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Dr. James Chelnis, MD

Dr. James Chelnis, MD

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery*
10+ years of experience

Dr. James Chelnis, MD is an ophthalmic plastic & reconstructive surgeon in New York, NY and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2010. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Morningside. He is accepting new patients.

4.4 Star Rating
Based on 25 reviews 4.4 Star Rating (25 reviews)

At a Glance

  • Area of ExpertiseDr. Chelnis specializes in the area of Ophthalmology. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Practices at Top HospitalAmerica's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals
  • TrustworthyPatients said this doctor is trustworthy. See reviews

Experience Check

Search for experience in a specific area

Dr. Chelnis' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Chelnis

4.4
25 ratings, 21 with a written review
5 star
84%
84%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
16%
16%

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Highly Recommend Dr Chelnis
I’ve worked with Dr Chelnis for many years and I highly recommend him. Dr Chelnis and his staff are really warm, knowledgeable, have great customer care, and bedside manner. He really listens and is great at what he does.I’ve had a number of procedures including IPL under my eyes for the treatment of dry eyes. As a result, I no longer have dry eyes at all, which was negatively impacting my life and my ability to wear contacts. I’m super happy about it. I’ve gotten micro needling several times and Resurfx laser on my face, neck, and chest. My chest is brand new after some sun damage that I was really self-conscious about. The results are miraculous. I like micro needling because it looks really natural and I maintain the ability to move my forehead, but my skin texture improved so much and I look much younger. The lasers work great for deep transformation. I also really like trilift and that’s next on my list to do again. Thank you Dr Chelnis and the whole team!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jessica Naomi B – Jan 15, 2025
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I highly recommend Dr. Chelnis.
At our consultation, I explained my history, then Dr. Chelnis examined me, and we decided on a course of treatment. Dr. Chelnis listened attentively and answered all of my questions. He was very knowledgeable, professional and reassuring.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
MS – Dec 19, 2024
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Trusted Doctor with great team
Excellent care, talented surgeon, takes the time to know you as a person.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 06, 2024
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so happy!! ! huge huge impact in my life
I never thought i’d be a candidate for esthetic surgery ..It was only for celebs , models . But over time droopy eyelids were narrowing my vision. My eye dr highly recommended Dr Chelnis for an appraisal. Surgery was proposed after an exam ,testing and then accomplished successfully by the very patient , skilled and professional Doctor Chelnis . I am so pleased that a small , but significant operation is making such a huge difference . i see so much better now ! Lo light , no light , poor lighting.I have amazing wide area of vision so improved from what i suffered for so long .I cannot stress how wonderful it is . Dr Chelnis kept us informed , relaxed and finally thrilled with the results he accomplished! He even had to take me to the cab afterwards , personally, because the president was across the closed street . He went the extra mile .literally and gave me my vision back too !
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
gail c – Oct 02, 2024
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A wonderful doctor!
Great experience and results! I highly recommend Dr. Chelnis. He is kind, knowledgeable & efficient.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
JByun – Sep 20, 2024
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He operated on my daughter and made a mistake by entering twice, cutting off blood, and she went blind---never came to discuss it with me (parent) nor apologized. Worst behavior and conduct. We are taking action.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Richard Burke – Apr 30, 2024
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Definitely recommend
He is superb. Extremely competent & very kind!!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Shruti Khanna – Jan 26, 2024
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Bottom Line: Exceptional Dr./Beautiful Results.
There are reviews about Dr. Chelnis’ practice that elaborate on the ‘whole package’ of care in his office from the engaging and professional front-line personnel, to the special attention of the excellent surgical care coordinator; this is all true. The client really feels 'the team'. However, bottom line: Dr. Chelnis will provide you with the results that you came in for. And some. Dr. Chelnis does what he says he will. He works with you patiently, actively listening, taking extra time (so if he’s late – he’ll also give you the extra time you may need) to ensure that you truly are heard, that you understand fully all aspects of your procedure, and that you feel confident and fully cared for. Dr. Chelnis provides space to build trust; something NOT to be taken for granted in today’s frenetic/client pumping doctor world. VERY grateful to Dr. Chelnis for who he is, and what he delivers.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 05, 2023
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Blepharoplasty + Browplasty : Extremely happy
Dr. Chelnis did the surgery to lift my eyelids and re-position my eyebrows to help improve my eyesight (Blepharoplasty + Browplasty in one cut) What I liked: - Staff is well trained and a joy to work with. Accessible by email, phone, and text - Dr. Chelnis explained the entire process and what will happen - Before surgery, received a written instructions page - On the day of surgery, Dr. Chelnis did it well, fast, and with little to no pain - I got a bag with all the stuff I need for recovery. The package was thoughtful & handy! Office staff attended to all the details: from a special ice pack for my eyes, a pillow to keep my head elevated, and even baby shampoo due to my eyes being more sensitive after surgery. - Post-op calls that are thoughtful and helpful. I had a recovery question one weekend and could call the Doctor immediately. - Recovery was excellent, with daily improvements - Now, several weeks after surgery, I am happy with the results. Overall excellent Doctor!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 25, 2022
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Dr Chelnis is so kind and reassuring. I was nervous about my sugary but his personality is so comforting. Post op care exactly the same.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Chris – Jun 29, 2022
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Dr. Chelnis was great from the first consultation all the way through my post op appointments. He has an excellent bedside manner and a warmth and sparkle in his eyes that is assuring you are in good hands. He answered all my questions and concerns and took time to discuss my expectations-exceeding the goals we had set! I am very pleased with my results. The outcome is exactly the way Dr. Chelnis described in our consultation- naturally refreshed ! The entire team at Dr. Chelnis’ office is dedicated to providing a professional, warm and welcoming environment, which adds an ease during the process of preparing before and after surgery. Dr. Chelnis has earned his title as “Top 10 Doctors”
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 26, 2022
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Most recently he did surgery on my lower eyelids and I'm very happy with the results. I look natural which is exactly what I asked for. He explains everything in great detail and always answers all of my questions which makes me feel very comfortable.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 11, 2021
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Well I had the upper and lower eyelid surgery 7 months ago. The moment I woke up doctor Chelnis said the surgery was a success. Well he called success that I don't see because of double vision, my eyes are crossed, scars around my eyes, numbness and suffering physical and emotional every second since the surgery. Big mistake that caused me my miserable life now
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 25, 2021
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Well I had upper and lower eye surgery done by Dr. Chelnis almost 1 year ago. The upper eyelid surgery came out fine. The lower is a disaster. I wanted my bags to be removed. I still have bags and on one of my eyes I have a bumpy scar under my bottom eyelashes. I saved for a few years to have them done. I checked him out and he had great reviews but on the day he did my surgery he must of had a bad day. When I questioned about the bags still there he said he can do another procedure. Of course more money! So lesson learned don't always believe the reviews. they can be friends and people in the office. Very unhappy patient. I will say he is very personable.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Terri – Jul 17, 2021
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I definitely would recommend Dr. Chelnis. He is excellent, very careful; he answers questions in detail. I am so relieved that I found him, to treat my eyelid issue.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 20, 2021
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Dr. James Chelnis performed surgery on my eye this past November. He was on point throughout the entire time...before, during and after the surgery. He called and text showing his interest in my recovery along the way. It didn't matter the time I called. He answered or promptly responded to any message I left him. He's a wonderful and very caring doctor. I am very satisfied with the excellent care I received from him and his staff. He made my well-being his primary focus. I deeply recommend Dr. Chelnis. He is very professional as well as caring.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Miriam – Dec 20, 2019
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James was extremely pleasant to work with - he was professional, caring, and easy to talk to. He helped me through months of treatment, including a number of surgeries, and everything went flawlessly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Brian V – Nov 08, 2019
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Dr. James G. Chelnis was my surgeon in 2017 for skin canceron my the side of my nose. He was wonderful in keeping me calm and he made me feel so comfortable. He is a deeply caring doctor and I would go back to him if I need his services.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Felice Frost – Sep 30, 2019
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I had been to several OD's and opthamologists before finding Dr. Chelnis. I was able to get an appointment right before a holiday weekend when every other eye doctor I contacted was closed for the day. His staff is friendly and prompt with answering questions and scheduling appointments. He patiently walked me through exactly what was wrong, and answered every single question I had. He even brought out a diagram of the eye to pinpoint where my symptoms were. I've gotten vague answers and responses from other doctor's I've been to but I felt like I was in great hands here. There can be a wait time, but that's only since he's in the east 40th St office on Fridays and is thorough with every patient. I don't mind at all because it is worth the few min you might wait.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 24, 2019
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The absolute best! I've had two procedures with Dr. Chelnis, one under local anesthesia which was more cosmetic (my eyelids), and the other under general anesthesia, at the hospital. Both times, Dr. Chelnis made himself very available for any questions I might have about the procedures, as well as providing thorough after-care information. Dr. Chelnis has a wonderful bedside manner, and is very easy to talk to. I wish all my physicians were like him.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 15, 2019
Dr. Chelnis' Reply –
Thank you so much for your kind post!
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About Me

biography

Dr. Chelnis is recognized as a 2020 Top Doctor, Best Plastic Surgeon, and Super Doctors Rising Star with a special focus around your most prominent facial feature- your eyes! Dr. Chelnis serves as a cosmetic and functional surgeon and treats patients...read more
  • Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

  • Ophthalmology

  • Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • St Jude Children's Research Hospital|university Tenn Health Sci Center|vanderbilt University|vanderbi

    Fellowship Hospital, 2016
  • University At Buffalo - State University Of New York

    Residency Hospital, 2014
  • Carney Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 2011
  • University At Buffalo Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences

    Medical School, 2010
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Ophthalmology®
Ophthalmology
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
  • English

  • Russian

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Mount Sinai Morningside

    1111 Amsterdam Ave
    New York, NY 10025
    Recipient of 24
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    79%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    5% lower than the national average

    72%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    4% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Lenox Hill Hospital

    100 E 77th St
    New York, NY 10075
    Recipient of 42
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    84%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    79%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    3% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital

    2525 Kings Hwy
    Brooklyn, NY 11229
    Recipient of 5
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    74%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    10% lower than the national average

    68%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    8% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality