What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.09
Average wait time
3.57
Bedside manner
4.22
“I am very happy that I went to see Dr. Russell. He was extremely thorough and pointed out things I had never been made aware of before, even when I went for a different issue that he also addressed. This is a clearly highly skilled ophthalmologist that I highly, highly recommend. I am lucky that Zocdoc pointed me to him. Thank you so much!”
Elise S.December 7, 2025
“Dr Russell was knowledgeable and thorough. The staff was very friendly and worked as a team. The wait time was not longer than expected but overall a very positive experience .”
Miriam D.December 7, 2023
About Dr. Richard Scott Russell
Dr. Richard Russell attended Columbia University, where he received his medical degree. Dr. Russell is a diligent ophthalmologist serving the community of Rego Park, NY. He has academic and practical experience including a fellowship in cornea external disease and refractive surgery from LSU Eye Center. He currently runs his own practice.
Dr. Russell completed his residency at Cornell University, North Shore University Hospital. He then went on to complete a fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. He is affiliated with Harlem Hospital Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, and Peninsula Hospital Center. He is also certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Russell takes a genuine interest in researching and educating himself on various new advancements in ophthalmology, so his patients get the best and the most advanced treatment possible. He focuses on all aspects of a patient's experience which drive him towards excellence in providing healthcare.
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In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Emblem Health
UnitedHealthcare
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Age-related macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Hypertensive retinopathy
Secondary membranaous cataract surgery
Age-related macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Hypertensive retinopathy
Secondary membranaous cataract surgery
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Harlem Hospital Center
- Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
- Flushing Hospital Medical Center
- Peninsula Hospital Center
Board certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology
Education and training
- Medical School - Columbia University, Doctor of Medicine
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Fellowship in Ophthalmic Pathology
- LSU Eye Center, Fellowship in Cornea External Disease and Refractive Surgery
- Cornell University, North Shore University Hospital (Residency)
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1598772923
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.09
Wait time
3.57
Bedside manner
4.22
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
102 reviews
Most relevant
Long wait. But Dr.Russell was excellent. Took his time, explained everything. Good feeling when I left. Would recommend.
More than 1 year agoDonna G.Verified patient
Place is very disorganized. The doc took a phone call on his cell phone while he was seeing me. Very unprofessional.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Was very fast and professionally very nice clinic and doctor has huge experience. Recommending to everyone.
January 9, 2018Steve P.Verified patient
When I went to the office I was in pain but by the time I left I was definitely feeling much better.
More than 1 year agoChristopher F.Verified patient
Dr Richard is the best Ophthalmologist that I had the pleasure of having an annual eye exam.
September 23, 2020Noel R.Verified patient
I really liked the doctor and the service, its just that I waited 3+ hours to get checked
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very nice doctor and service , nice diagnostic equipment ,recommending to everybody .
January 10, 2018Dino B.Verified patient
the wait was a little bit long but I was ok because the doctor was very thorough
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
2hours for the Doctor to show up I was very disturbing. I’m a very unhappy client.
August 2, 2019Aliah P.Verified patient
The assistant take care of you efficient but the doctor don’t pay atención to you
March 7, 2019Maria U.Verified patient
Very thorough exam and very attentive & responsive to my questions and concerns!
May 29, 2020Jaime M.Verified patient
Excellent service throughout the visit. I highly recommend this physicians
July 16, 2021Carol J.Verified patient
Experienced dr, friendly staff and short wait time!
December 29, 2023Initials hidden
Doctor was very polite and professional as well as informative .
August 27, 2020Kamiko W.Verified patient
Highly recommended. Very knowledgeable and accurate.
August 22, 2018Olena S.Verified patient
Professional , friendly
February 16, 2026Raisa L.Verified patient
I am very happy that I went to see Dr. Russell. He was extremely thorough and pointed out things I had never been made aware of before, even when I went for a different issue that he also addressed. This is a clearly highly skilled ophthalmologist that I highly, highly recommend. I am lucky that Zocdoc pointed me to him. Thank you so much!
December 7, 2025Elise S.Verified patient
Dr Russell was knowledgeable and thorough. The staff was very friendly and worked as a team. The wait time was not longer than expected but overall a very positive experience .
December 7, 2023Miriam D.Verified patient
They Canceled my appt. - told me I could come and maybe I’d be seen, but maybe not - I had a serious eye pain issue so that’s not acceptable. They had the slot opened on zocdoc, so I made the appt and they didn’t confirm, and then called morning of and said maybe he can see you, but maybe not. Now, they are claiming i had an appt today when they never confirmed a time and I never showed up - shady. I will be clear - Dr. Russell is good and thorough, I like him, but his staff is horrible and bc of them i went to another doctor. It’s sad bc I think he is good at his job. They had the gall to say over the phone (30 minutes before they said I should come in and wait and maybe be seen) that I owed them money from march (it is December) and are only telling me this because i made a new appt. Never got a letter claiming I owed them money. I get the sense there is a conflict btw the doctor who has integrity and the shady glasses store he rents an office in… they try to create extra charges.
November 30, 2023Matthew K.Verified patient
Dr Russell is thorough and takes his time with you. Seems to care about giving top quality service to his patients. Where I saw him, in an optometrist office in Rego park, is a different story.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and caring staff. Checking in was efficient, the doctor was thorough and explained everything without rushing. One of the prescription was not covered by my insurance, but the frond desk staff did some research and found a coupon that covered the expense. Making a follow up appointment was also a breeze.
February 3, 2021Anita L.Verified patient
Although i booked through zocdoc, stuff never bothered to ask about if i had an appointment.
Stuffs are busy with their iphone. While i was taking some tests, stuff were not paying attention. They left while machine is not functioning properly.
I strongly advice stuffs to pay attention to their jobs.
December 30, 2020Kabirul K.Verified patient
As a health care provider myself, Dr. Russell is an excellent ophthalmologist. He listened to my concerns and explain all the tests that were conducted and I will certainly return for my follow up visit and refer my patients to him.
December 4, 2020Carol J.Verified patient
Eye care
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr was polite and respectful and explained well
November 11, 2020Sebastian G.Verified patient
The doctor is young and professional.
More than 1 year agoRabeya C.Verified patient
The doctor is professional.
More than 1 year agoMuhammad A.Verified patient
Horrible office, don't follow social distancing rules, antique equipment, doesn't explain anything, just sends totally unnecessary prescription without even informing a patient.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Great job
October 4, 2020Shreedhar G.Verified patient
The office was not very pleasant. There are more than one practice in the same location and it was not clear which reception area belonged to the ophthalmologist. The room where they administer to eye test is extremely small for all the equipment that they have in the room. It was very uncomfortable taking the eye test in those conditions.
When I was in the exam room with the doctor, he had a hard time adjusting his equipment, as the handle kept falling off. Also, during my exam, he was interrupted by a staff asking for clarification on what was written on a patients chart, and they preceded to discuss what the mistake was. I found that to be unprofessional.
September 11, 2020Initials hidden
First of all (yup, wait for it) there were not only patients, but a few staff walking around without MASKS or even more annoying, worn half covering their faces, which kinda defeats the purpose during a PANDEMIC, yet no one seemed the least bit bothered. It was like playing PacMan in real life, dodging people unaware of what SIX FEET distance actually means. Dr. Russell was professional, but it was rather ironic being seen by an eye doctor who NEVER made eye contact!! The exam was thorough enough (the test tech was fantastic and at least offered light conversation), but I need to TRUST any specialist treating me, and eye contact speaks volumes. Great block to shop on tho, stay safe y’all. ?????
August 5, 2020Brian D.Verified patient
Had such a great experience visiting this office! All stuff is awesome, very nice, friendly and attentive! Doctor is very thorough and detailed, explained me what my problem is and made me feel better about it. I highly recommend visiting this office to anyone. Definitely worth it!
July 31, 2020Olga B.Verified patient
NEVER AGAIN! Expect to wait HOURS, no social distancing practices put into place, masks are not required for patients and employees, no temperature checks, and dead flys everywhere!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very good and professional
May 22, 2020Wutthichai P.Verified patient
My visit was great! Arrived early, filled out a few pages of some brief info and signed and was seen almost instantly! Did all my tests and as soon as I was done waited a few min for the Dr to see me and all went well! Show up early, not on time and you should have a great experience!
December 17, 2019Raul O.Verified patient
The wait time was ridiculous, HOWEVER this doctor was amazing. He did a very thorough job. He explained the tests that they did and made sure that I understood it. He showed me pictures of my eyes while explaining it and also made sure to explain it to my husband. He took his time and read my reports along with being very calm and understanding to my needs and concerns. After seeing him, I understood why the wait time was so long and despite the wait time, I will go back. I highly suggest this doctor.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very professional and knowledgeable
February 26, 2019Luis P.Verified patient
Pretending to be someone he is not
January 21, 2019Ulises B.Verified patient
I scheduled an appointment to see an ophthalmologist and it says on Zocdoc, he is available Monday. They have an optometrist and Dr Russell works there on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so I had to come back tomorrow,
I saw the optometrist anyway, but will have to come back tomorrow for the main problem in my eye'
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Excellent doctor!!!!!!
October 3, 2018Olena S.Verified patient
Dr Russell wasn’t even there, was forced to see someone who could not treat my problem, to be told I need to see Dr Russell. Unorganized office and the front desk woman for optics counter was rude
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Everything was great
June 21, 2018Issam M.Verified patient
I will recommend to get 30n mins before your appointment. The doctor was great! very accurate and to the point. Helpful and I will recommend him for sure.
April 10, 2018Cindy V.Verified patient
Horrible staff, horrible wait time.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Doctor Russell very professional and educated doctor ,it is first time in my life who ever diagnosed the issue in my eye that fast and exactly .I recommended him to everyone who need help .
January 8, 2018Joseph GVerified patient
November 24, 2025Jadwiga L.Verified patient
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
October 5, 2025Erika A.Verified patient
September 21, 2025Charlotte P.Verified patient
September 21, 2025Yunmei G.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Richard Scott Russell?
Generally, Dr. Richard Scott Russell has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Russell's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Richard Scott Russell accepting new patients?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Russell's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Richard Scott Russell accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Russell is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Richard Scott Russell online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Russell using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Richard Scott Russell affiliated with?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell is affiliated with Harlem Hospital Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.
What practice does Dr. Richard Scott Russell work with?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell works with Family Eye Center.
Where is Dr. Richard Scott Russell's office located?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell's office is located at 97-28 63rd Rd, Rego Park, NY 11374.
Which board certifications does Dr. Richard Scott Russell have?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell is certified by American Board of Ophthalmology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Richard Scott Russell?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell frequently sees patients for Eye Infection, Eyeglasses, General Eye Consultation, Retina Consultation, and Routine Eye Exam. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Richard Scott Russell on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Richard Scott Russell speak?
Dr. Richard Scott Russell speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Richard Scott Russell in reviews?
102 patients have reviewed Dr. Richard Scott Russell. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.09/5. They have a 4.22/5 rating for bedside manner and a 3.57/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.