Dr. John Wittpenn, MD

He was impatient and rude. Kept telling me he already answered my questions. Sarcastic. Arrogant. I do not recommend him. I’m a science writer and have interviewed Nobel laureates. I’ve published in major magazines and newspapers.

Dr Wittpenn performed cataract and cornea cell transplant on my eye. I had other opinions before I chose him. All of them explained to me that I could wind up blind in the eye and need a total cornea transplant rather than a partial due to the near total deterioration of my cornea and the need to remove a cataract during the same surgery. The surgeons I saw for second opinions on a treatment plan, both recommended Dr Wittpenn over their own practice acknowledging him to be an excellent surgeon, a leader in his field. Dr. Wittpenn explained my condition and the surgery, answered all my questions and always asked if I had any more before I left. The surgery Dr Wittpenn performed brought me amazing results that beat expectations, and there was no trauma to my eye. I am very grateful he was my surgeon.

Dr. Wittpenn was rude and inconsiderate/unprofessional to an elderly patient after the patient waited over 2 hours to see him. His response to the delay was a lecture that you don’t have to go to him and that it’s your choice. You can go to his associates or a competitor and ranted that if it was his choice he would raise the visit cost but he can’t since he is regulated. He made it sound like patients should be grateful to see him regardless of how long the wait?

I have seen Dr. Wittpenn for over 25 years and he (as well as his staff) is extremely professional.

The office visit was very efficient. Dr Wittpenn was polite,respectful and reassuring. Surgery at StonyBrook Ambulatory Surgery Center went smoothly. The entire staff was professional and caring. As a medical professional myself, I will highly recommend Dr Wittpenn to all my friends who ask for information and recommendations.

Because of some negative reviews here, I was a little apprehensive to see Dr Wittpenn today as a new patient. On the contrary, I found him to be very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything thoroughly and answering any questions that I had. Actually, the entire staff was a pleasure to deal with. So happy I found OCLI and Dr Wittpenn.

Dr. Wittpenn was rude, inconsiderate, and rushed during my visit. He conducted invasive and uncomfortable tests without any warning or consent. He speeded through many technical aspects of dry-eyes (which I suffer from) using technical terminology, which I could not follow. He did not write down any of that information. He also did not explain the results of his uncomfortabe tests. Luckily I got him to write down his prescriptions/suggestions, and was able to get a copy of my test results on my way out. After that visit, I feel just as lost about my dry-eye problems as I was before.

Had catarac surgery, no problems. Very good surgeon. Worth the long wait on office visits. He is not your bed side Doctor, a little cold and straight forward but maybe he is shy. Will be making my yearly check ups anyway.

I had to have cateract surgery last month. I agree with many opinions of Dr. Wittpenn. He sees a lot of people during his time in the office. The day I was there for a follow-up visit, I was told he was seeing 80 patients that day. I can see that he is curt, and is not willing to spend much time with any one person, perhaps somewhat sarcastic and maybe a cold bedside manner. But in the end, I'm not looking for a best friend, I'm interested in his surgical skills. He happens to be a superior surgeon and my surgery went very well.

I cancelled my cataract surgery and will not be going back! I did not encounter an ounce of professionalism from any member of the staff including the arrogant and impatient Dr. Wittpenn. When I asked a question I was spoken to with sarcasm. I felt as though the 5 minutes he spent with me after being in the office over 2 hours was not what I am looking for in a Dr. Will not recommend this office to anyone.

Horrible bedside manner, rushed, does not listen

I had cataract surgery 6 months ago. Have gone back for all followups and additional visits regarding problems subsequently occurring from the surgery. Given a number of tests but no answers and my eye problems have gotten worse. I regret having gone to Dr. Wittpenn.

Dr Wittpenn was wonderful. He didn't hesitate to answer all My questions and I had a lot I left his office after meeting with him very satisfied The surgery went well and my visits since have been positive. I have recommended this doctor to everyone

After waiting 2 hours before I saw Dr. Wittpenn. Then he to explain what's happening / I asked one question . His answer was abrupt & sacarist. impatience like he was the one who wIted two hours . Not sure why he was so short & frustrated