Education and Training

As a young man, Dr. Spier had strong interests in medicine and photography, so ophthalmology was a natural choice. In high school, he was one of the first students chosen to observe surgical procedures at the local East Orange Veteran's Hospital, stimulating his commitment to medicine and surgery.

Dr. Spier has trained at some of the most prestigious American institutions. He was an undergraduate at Brandeis University, and attended medical school at UMDNJ. Residency included positions at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Boston City Hospital, Brigham and Women's, and Harvard's Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

After completing this training, Dr. Spier practiced ophthalmology in Rhode Island with one of the world's most renowned cataract and refractive surgeons. During his four years there, Dr. Spier performed thousands of surgical and laser procedures using the most "cutting edge" technology. Dr. Spier joined the Northern New Jersey Eye Institute in 1992, and became partners with Dr. Norris in 1994. Since Dr. Norris' retirement in 1997, Dr. Spier has continued to inspire the Institute's leadership role in eye care.

Co-Developer of Rapid Vision Cataract Surgery™

I am committed to delivering the most advanced eye care with integrity and compassion.

Dr. Spier employs the latest techniques in cataract and implant surgery. He uses the Rapid Vision™ method, whereby no needle, no stitches and no patch are required. Patients are pain free during the ten-minute procedure, since only anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye. Most patients walk out of our in-office surgery suite without an eye patch, seeing better and able to resume their normal activities immediately.

Having performed thousands of cataract, laser and implant procedures over the last 15 years, Dr. Spier has the experience to provide the highest level of eye care. Continued education and training enable Dr. Spier to bring the most advanced and safe technology to his patients.

Skilled Laser Surgeon

Dr. Spier is highly skilled in the use of laser therapy for diabetic retinopathy, refractive errors and glaucoma. He has performed thousands of laser procedures for these conditions.

Dr. Spier uses the excimer laser to perform LASIK and PRK (photo refractive keratectomy), the two newest procedures for the elimination of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. The laser gently re-shapes the cornea in these pain-free brief procedures. Dr. Spier was one of the first to do refractive surgery in New Jersey and has performed hundreds of these lasers. If you are interested learning more, or finding out if you are a candidate, ask Dr. Spier for a free refractive surgery consultation.

Director of Mission Cataract for NNJEI

Dr. Spier was the first eye surgeon in New Jersey to participate in Mission Cataract, a national program which provides free cataract and implant surgery to those who have no means to pay. He feels that helping restore vision to the less fortunate is his way of giving back to the community.

Teacher and Humanitarian

Dr. Spier is a clinical instructor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He trains young eye physicians at the UMDNJ Ophthalmology Residency Program. In 1992, Dr. Spier was invited to lecture at Beijing Hospital in China on the latest developments in cataract surgery. While there, he instructed doctors on the technique of removing cataracts by means of phacoemulsification, through a small incision.

Dr. Spier was also invited to Biratnager, Nepal in 1996. Nepal is an underdeveloped country north of India, home of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Mountains. While there, he performed several hundred cataract and implant surgeries under the most primitive conditions. It is Dr. Spier's desire to share his surgical skill and knowledge with other doctors in remote and under-served countries around the world.

In 2006, Dr Spier traveled to Grenada, West Indies where he performed the first small-incision cataract surgery done on the island. He also assisted the local doctors in Grenada and St. Vincent.

Dr. Spier, who is a natural communicator and dynamic speaker, gives many lectures to professional and civic organizations throughout New Jersey. He has also appeared on several local and national television programs, explaining advances in eye care.

Native New Jerseyan

Dr. Spier's close relationship with family influenced his decision to return to his native New Jersey. He resides in Maplewood. He has many friends and relatives throughout the, northern New Jersey area.

He is an avid tennis player and played in the national finals for the Maccabi games in Israel. Dr. Spier is also a cycling enthusiast.