Rooted in Northern New Jersey, Built for a Lifetime of Clear Vision
About Affiliated Eye Surgeons
For over 30 years,
Affiliated Eye Surgeons has been the region's trusted destination for advanced eye care — from routine exams to complex corneal surgery. Now serving patients across three locations in Morris and Essex counties.
about affiliated eye surgeons
Our Practice At-a-Glance
30+ Years
Serving Northern New Jersey
3 Physicians
Board-Certified Ophthalmologists
3 Locations
Morristown, West Orange & Denville
Fellowship-Trained
Corneal Surgeon On Staff
On-Site Optical
Dispensary at Every Location
Subspecialty Depth
in cataract, LASIK, keratoconus, and corneal transplantation
Who We Are
Affiliated Eye Surgeons is a full-service ophthalmology and optometry practice serving patients throughout Northern New Jersey from three convenient locations in Morristown, West Orange, and Denville. We offer the complete spectrum of eye care — from annual comprehensive exams and glasses prescriptions to advanced surgical procedures, including femtolaser cataract surgery, LASIK, DMEK corneal transplantation, and corneal cross-linking for keratoconus. Our goal is simple: to give every patient in our care the clearest possible vision and the healthiest eyes possible, at every stage of life.
What sets us apart is the depth of expertise we bring to each visit.
Our physicians have trained at some of the country's most respected academic medical centers, and they combine that training with the kind of personalized attention that only comes from a practice with deep roots in the communities it serves.
Our History
Affiliated Eye Surgeons was founded by Dr. David Medford, a pioneering ophthalmologist who helped shape modern cataract surgery in Northern New Jersey. Dr. Medford was among the first surgeons in the region to adopt topical anesthesia — performing cataract surgery without injections around the eye — a technique he championed for its patient comfort and safety advantages that are now standard practice. He was also among the first to perform LASIK in Northern New Jersey following its FDA approval.
Dr. Medford's legacy is not just a list of surgical firsts — it is a philosophy of care that has defined Affiliated Eye Surgeons from the beginning: stay at the leading edge of what ophthalmology can offer, and always put the patient's experience and outcome at the center of every decision. That philosophy lives on in the practice he built.
Affiliated Eye Surgeons was founded by Dr. David Medford, MD — a pioneer in no-injection cataract surgery and a cornerstone of ophthalmology in Northern New Jersey for decades. We carry his commitment to excellence forward in everything we do.
Continuing the Legacy
When Dr. David Medford transitioned the practice to Dr. Sanjai Jalaj, he entrusted Affiliated Eye Surgeons to a physician who shares the same commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care. Under Dr. Jalaj's leadership, the practice has continued to build on its strong foundation while embracing the latest advances in ophthalmology.
Today, Dr. Jalaj carries that legacy forward by expanding access to advanced treatments, including femtosecond laser-assisted
cataract surgery, modern
corneal transplantation, corneal collagen
cross-linking for
keratoconus, and other leading surgical techniques. While the technology continues to evolve, the mission remains unchanged: providing exceptional, compassionate eye care for patients throughout Northern New Jersey.
Growing to Serve Our Region
Over three decades, Affiliated Eye Surgeons grew from a single-location practice into a multi-specialty group with offices across Morris and Essex counties — reflecting both the growth of the communities we serve and the expanding range of services we are able to offer. Through that growth, we have maintained the culture Dr. Medford established: a practice where every patient is known by name, where surgical excellence and compassionate care go hand in hand.
Joining Forces to Better Serve Our Community
In 2025, Affiliated Eye Surgeons welcomed Hade Eye Care into the practice, bringing together two respected ophthalmology groups with a shared commitment to exceptional patient care. The merger united Dr. Sanjai Jalaj and Dr. Jason Hade, whose long-standing reputation for comprehensive ophthalmic care has made him a trusted physician in the Denville community.
The addition of our Denville office at 1 Indian Road expanded access to high-quality eye care, making it more convenient for patients throughout Morris and Essex counties to receive comprehensive ophthalmology services close to home. Today, all three Affiliated Eye Surgeons locations provide complete eye care, from routine exams and medical eye care to advanced surgical services.
Patients who previously visited Hade Eye Care will continue to receive the personalized care they know and trust—now backed by the resources, technology, and collaborative expertise of Affiliated Eye Surgeons.
Our Team
Affiliated Eye Surgeons brings together a team of
board-certified ophthalmologists and doctors of optometry whose combined training spans some of the nation's most respected institutions.
Sanjai Jalaj, MD
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Ophthalmologist, Corneal, Cataract & Refractive Surgery
Dr. Jalaj's Bio
Dr. Jalaj is the practice's fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon, specializing in LenSx laser cataract surgery, premium IOL implantation, DMEK corneal transplantation, corneal cross-linking for keratoconus, and custom LASIK and PRK laser vision correction. He trained at Duke University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and Columbia University — where he served as Chief Resident — before completing a corneal and refractive surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. He serves as Vice Chairman of Ophthalmology at Morristown Medical Center and practices at our Morristown, West Orange, and Denville offices.
Jason Hade, MD
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Ophthalmologist, Ophthalmology & Ophthalmic Surgery
Dr. Hade's Bio
Jason Hade, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than a decade of experience serving patients in Northern New Jersey, specializing in corneal disease, keratoconus management, and specialty contact lens fitting. A Denville native, Dr. Hade founded Hade Eye Care in 2011 before joining Affiliated Eye Surgeons, where he continues to care for patients in the Denville office. Recognized for both academic excellence and compassionate patient care, he is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, bringing advanced expertise and a personalized approach to preserving and improving vision.
Mariam Elias, OD
Doctor of Optometry,
Myopia Control & Specialty Contact Lenses
Dr. Elias' Bio
Dr. Elias is Affiliated Eye Surgeons' Doctor of Optometry, specializing in myopia control for children and young adults, specialty contact lens fitting (including MiSight, Ortho-K, Novakone, and scleral lenses), and comprehensive eye care. A Northern New Jersey native, she graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University and earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Salus University. Dr. Elias completed clinical rotations at Corneal Associates of New Jersey, providing her with deep grounding in corneal and specialty lens care. She is fluent in English and Arabic. She practices at our Morristown, West Orange, and Denville locations.
What We Offer
Affiliated Eye Surgeons provides the full range of ophthalmology and optometry services across all three of our Northern NJ locations — from preventive care through complex surgery.
Surgical & Refractive Services
- Fermtolaser -Enhanced Cataract Surgery with premium IOL implantation (PanOptix, Symfony, Toric, LAL)
- LASIK & PRK laser vision correction — custom wavefront-guided
- Corneal transplant surgery — DMEK, DALK, PKP
- Corneal cross-linking (CXL) — FDA-approved for keratoconus progression
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
Medical Eye Care
- Keratoconus diagnosis and management
- Glaucoma monitoring and treatment (including SLT laser)
- Dry eye evaluation and treatment
- Diabetic eye exams and retinopathy management
- Retina and macular degeneration monitoring
- Corneal disease and anterior segment management
Optometry & Routine Eye Care
- Comprehensive dilated eye exams for adults and children
- Myopia control — MiSight, Ortho-K, Novakone, low-dose atropine
- Specialty contact lens fittings — scleral, RGP, hybrid
- Standard contact lens fittings and glasses prescriptions
- Pediatric eye exams
On-Site Optical Dispensary
- Full-service optical dispensary at all three locations — frames, prescription lenses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
Our Locations
We serve patients at three convenient offices across Morris and Essex counties in Northern New Jersey. Each location offers the full range of our ophthalmology and optometry services.
Morristown
Our flagship location in the heart of downtown Morristown, serving patients from across Morris County for over 30 years. Conveniently located near the Morristown Green and accessible by NJ Transit's Morris & Essex Line.
West Orange
Serving patients throughout Essex County from our West Orange office on Northfield Avenue — easily accessible from South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, and surrounding communities.
Denville
Our Denville office, formerly Hade Eye Care, is led by Dr. Jason Hade, who continues to provide comprehensive ophthalmology services and the personalized care trusted by Morris County families for years.
Why Patients Choose Affiliated Eye Surgeons
Fellowship-Trained Surgical Expertise
Dr. Jalaj completed his corneal and refractive surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic — one of the most respected programs in the country — following residency at Columbia University, where he served as Chief Resident. That training translates directly to the caliber of surgical care our patients receive for cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, LASIK, and keratoconus management.
No-Injection Cataract Surgery
We were among the first practices in Northern New Jersey to adopt topical anesthesia for cataract surgery — meaning no injections around the eye. This technique, pioneered locally by our founder Dr. David Medford, reduces discomfort, eliminates injection-related risks, and is now our standard approach for every cataract procedure.
Advanced Technology at Every Location
From the fermtolaser cataract system to corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry, we invest in the technology that makes a real difference in diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes. All three locations are fully equipped.
Specialty Corneal Expertise
Affiliated Eye Surgeons offers advanced corneal care led by fellowship-trained corneal surgeon Dr. Sanjai Jalaj. Patients benefit from specialized diagnosis and treatment for complex corneal conditions, including keratoconus, corneal disease, corneal transplantation, corneal collagen cross-linking, and refractive surgery. Combined with advanced diagnostics and close collaboration between our physicians and optometrists, we provide comprehensive corneal care close to home.
Subspecialty Optometry
Dr. Elias brings a level of optometric subspecialty to our practice that goes well beyond routine eye exams — with focused expertise in myopia control, MiSight and Ortho-K fitting, scleral lens management, and dry eye care. Pediatric patients and contact lens wearers benefit directly from this depth.
Three Convenient Locations
With offices in Morristown, West Orange, and Denville, the majority of patients in Morris and Essex counties can access our full range of services without a long commute. Pre-op, surgery, and all follow-up care can be managed close to home.
A Practice That Knows You
We are not a high-volume surgical chain. We are a multi-generation community practice with three decades of relationships with patients and families across Northern New Jersey. Our team takes the time to understand your visual history, your goals, and what matters most to you — and that informs every recommendation we make.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Affiliated Eye Surgeons been in practice?
Affiliated Eye Surgeons was founded by Dr. David Medford and has been serving patients in Northern New Jersey for over 30 years. The practice has grown from a single location to three offices across Morris and Essex counties — Morristown, West Orange, and Denville — while maintaining the community-centered culture and commitment to surgical excellence that defined it from the beginning.
What happened to Hade Eye Care?
In 2025, Hade Eye Care joined Affiliated Eye Surgeons, bringing Dr. Jason Hade and the Denville office into the practice. Patients continue to receive the same trusted, comprehensive ophthalmology care from Dr. Hade and the Denville team, now supported by the expanded resources, technology, and collaborative expertise of Affiliated Eye Surgeons. Patients also have convenient access to advanced subspecialty services—including corneal care, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and specialty contact lenses—throughout the practice when needed. Existing patients can continue visiting the Denville office at 1 Indian Road.
What services does Affiliated Eye Surgeons offer?
Affiliated Eye Surgeons offers the full spectrum of ophthalmology and optometry services, including LenSx laser cataract surgery with premium IOL implantation, LASIK and PRK laser vision correction, corneal transplant surgery (DMEK, DALK, PKP), corneal cross-linking for keratoconus, glaucoma management, dry eye treatment, diabetic eye care, retina monitoring, comprehensive eye exams, myopia control, specialty contact lens fitting (scleral, RGP, Ortho-K, MiSight), pediatric eye care, cosmetic eye services, and on-site optical dispensaries at all three locations.
Where are the Affiliated Eye Surgeons offices located?
Affiliated Eye Surgeons has three offices in Northern New Jersey: Morristown at 95 Madison Avenue, Suite 400 (phone: 973-984-5005); West Orange at 405 Northfield Avenue, Suite 206 (phone: 973-736-3322); and Denville at 1 Indian Road, Suite 9 (phone: 973-586-2188). All three locations offer the full range of our ophthalmology and optometry services.
Who are the doctors at Affiliated Eye Surgeons?
Our team includes experienced eye care professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive vision care and advanced ophthalmic treatment throughout Northern New Jersey.
- Dr. Sanjai Jalaj is the practice's Medical Director and a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery.
- Dr. Jason Hade is a board-certified ophthalmologist who continues to see patients at our Denville office, providing comprehensive ophthalmology services and the personalized care that has made him a trusted physician in the Morris County community.
- Dr. Mariam Elias is a licensed optometrist who provides comprehensive eye exams, vision care, and medical eye care, working closely with our ophthalmologists to ensure seamless, coordinated care for patients of all ages.
Together, our providers offer a full spectrum of medical, surgical, and routine eye care services, combining advanced expertise with a personalized approach to protecting and improving your vision.
Does Affiliated Eye Surgeons accept my insurance?
Affiliated Eye Surgeons participates in most major medical and vision insurance plans, including Medicare, AARP Medicare Supplement plans, Aetna, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, BC/BS OMNIA Tier 1, Atlantic Health Systems, Qualcare, Magnacare, Barnabas Health Plans, and VSP. The practice does not participate in Medicaid. To confirm your specific plan, please call the office nearest you. Private pay patients and FSA/HSA payments are also welcome.
Is Affiliated Eye Surgeons accepting new patients?
Yes — Affiliated Eye Surgeons welcomes new patients at all three Northern NJ locations. You can schedule an appointment by calling any of our offices directly or by submitting an appointment request online. Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of current medications, and your current glasses or contact lenses to your first visit.
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.
