Dr. Alan Schlussel: West Orange’s Leading Optometrist

For Over 25 years Dr. Schlussel has been a leading family optometrist in both his New Jersey and New York practices. He has a strong focus on the treatment of Dry Eye Disease.

The full-service practice blends the old world touch of personalized and attentive care with the latest technology, designer glasses, and contact lenses. Serving patients from West Orange and Verona, and South Orange, NJ, the practice owes its tremendous success to the amazing word of mouth of its patients. Whether you are looking to buy glasses, have a yearly eye exam for the whole family, or treat eye diseases, you will find a commitment to care and quality at our practice.

Get A Diagnosis through Your Phone

Diagnosis Through Your Phone

We are happy to accommodate our patients’ busy lifestyles by providing diagnoses over our virtual consultation app Eye Care Live. Download the app and connect with one our doctors for a virtual consultation. We can assess your condition, prescribe medication, and schedule follow-up appointments-all over the phone.

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Call Us 973-755-2262

The Modern Day Dry Eye Story

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Meet Your West Orange Optometrists

Dr. Clare Tao is an attentive and detail-oriented optometrist. She attended the State University of New York, Stony Brook, where she received her bachelor's degree. She went on to receive her doctor of optometry degree from the State University of New York. Located in New York, NY, Dr. Tao brings her expertise to her role at Dr. Schlussel's West Orange practice. She is bilingual and speaks English as well as Mandarin. She is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS). She...

Doctor Schlussel received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Binghamton University in 1980. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the State College of Optometry in New York in 1984. He has been in private practice for over 30 years. Doctor Schlussel is currently the managing partner of both private eye care offices in Midtown New York City and West Orange,N.J. In December of 1989, Dr. Schlussel became a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and is currently...

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Comprehensive Eye Exams & Family Optical

Children’s Eye Exams & Glasses
Specialized in Contact Lens Fitting
Advanced Technology
Dry Eye Center
Designer Frames & Sunglasses

What Makes Dr. Alan Schlussel Unique

Family Eye Exams

Dr. Schlussel provides the highest quality comprehensive eye exams for the whole family.

More On Family Eye Exams+

Glasses For Kids And Adults

Our Optical has a the latest designer eyewear, sunglasses, and contacts for the whole family.

More On Glasses For Kids And Adults+

The NJ Dry Eye Center

Dr. Schlussel specializes using advanced technology to diagnose & treat dry eye disease.

More On The NJ Dry Eye Center+

West Orange and Verona NJ’s trusted eye doctor

Over 500 verified patient reviews at ZocDoc.
Leave us a review on Google

Our Patients Know Best!

A month ago my vision went blurry, my eyes felt weak and fatigued and I felt like I had a film over my eyes. I was terrified of what was happening. I went to an eye doctor who told me my eyes were bone dry and sent me on my way to figure it out. Lost, I bought every eye care drop, ointment and OTC treatment I could find. Nothing was helping. So I searched for a dry eye specialist. Dr. Schlussel treats DRY EYE. Not just the symptoms but holistically. He guides with a process that includes prevention, protection and treatment. You can tell he is passionate about what he does. He has in house diagnostic testing that showed me as a patient, EXACTLY what was happening. If I didn't get this level of information, I might go on a terribly destructive path for many years. I look forward to following his guidance and seeing improvements. PS. staff is super friendly and the Dr. sees you promptly.

4 months ago

- Uzma A.

Very pleased by the care I’ve received by Dr Schlussel and his staff. I’ve been suffering from dry eye that’s made daily life challenging and irritating. He treated me with various drops and the Lipiflow. The Lipiflow was a complete game changer. Within days of completing the treatment, the burning, painful irritation stopped. I still have days with dryness as the ailment is not curable but at least the quality of my life has improved greatly. I highly recommend all dry eye sufferers to see Dr Schlussel. He has dry eye himself so he knows what he’s doing plus he’s friendly and his staff is too.

1 year ago

- R M.

What a pleasure it was going to Dr Schlussel’s new office today in West Orange. His staff including Christine and Mary welcomed me with warm friendly smiles. Dr Schlussel is caring and very knowledgeable. The office is well equipped with state of the art technology. I was truly amazed how easily Dr Schlussel diagnosed the annoying “floater” in my left eye and put my mind at ease. I would highly recommend Dr Schlussel to anyone. I can’t imagine after today’s visit entrusting anyone else with my eyecare.

2 years ago

- Stan R.

Dr. Schlussel is amazing! His staff is extremely friendly and his office up to date with all of the latest technology. It is refreshing to have a doctor that is not only knowledgeable, but who takes the time to treat his patients properly.

2 years ago

- Christa E.

I actually look forward to my eye exams - how amazing is that?! For years, I've had chronic dry eye caused by MGD, and Dr. Schlussel was the only one who diagnosed the root cause. Years of eye drops, constant tearing, mucous, itching, burning sensations. With a regimen of Retaine, PRN Omega 3, I feel 90% better. Remarkable. Today's visit involved four state of the art diagnostic tests to check my eye health, done by his staff in his new office space, before seeing the doc. He asks a wide range of questions, key is he actively listens to my answers, which spark new questions/answers. I have never felt rushed - he's never once looked at his watch, or popped in-and-out to juggle other patients. He was extremely thorough, running through several additional tests, noticing even slight changes in my vision, and adjusted my eyeglass prescription accordingly. Though with proper eye care and using Retaine has been a marked improvement on my quality of life, he introduced the possibility of Xiidra and a Lipiflow treatment. Diving into the pros and cons of each. No pressure, just the facts laid out in layman's terms. No 'selling' going on here, only what may work - or not - for me. Modern equipment with the knowledge to go with it, combined with the old-school "warm doctoring" I grew up with. His staff is accommodating and friendly, explaining all charges. I booked through Zocdoc, updating my insurance information, so the check-in lasted all of five minutes (including a short questionnaire.) I recommend Dr. Schlussel without reservation. My wife and friends now go to him for their eye care.

2 years ago

- Gary R.

Extremely professional and courteous. The staff is very friendly as well. Would highly recommend Dr Alan Schlussel!

2 years ago

- Lyle S.

I suffered with excessive tearing from MGD for over 2 years. I was constantly dabbing my eyes all day long. I tried Restasis, Xiidra, steroid eye drops, warm compresses, etc. etc. etc. but nothing worked. I had Lipiflow treatment on December 1, 2017. It was a bit uncomfortable on the first eye, but once it was underway, really not bad at all. I didn't notice any change for about 3 weeks. But then I noticed that the tearing was gradually getting better...to the point that my eye makeup stayed on all day! I couldn't believe that I was actually able to get through the day with no tearing at all...it really does feel like a miracle.

2 years ago

- Rosemary R.

Dr. Schlussel has been rated #1 optometrist on Kev’s Best!
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The Dry Eye Treatment Center

Your tears comfort your eyes in many ways. Dr. Alan Schlussel is the founding director of The Dry Eye Treatment Center of New York and New Jersey. Dry eye strikes when your eyes can’t produce enough tears for lubrication or the moisture in your tears evaporates too quickly. Common symptoms include a feeling of grittiness in your eyes, a sensation of something in your eye or burning, eye fatigue, eye pain, and excessive tearing. Now Featuring advanced technology such as Lipiflow for the treatment of dry eyes.

Visit our Dry Eye Center's page.

How to Disinfect Glasses to Help Prevent COVID-19

Apr 01, 2020

Coronavirus and Your Eyeglasses Did you know that our glasses (this includes the lenses and the frame) can potentially transfer viruses, such as COVID-19, to our eyes, nose, and mouth? This is because viruses — as well as bacteria — are easily transferred from our surroundings to our hands and...

Coronavirus and Your Eyes – What You Should Know

Mar 26, 2020

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...

Want Frames that Fit Right? Don’t Buy Eyeglasses Online!

Mar 25, 2020

Benefits of buying glasses from an optical store near you We get it, online shopping has become a staple in our lives. Even if you’re still lounging in your pj’s, you can browse items on the screen, make a selection and choose to pay now. All that’s left to do...

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Daily Disposables Are A Great Option

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Dr. Alan Schlussel indicates that the more frequently you replace your lens, the more comfortable and healthy it will be for your eyes. Over time, many substances accumulate and build up in your lenses. These substances could be dust, pollen or calcium, lipids and proteins present in your tears. The presence of these substances would have a negative impact on the comfort level of your lenses. Also, it also increases the chances for infections. Click here to learn more.

Featured Contact Lens Alcon Dailies Total 1

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Try this lens if you feel like you have never really had a comfortable contact lens for one reason or another: dryness, lens awareness, redness, allergies. Click here to learn more.

Our Designer Frames At Our West Orange Optical

Our Focus on Technology

black_body In our focus on providing the highest level of eye care for our patients we put a great emphasis on the most advanced technology. Optomap Digital Retinal Imaging is an advanced imaging platform that uses laser imaging to take a wide image of your retina, allowing your eye doctor to detect diseases that are harder to see in a standard eye exam.

Ask Dr. Schlussel if the Optomap Exam is right for you.

Dry Eye's
Contact Lenses
Digital Imaging