Affiliated Eye Surgeons in New Jersey
Expert Eye Care. Three Locations.
One Trusted Practice.
With over 30 years of trusted care in Morris and Essex counties, Affiliated Eye Surgeons offers the full spectrum of eye care, from advanced
cataract surgery and
LASIK to corneal treatment and
comprehensive eye exams.
what sets us apart
Features of Our Practice
30+ Years
Serving Northern New Jersey
3 Physicians
Board-Certified Ophthalmologists
3 Locations
Morristown, West Orange & Denville
Advanced Technology
Laser-Assisted Cataract & LASIK Surgery
On-Site Optical
Dispensary at Every Location
Top-Rated
Consistently 5-Star Patient Reviews
decades of community care
Caring for Northern New Jersey's Vision for Over 30 Years
For over 30 years, Affiliated Eye Surgeons has been a cornerstone of eye care in Morris and Essex counties. Founded by Dr. David Medford—a pioneer in no-injection cataract surgery and one of the first ophthalmologists in the region to offer LASIK following FDA approval—the practice has grown into one of Northern New Jersey's most trusted multi-specialty ophthalmology groups.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Sanjai Jalaj, who has continued Dr. Medford's legacy, the practice remains at the forefront of ophthalmic innovation. Dr. Jalaj has expanded upon that foundation by advancing the use of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, modern corneal transplantation techniques, and corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus.
Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists brings specialized expertise in cataract surgery, corneal and refractive care, keratoconus,
LASIK,
glaucoma management, and more—serving patients of all ages across Morris and Essex counties.
OUR SERVICES
Comprehensive Eye Care for Every Patient
From routine eye exams to complex surgical care, Affiliated Eye Surgeons offers the full spectrum of ophthalmology services, all under one trusted practice.
Cataract Surgery
State-of-the-art laser-assisted cataract surgery using intraocular lens technology to restore vision and reduce dependence on glasses.
LASIK & Laser Vision Correction
Custom LASIK and PRK vision correction procedures designed to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses for clearer everyday vision.
Specialty Contact Lenses & Keratoconus
Expert fitting of scleral and specialty contact lenses for keratoconus, irregular corneas, and patients with complex prescriptions.
Corneal & Refractive Surgery
Advanced corneal and refractive procedures, including DMEK transplantation and cross-linking for keratoconus and other corneal conditions.
Glaucoma Treatment
Comprehensive glaucoma care including SLT laser therapy and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery to help protect long-term vision health.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Thorough eye examinations for patients of all ages to diagnose, monitor, and protect long-term vision and overall eye health.
Dry Eye Treatment
Targeted therapies for chronic dry eye disease, including advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment options.
Optical Dispensary
Full-service on-site optical dispensaries offering frames, lenses, and contacts carefully selected to match your vision and lifestyle needs.
our team
Meet Our Physicians
Our board-certified ophthalmologists combine decades of experience with the latest advances in eye care — delivering exceptional outcomes and compassionate care to every patient.
Dr. Sanjai Jalaj, MD
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Ophthalmologist
Dr. Jason Hade, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Mariam Elias
Board-Certified Optometrist
meet our medical director
Sanjai Jalaj, MD
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Ophthalmologist & Medical Director of Affiliated Eye Surgeons
Dr. Sanjai Jalaj, MD, serves as Medical Director of Affiliated Eye Surgeons, leading the practice with a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care. A board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, he specializes in corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery and has performed thousands of sight-restoring procedures for patients throughout Morris and Essex counties.
Under Dr. Jalaj's leadership, Affiliated Eye Surgeons continues to advance the standard of eye care by offering the latest surgical techniques, including femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, modern corneal transplantation, and corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus. As Vice Chairman of Ophthalmology at Morristown Medical Center, he remains dedicated to bringing leading-edge technology and proven treatment approaches to patients across Northern New Jersey.
meet our founder
David Medford, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Founder of Affiliated Eye Surgeons
Affiliated Eye Surgeons was founded by Dr. David Medford, who dedicated over 30 years to providing exceptional eye care to patients in Morristown and West Orange. A pioneer in no-injection cataract surgery and an early adopter of LASIK in the region, Dr. Medford's legacy of innovation and patient-first care remains the foundation of everything we do.
While Dr. Medford has retired, his patients remain in the capable hands of a team he helped build.
areas we serve
Three Convenient Northern New Jersey Locations
Affiliated Eye Surgeons serves patients across Morris and Essex counties from three fully equipped offices — each with an on-site optical dispensary and the same exceptional standard of care.
testimonials
What Our Patients Are Saying
"I had cataract surgery and having Dr. Medford do the procedure was one of the best decisions I ever made. I no longer need glasses. He is very knowledgeable and kind."
— Verified Patient, Morristown
"Dr. Medford is the kind of doctor you always hope to find. He is thorough, an excellent surgeon, and always has time to explain your condition and answer any questions. I recommend him highly."
— Verified Patient, West Orange
patient faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our services, insurance, or what to expect? We have answers.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and can perform eye surgery. Optometrists provide routine eye exams and prescribe glasses and contacts, but do not perform surgery. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, all of our physicians are board-certified ophthalmologists — trained to handle everything from annual exams to complex surgical care.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Affiliated Eye Surgeons accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare. Please visit our Participating Insurance Plans page for a complete list, or call your nearest office and our team will be happy to verify your coverage before your appointment.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Standard cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans when it is deemed medically necessary. Premium intraocular lens upgrades — such as multifocal or toric lenses that reduce dependence on glasses after surgery — may involve an out-of-pocket cost. Our team will walk you through your options and what your plan covers during your consultation.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is a great option for many patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, but candidacy depends on factors like corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall eye health. The best way to find out is with a comprehensive evaluation. Contact us to schedule a LASIK consultation with one of our surgeons.
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist?
In most cases, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment at Affiliated Eye Surgeons. You are welcome to contact any of our three offices directly to book. If your insurance plan requires a referral, our team can help guide you through that process.
Which location is closest to me?
Affiliated Eye Surgeons has three offices serving Morris and Essex counties: Morristown, West Orange, and Denville. Use the Locations section above or visit our Locations page to find the office nearest to you, get directions, and view office hours.
CONTACT US
Ready to See Clearly? Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether you are due for a routine eye exam, considering cataract surgery, or looking for a second opinion, our team is here to help. Three convenient Northern New Jersey locations. Same trusted care.
