Caring, compassionate ophthalmology — this July, get a real dry eye consultation that identifies the root cause, not just a recommendation to buy more artificial tears.
🇺🇸 We Care For Your Eyes🇪🇸 Cuidamos sus ojos🇫🇷 Nous prenons soin de vos yeux
Tap what you're feeling →
These are recognized signs of dry eye disease. The symptoms you tapped are often caused by underlying gland dysfunction or tear film instability — conditions that a medical consultation can identify and treat.
Dry eye disease shows up differently in different people — but most patients share at least a few of these experiences.
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Burning, stinging, or a raw sensation in your eyes
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Vision that goes blurry then clears when you blink
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Eye fatigue after short periods of reading or screens
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Watery eyes — especially in wind or air-conditioned rooms
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Redness or irritation that never fully goes away
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Using drops daily without lasting relief
If any of these sound familiar: what you're experiencing likely has a specific medical cause — and it can be diagnosed and treated. Drops may be masking it.
Understanding Dry Eye
It's a Medical Condition — Not Just Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease affects the tear film — the thin protective layer that keeps your eye surface healthy and clear. When it breaks down, your eyes don't just feel uncomfortable. The surface itself becomes inflamed and damaged over time.
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A Root Cause Issue
Most cases trace back to dysfunction in the meibomian glands — tiny oil-producing glands along your eyelid. When they're blocked, your tears evaporate too fast.
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It Gets Worse Without Treatment
Untreated dry eye tends to progress. Surface damage accumulates. Glands can atrophy. Early diagnosis makes a significant difference in outcomes.
Why Drops Alone Often Fail
Temporary Relief Is Not the Same as Treatment
Artificial tears work for a few minutes. Then the feeling returns. That's not bad luck — it's a signal that the underlying cause hasn't been addressed.
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Drops Don't Fix Gland Dysfunction
If your oil glands aren't working, no amount of lubrication replaces what they produce. The tear film will keep breaking down.
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Preservatives Can Irritate
Many OTC drops contain preservatives that, with frequent use, can worsen the very surface they're meant to soothe.
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One Cause Doesn't Fit All
Aqueous deficiency, lipid deficiency, and inflammation each require different treatment. You can't treat what you haven't diagnosed.
You don't need severe symptoms to benefit from a consultation. Many of our patients are surprised by how much better they feel once the real cause is identified.
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Screen usersHours on screens reduce blink rate and accelerate tear evaporation.
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Adults over 50Tear production and gland function decline naturally with age.
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Medication usersAntihistamines, antidepressants, and others reduce tear production.
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Post-surgical patientsLASIK and other eye procedures can affect tear nerve function.
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Drop-dependent patientsUsing drops daily with no lasting improvement is a key signal.
Accepted Insurance
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
We work with a wide range of medical and Medicare insurance providers. Call us before your visit and we'll verify your coverage.
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Cigna
Medical insurance
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Horizon BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Medicare
Federal health coverage
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Horizon NJ Health
NJ Medicaid managed care
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WellPoint
Anthem health plans
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UnitedHealthcare
Medical & Medicare plans
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Humana Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans
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Clover Health
Medicare Advantage
Don't see your plan? Call us at (973) 762-4996 — we accept additional plans and can verify your coverage before your visit. Self-pay options are also available.
Dr. Duncan earned his M.D. from UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School in 1986 and has spent more than 20 years caring for patients across a wide range of eye conditions. His clinical focus includes dry eye disease, cataract, glaucoma, and comprehensive ophthalmology — giving patients access to both medical and surgical expertise under one roof.
Dr. Duncan welcomes patients of all cultural backgrounds and is committed to making high-quality eye care accessible and understandable for every patient he sees — regardless of where they come from or how they came to find him.
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My goal is simple — to find out what is actually causing your symptoms and give you a real answer, not just a recommendation to use more drops. Every patient deserves to understand what is happening with their eyes and to have a clear path forward.
— Dr. Samuel T. Duncan, M.D.
🎓 Education
UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School, M.D. 1986
🏥 Experience
20+ years in clinical ophthalmology practice
👁️ Specialties
Dry Eye · Cataract · Glaucoma · Comprehensive Eye Care
No surprises. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you call to the moment you leave with a plan.
1
Schedule Your Appointment
Call us at (973) 762-4996 and we'll find a time that works for you. We'll also confirm your insurance is active before your visit — no surprises at checkout.
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New patients please arrive 15 minutes early to complete your patient intake paperwork before your appointment begins.
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Send your insurance card before your visit — email a photo of your insurance card to vsicare@gmail.com and we'll have your information ready when you arrive.
Self-Pay Rates
No insurance? No problem — straightforward and affordable:
New Patient Medical Eye Exam
$155.00
Vision Exam / Glasses Only
$100.00
Visual Field Exam
$60.00
Fundus Photos
$50.00
Anterior Photo
$30.00
Follow-Up Appointments
$100.00
All fees are due at time of service. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards.
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Eye Examination
Our ophthalmologist will examine your eyes thoroughly — assessing the health of your cornea, eyelids, and tear film to understand what's driving your symptoms.
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Dry Eye Consultation & Imaging
We take detailed images of your eyes and oil glands. This gives us a precise picture of what's happening beneath the surface — something no symptom checklist can capture.
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Diagnosis
Based on the examination and imaging, our ophthalmologist diagnoses the root cause of your dry eye. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's causing your symptoms — and why.
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Your Treatment Plan
You leave your first visit with a personalized plan — whether that's a new glasses prescription, prescribed drops, or a recommended in-office treatment. No vague advice. No "just use more drops."
Medical dry eye treatment shouldn't be out of reach because of insurance status. We offer straightforward self-pay packages so you can get a proper diagnosis and a real treatment plan without the uncertainty of billing.
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Transparent, Flat-Rate Pricing
Our self-pay packages are priced clearly upfront — no surprise fees, no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what your consultation includes before your visit.
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Everything in One Visit
Diagnostic testing, physicia consultation, and a personalized treatment plan — bundled so you're not paying separately for each step.
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We'll Walk You Through It
Our team will explain your options clearly before anything is scheduled. There's no pressure — just straightforward answers about what care looks like and what it costs.
Underinsured or between plans? Many patients are surprised to find that self-pay pricing for a dry eye consultation is more accessible than expected. Call us and we'll explain exactly what's included.
A calm, guided consultation — we walk you through every step and every cost before anything begins.
Parking lot located at the back of the building — easily accessible from Farrington Street.
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Wheelchair Accessible
Ramp access available at the front door. Our office is fully accessible for patients with mobility needs.
📍3 Farrington Street, Vauxhall, NJ 07088 — look for the brick building with the red roof and our sign out front.
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Bus Routes
NJ Transit
From Newark Penn StationFrom East OrangeStops at Our DoorFrom IrvingtonFrom Plainfield
⭐ Stops Right Out Front
Route 70Newark – Livingston Mall
Newark Penn StationEast Orange
Stops directly in front of our office — Springfield Ave at Farrington St. Board at Newark Penn Station or East Orange. No walking required when you arrive.
Connecting buses at Springfield Ave / Farrington St
25526694375
Route 25Springfield Avenue
Newark Penn Station
Departs from Newark Penn Station (Market St & Broad St). Direct route along Springfield Avenue to Vauxhall — approx. 34 min. Runs every 30 minutes.
Route 73Newark – Orange – Livingston
East Orange
Runs from Newark Penn Station through East Orange toward Livingston Mall, passing through the Vauxhall corridor. Best option for riders boarding in East Orange.
Connecting buses at Springfield Ave / Vauxhall area
70256652
Route 52Irvington – Springfield – Union
Irvington
From Irvington Center through Springfield Avenue into Union Township. Direct connection for Irvington riders through the Vauxhall area.
Connecting buses at Morris Ave / Stuyvesant Ave
667011494
Route 59Plainfield – Newark
Plainfield
Departs from Plainfield directly to Newark Penn Station. Once at Newark Penn, board the Route 70 (stops at our door) or Route 25 to reach us on Springfield Ave in Vauxhall. Alternatively, take Route 114 from Plainfield directly through the Vauxhall corridor — no transfer needed.
Connecting buses at Newark Penn Station
70256673
Route 66Newark – Mountainside
Newark Penn Station
Departs Newark Penn Station with two Vauxhall-area variants:
66v — runs via Mountain Ave & Vauxhall Rd (stops on Vauxhall Road)
66s — runs via Springfield Ave & Vauxhall (stops on Springfield Ave in Vauxhall)
Connecting buses at Vauxhall Rd / Morris Ave
527011494
Route 114Plainfield – Springfield – Union – New York
Plainfield
From Plainfield through Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Springfield, and Union — with a confirmed stop at US-22 / Vauxhall Rd. A direct option for Plainfield riders that passes right through the Vauxhall corridor without needing to go to Newark first.
Connecting buses at Stuyvesant Ave / Vauxhall Rd
Route 52Route 66Route 94Raritan Valley Line
Transfer to any of these at the Stuyvesant Ave & Vauxhall Rd stop to continue toward 3 Farrington Street.
Route 94vrVia Vauxhall Road
The 94vr variant runs directly along Vauxhall Road, connecting Irvington, Orange, and East Orange to Union Township. Stops on Vauxhall Road near the office.
Connecting buses at Vauxhall Rd / Stuyvesant Ave
526611470
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Train Lines
NJ Transit
Morris & Essex LineMaplewood Station
Maplewood Station is approx. 1.5 miles from our office. From NYC Penn Station or Hoboken — then take NJ Transit Bus Route 25 or 70 toward Vauxhall, or a short rideshare.
Morris & Essex LineMillburn Station
Millburn Station is approx. 1.5 miles from our office. Served by the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch from NYC Penn Station and Hoboken. Short rideshare or connecting bus to Vauxhall.
Raritan Valley LinePlainfield Station
The Raritan Valley Line runs directly from Plainfield Station to Newark Penn Station — about 35–40 min. Plainfield is an accessible, high-platform station. From Newark Penn, connect to the Route 70 bus which stops at our front door on Springfield Ave.
Suggested trip from Plainfield: Raritan Valley Line → Newark Penn Station → Route 70 bus → 3 Farrington St (door-to-door)
Plan your trip: Use the NJ Transit Trip Planner at njtransit.com or call 511 for real-time schedules.
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Nearby Communities
NJ Transit
Newark, NJ~5 miles · 10 min
Irvington, NJ~3 miles · 8 min
Union, NJ~3 miles · 8 min
Maplewood, NJ~4 miles · 10 min
Springfield, NJ~5 miles · 12 min
Millburn, NJ~6 miles · 13 min
Union, NJ~2 miles · 5 min
Elizabeth, NJ~6 miles · 12 min
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By Car
NJ Transit
🛣️ Interstate 78Exit 50A or 50B — Vauxhall Road
~1 mile · 3 min
🛣️ Garden State PkwyExit 141 — Vauxhall Road
~2 miles · 5 min
🛣️ Route 22~2 miles · 5 min
🛣️ Route 1 & 9~4 miles · 10 min
✈️ Newark Airport (EWR)~10 min
🌍 We Welcome All Communities
We proudly serve patients from across Union and Essex County — including Newark, Irvington, East Orange, Elizabeth, Union, Maplewood, Springfield, and Plainfield. Se habla español · Français bienvenu. Dr. Duncan and our team welcome patients of all cultural backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions We Hear Every Day
Straight answers to the things patients ask before they book.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance provider. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist — others do not. We recommend calling your insurance provider or your primary care doctor to confirm before your visit.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring a copy of your insurance card and a valid photo ID such as a driver's license. If you wear glasses, bring those as well. The more information we have upfront, the smoother your visit will go.
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New patients — please arrive 15 minutes early. You'll need to complete patient intake paperwork before your appointment begins. Arriving early ensures your full appointment time is spent with Dr. Duncan.
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Speed up your check-in — email a photo of your insurance card to vsicare@gmail.com before your visit and we'll have everything ready when you arrive.
How long will my first visit take?
Plan for approximately 1.5 hours for your first visit. This allows enough time for a thorough examination, diagnostic imaging, consultation with Dr. Duncan, and a full review of your treatment plan before you leave.
Does insurance cover dry eye treatment?
When dry eye is diagnosed as a medical condition, insurance often covers:
Comprehensive eye exams related to dry eye (when medically necessary)
Diagnostic testing such as tear film evaluation or corneal staining
Prescription medications, depending on your pharmacy benefits
Treatment for underlying conditions causing dry eye (such as autoimmune disease or eyelid inflammation)
Follow-up visits for managing chronic dry eye
Coverage varies by plan. Call us before your visit and we'll help determine the appropriate billing based on your reason for coming in.
What if I just need glasses?
In most cases, medical insurance does not cover a routine glasses prescription. Here's the difference:
Vision Insurance
Routine eye exams
Prescription glasses
Frame & lens allowances
Medical Insurance
Dry eye disease
Glaucoma & cataracts
Eye infections & injuries
Diabetic eye exams
✓"My vision is blurry and I need a new glasses prescription." → Usually billed to vision insurance or paid out of pocket.
✓"My eyes are painful, red, and very dry." → Usually billed to medical insurance — you're being evaluated for a medical condition.
✓"I have diabetes and need a diabetic eye exam." → Usually covered by medical insurance — it's medically necessary.
Not sure which applies to you? Call us before your appointment — we'll help figure it out.
What if I have no insurance or want to self-pay for an eyeglasses exam?
No insurance? No problem. We can perform a complete eye examination for glasses at a straightforward self-pay rate. You'll receive a full prescription you can use at any optical retailer.
Self-Pay Rate
Vision Exam / Glasses Only — $100.00
Due at time of service. Cash, check, and major credit cards accepted.
Do I get one free eye exam every year with my health insurance?
It depends on your insurance. Here's the general rule:
Routine vision exam for glasses — typically covered by your vision insurance, not your medical insurance.
Exam for an eye problem or medical condition — your medical insurance may cover the visit, subject to your plan's benefits.
We're happy to verify your coverage before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect. Just call us at (973) 762-4996 and we'll take care of it.
Do you have weekend appointments?
Yes — we offer appointments one Saturday per month from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Saturday slots are limited and fill quickly, so we recommend calling ahead to reserve your spot.
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Cancellation policy: If you cannot make your Saturday appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance so we can offer your slot to another patient. Late cancellations make it difficult for us to accommodate others who need care.
To check availability or book a Saturday appointment, call us at (973) 762-4996.
National Dry Eye Month is a reminder that this condition is common — and treatable when properly diagnosed. We're ready to help you move beyond symptom management.
✓ Medical ophthalmology practice✓ Diagnostic imaging on-site✓ Personalized treatment plans✓ Most major insurances accepted✓ Self-pay packages available
