When it comes to keratoconus care, expertise matters. At the Cornea & Laser Eye Institute (CLEI) in Teaneck, New Jersey, patients have the unique opportunity to be treated by not one, but three top doctors, all recognized by the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF) for their exceptional contributions to the field. This distinction is exceptionally rare and underscores CLEI’s position as one of the leading centers for keratoconus diagnosis, treatment, and research in the world.
Here’s what makes CLEI—and its team of doctors—so extraordinary.
A Rare Honor: Three NKCF Top Doctors in One Place
The National Keratoconus Foundation’s “Top Doctor” recognition is reserved for specialists who demonstrate outstanding dedication to advancing care, research, and patient outcomes for those living with keratoconus. For a practice to have even one doctor earn this distinction is impressive. For CLEI to have three doctors honored by the NKCF is virtually unparalleled.
Patients with keratoconus often face years of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, or limited treatment options. At CLEI, they find not only answers but also access to innovative treatments, clinical trials, and personalized care from leaders in the field.
Dr. Peter Hersh: A Pioneer in Keratoconus Surgery and Crosslinking
Founder and Director of CLEI, Dr. Peter S. Hersh is a name synonymous with innovation in corneal surgery. His career has been dedicated exclusively to the cornea, and his work has shaped many of the treatments available to patients today.
- Trailblazer in laser vision correction: Dr. Hersh was lead author of the clinical trial that led to the first FDA approval of laser eye surgery for nearsightedness in the U.S. in 1995.
- Leader in keratoconus treatment: He served as medical monitor and lead author of the FDA studies that resulted in U.S. approval of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)—a treatment that has changed the landscape for keratoconus patients.
- Educator and author: With over 100 research articles, four textbooks, and countless lectures worldwide, Dr. Hersh has trained more than a thousand surgeons.
- Prestigious honors: From election to the American Ophthalmological Society to repeated recognition in Best Doctors in America, Dr. Hersh stands among the most respected corneal specialists in the world.
His decades of groundbreaking research and compassionate patient care are central to why CLEI is recognized as a leader in keratoconus treatment.
Dr. Steven Greenstein: Innovator in Keratoconus Surgery and Refractive Care
Dr. Steven A. Greenstein, Medical Director and Director of Refractive Surgery at CLEI, brings both cutting-edge surgical expertise and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.
- Harvard-trained and award-winning: A fellowship-trained corneal specialist, Dr. Greenstein received the prestigious Heed Ophthalmology Fellow Award and has consistently been named among the top LASIK and corneal surgeons in the U.S.
- Innovative researcher: He co-invented Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK), a pioneering surgical option for keratoconus, alongside Dr. Gelles and Dr. Hersh.
- Educator and thought leader: He has published extensively in leading journals and authored chapters in some of the world’s primary reference texts on corneal surgery.
- Trusted by professionals and athletes alike: Dr. Greenstein serves as a Team Ophthalmologist for the New York Jets, in addition to caring for thousands of patients across New Jersey and beyond.
Recognized as a 2025 NJ Top Doctor, Dr. Greenstein embodies the perfect balance of surgical skill, research innovation, and personalized patient care.
Dr. John Gelles: World-Renowned Specialist in Custom Contact Lenses
As Director of the Specialty Contact Lens Division at CLEI, Dr. John D. Gelles is a global authority in specialty lens design and fitting—particularly for patients with keratoconus and other complex corneal conditions.
- Global recognition: Patients travel from across the world to seek his expertise in custom lenses, scleral lenses, and PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem) treatment.
- Academic leadership: He teaches at Rutgers, SUNY, and several other leading optometry schools, while also lecturing nationally and internationally.
- Innovator and consultant: Dr. Gelles collaborates with ophthalmic companies to develop next-generation lens technologies and has pioneered custom solutions like higher-order aberration–correcting scleral lenses.
- Exclusive expertise: He is the only PROSE Clinical Fellow and EyePrintPro provider in New Jersey, and among the first in the U.S. to apply cutting-edge scleral lens technologies.
His recognition by the NKCF year after year since 2017 reflects his unmatched dedication to restoring sight and quality of life for patients with keratoconus.
Why Patients Choose CLEI for Keratoconus
Choosing a treatment center for keratoconus isn’t just about finding a skilled doctor—it’s about finding a team that lives and breathes corneal care. At CLEI, patients gain access to:
- Three NKCF Top Doctors under one roof.
- Pioneering treatments such as corneal crosslinking, CTAK surgery, and advanced custom contact lenses.
- Clinical trials that give patients early access to emerging therapies.
- Personalized care plans, whether through lenses, surgery, or a combination of approaches.
- Leaders in education and research, ensuring patients benefit from the latest knowledge and technology.
The Bottom Line
Keratoconus can be a challenging journey, but at the Cornea & Laser Eye Institute, patients don’t walk it alone. With Dr. John Gelles, Dr. Peter Hersh, and Dr. Steven Greenstein—three of the nation’s top keratoconus specialists recognized by the National Keratoconus Foundation—CLEI offers a level of expertise and innovation found almost nowhere else.
For patients seeking the best in keratoconus care, CLEI isn’t just an option—it’s the destination. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with keratoconus, schedule an appointment at the CLEI Center for Keratoconus today.
