providing me with a pair of protective goggles when you were pointing a laser at my eye. Or just refuse the treatment. Something so simple which was disregarded, and now I'm paying the price. I'm now embarrassed to look people in the eye. Nice to know I'll be dealing with this issue for the rest of my life because of this doctor. Also, my eyes are light so it's very noticeable. This whole matter had taken a toll on my self-esteem. These are my eyes, and I can't believe they're never going to look the way they did because I went to this office.

12/09/2020: Just an update, still treating the eye trying to eliminate the synechiae so my eye can look somewhat back to what it used to be. Probably won't happen though. Also, received an email from Yelp regarding the review I wrote. It seems someone complained about it (wonder who--maybe just a concerned Yelper passing by!!) and I was reminded I could be sued. Someone has a pair. The review stands because it's the truth. BTW, noticed there were 17 google reviews before mine never mentioning this doctor but since my review only a few months ago, 6 people raving about her....

In most aspects I would give Russak Dermatology: the care, the friendliness, and clinic environment including Dr Russak and Iris along with the staff a FIVE STAR review –based upon if the patient is ‘on-site’ at the 57th Street premises. However BEWARE, once the patient leaves, one is stranded in a ‘communication wilderness’ of misinformation and excessive follow-up phone calls, phone-tag, and rescheduling. This is evidenced and amplified by the relationship between Russak Dermatology and their preferred pharmaceutical supplier Carepoint Pharmacy who trumpets on their site: “We offer a wide range of clinical services along with a comprehensive product line. Our professional team is on hand 24/7 to exceed your expectations.” If ever there was an oxymoron this is it!!! Apparently the staff at Russak Dermatology –citing HIPAA --prefers NOT to communicate with Carepoint Pharmacy [their preferred pharmacy] on the prescription; including the type of prescription, the prescription amount, a delivery date, delays, etc. leaving the patient as the ‘uninformed logistic manager’ with Carepoint. Since when did HIPAA [the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] prevent the staff at Russak Dermatology from giving ‘their preferred pharmacy’ the information needed to ship the correct prescription to their office or inquire if the prescription will arrive at their 57th Street location in time for the scheduled procedure??? In addition to the numerous phone calls and finger pointing; note that the patient pays up-front for the prescription weeks in advance and then is queried by Carepoint if the amount needs to be increased resulting in an unplanned 2nd up-front payment. This results in even more phone-tag with Russack Dermatology and Carepoint since how is the patient supposed to know these details? I want to emphasize that this review is not out of malice but out of hope …the hope that these issues will be...

I found Russak Dermatology via a random Google search for a particular product. I came in to pick up a few of the products (without an appointment or being a patient) and was instantly greeted and invited in for an evaluation and consultation. They went above and beyond. Unnecessary procedures and products were NOT pushed on me like many dermatologist tend to do. Every one of my questions and concerns were addressed. I really appreciated the quality of service, attention to detail, and knowledge given. I really didn't expect such a great experience to come from a random walk in, and for that, they won my heart.. and face. :) Looking forward to being a patient at this clinic and will be booking appointments in the very near future.

That was my initial review and I still find it extremely relevant.

Update--- Since my initial review, I have become a frequent guest at Russak Dermatology Clinic. I had random mild breakouts that completely stopped once I started their recommended regimen. They did not prescribe a topical strength acid or anything extreme but instead recommended products that made my skin overall much healthier. After the breakouts stopped and I was on a good skincare routine, we focused on correcting acne scars and pigmentation issues. For this, microneedling was exactly what my skin needed. They offered me a package of 5 sessions (for the price of 4) and by the 5th, the results were in the mirror. Following that, I now alternate between occasional microneedling and express facials; and my skin has never been more clear, smooth, and healthy.

Enough about me- The establishment is luxurious. Extremely accommodating and professional but with a personal touch. The staff is amazing. Every. Single. One. Dare I say, I consider them friends at this point. Not a single complaint here and not a single blemish.

Highly Recommended and 5/5 stars. THANK YOU, Russak...