Masks are still required regardless of vaccination status (as with all healthcare settings). Any patients with symptoms of contagious disease should call to reschedule their appointment. Eye Physicians of Northampton is a renowned multi-specialty ophthalmology practice, established in 1964, with locations in Florence and Amherst, Massachusetts. Our focus is on compassionate and comprehensive medical, surgical and optical care. We provide our patients the care and attention they deserve, while providing them the best possible vision and overall eye health.
Services
Whether you're interested in learning more about laser vision correction, require a comprehensive vision exam, or need attention for a complex eye disease, one of our highly qualified physicians can help. Our doctors strive to answer all of your questions, making certain you leave our office feeling well-informed, confident, and reassured.
Dr. Cherniak graduated from Indiana University where she completed her Bachelors of Sciences in biology and a chemistry minor as well as a Bachelors of Arts in philosophy with a psychology minor, in 2009. She went on to attend Indiana University School of Optometry, graduating with her Doctorate of Optometry in 2013 following her externships at Eye Surgeons of Indiana and the Roudebush VA Medical Center.
Dr. Lauren Shatz is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in refractive cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses and corneal diseases. He has served the Pioneer Valley community with offices in Northampton and Amherst, Massachusetts since 2003. After obtaining his undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Michigan, Dr. Shatz received his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Boston University Medical Center.
Reviews (9)
Jonathan Starkman
Apr 13, 2022
I had an emergency come up on a Saturday due to a bad corneal abrasion and Dr. Hubbe was covering for my physician. He met me in the office and provided immediate evaluation and treatment and really made me feel better and got me through a really difficult and painful experience. Can't say enough about the care I received and it was a very positive experience. Thank you so much!
Dorothy Parker
Mar 24, 2022
Everyone in the office inspired confidence that all would go well. Every step in the process of my cataract surgeries and follow-up appointments went smoothly. This office has, by far, the most organized, well orchestrated, efficient team of people that I have ever experienced. I would recommend Eye Physicians of Northampton to anyone in need of expert care.
Judith Gutlerner
Oct 04, 2021
I was shocked to learn that eyeglasses couldn't correct my vision any further. I needed cataract surgery. Surgery on my eyes? No way! I visited Dr Shield who was very patient but didn't push anything on me. After playing wrong music notes, I realized I had no choice but to pursue this surgery. It took me 3 years to summon the courage. Meanwhile, my friend used Dr Shield and assured me it was virtually painless, best surgery she ever had!
And so I visited him again, this time resolved to go ahead with it. We discussed all the possibilities, which lenses would be best for me and came up with eyehance. These are new lenses that have been very successful, especially for someone like me with astigmatism as well as wanting to read music without glasses. At the Cataract Surgery Center, I asked the nurses about Dr Shield and everyone told me how wonderful he is.
He is always on time and very efficient. He is very experienced and does excellent work. It felt good to hear that. I was also worried about having anesthesia but didn't have to worry. A light sedation was all I needed. After surgery I didn't feel groggy. Everything went as well as expected. Of course there was some minor discomfort m my eye which felt irritated, and burned a little from the drops, but that's all.
I was worried at first when everything seemed cloudy. I called the office and they got right back to me to assure me that was normal. Sure enough, by the end of the day it cleared. And now I must tell you how life changing this surgery has been! The world looks magnificent. I thought my windows were yellow, but they are a bright white! I could see every blade of grass on the field, every leaf on a tree, every detail I had forgot existed.
My father's paintings came alive again, how magnificent they are colored! I had forgotten. Everything is bright, beautiful, colorful and magnificent to behold! When I visited the Florence office I gasped when I saw the photos on the walls. I had forgotten what turquoise looks like, and how a bird is covered with individual feathers. I am like a baby seeing the world for the first time, smiling at all its splendor. Unfortunately, seeing such details meant my kitchen looked very dirty and I scrubbed everything down better than I have in years.
It was also a shock to realize I now have wrinkles! But then again, I noticed that all my friends did too. That's a small price to pay for the gift of such vision. I can't express enough how transformational this surgery is. Dr. Shield is a magician. He created magic for me when he implanted these lenses. He could do the same for you. I feel as if I have been reborn. Thank you so much, Dr Shield!
And so I visited him again, this time resolved to go ahead with it. We discussed all the possibilities, which lenses would be best for me and came up with eyehance. These are new lenses that have been very successful, especially for someone like me with astigmatism as well as wanting to read music without glasses. At the Cataract Surgery Center, I asked the nurses about Dr Shield and everyone told me how wonderful he is.
He is always on time and very efficient. He is very experienced and does excellent work. It felt good to hear that. I was also worried about having anesthesia but didn't have to worry. A light sedation was all I needed. After surgery I didn't feel groggy. Everything went as well as expected. Of course there was some minor discomfort m my eye which felt irritated, and burned a little from the drops, but that's all.
I was worried at first when everything seemed cloudy. I called the office and they got right back to me to assure me that was normal. Sure enough, by the end of the day it cleared. And now I must tell you how life changing this surgery has been! The world looks magnificent. I thought my windows were yellow, but they are a bright white! I could see every blade of grass on the field, every leaf on a tree, every detail I had forgot existed.
My father's paintings came alive again, how magnificent they are colored! I had forgotten. Everything is bright, beautiful, colorful and magnificent to behold! When I visited the Florence office I gasped when I saw the photos on the walls. I had forgotten what turquoise looks like, and how a bird is covered with individual feathers. I am like a baby seeing the world for the first time, smiling at all its splendor. Unfortunately, seeing such details meant my kitchen looked very dirty and I scrubbed everything down better than I have in years.
It was also a shock to realize I now have wrinkles! But then again, I noticed that all my friends did too. That's a small price to pay for the gift of such vision. I can't express enough how transformational this surgery is. Dr. Shield is a magician. He created magic for me when he implanted these lenses. He could do the same for you. I feel as if I have been reborn. Thank you so much, Dr Shield!
Anais Surkin
Sep 23, 2021
Catherine Stryker
Sep 21, 2021
I was well-looked after for many years by Dr Delaney at Eye Physicians of Northampton, so I had no hesitation in approaching them when I finally needed cataract surgery. Dr Shield was booked as my surgeon for the procedure. His very thorough assistant Bill took charge of scheduling and measurements for the next few weeks. The hyper-precision of this knowledgeable team gave me the reassurance I needed.
My nerves imagined Un Chien Andalou, but the whole process was actually a breeze. Dr Shield recommended the new Tecnis Eyhance IOLs in my case, and I could not be happier with the results! I healed quickly and now take great pleasure in spotting tiny birds on trees in the far far distance, and driving at night in the rain. Excellent job Dr Shield! Thanks to all for everything.
My nerves imagined Un Chien Andalou, but the whole process was actually a breeze. Dr Shield recommended the new Tecnis Eyhance IOLs in my case, and I could not be happier with the results! I healed quickly and now take great pleasure in spotting tiny birds on trees in the far far distance, and driving at night in the rain. Excellent job Dr Shield! Thanks to all for everything.
Maria Arrubla
Sep 11, 2021
I've been at the Eye Physician for more than 20 years. It is obvious that I'm highly satisfied with the care I've received. Dr Hubbe caught and treated on time a lesion in mi eyes that could leave me blind Dr. Dostal has deal with the rarity and deformities of my cornea and prescribes for me contact lenses that makes my vision good and comfortable.
The staff is friendly and treat me with respect The location is airy, roomy. And something I appreciate a lot, I don't have to wait to be attended. I'm a Dr. and I know that time is gold and can't be wasted waiting to be attended. That is the reason I gave the Eye physician 5 stars.
The staff is friendly and treat me with respect The location is airy, roomy. And something I appreciate a lot, I don't have to wait to be attended. I'm a Dr. and I know that time is gold and can't be wasted waiting to be attended. That is the reason I gave the Eye physician 5 stars.
Sharon Heath
Sep 06, 2021
I recently had cataract surgery with Dr. Shields of Eye Physicians of Northampton at the Cataract & Laser Center West. The staff at the center were very informative and knowledgeable. They were amazing! I was nervous to have the surgery, but the entire staff made me feel at ease, Dr Shields talked me through the entire surgery, explaining each step of the process and keeping me calm with his explanations.
A follow up call the afternoon of the surgery to ask how I was feeling and to ask of any concerns. Next day a follow up appointment is scheduled to take a look at the eye. Within 2 days vision is absolutely clear. I didn't realize what I have been missing before surgery. I can not wait to get the second eye done. Thank you so much Dr. Shields of Eye Physicians of Northampton for giving me back my vision.
A follow up call the afternoon of the surgery to ask how I was feeling and to ask of any concerns. Next day a follow up appointment is scheduled to take a look at the eye. Within 2 days vision is absolutely clear. I didn't realize what I have been missing before surgery. I can not wait to get the second eye done. Thank you so much Dr. Shields of Eye Physicians of Northampton for giving me back my vision.
Kathie Pipczynski
May 10, 2021
I had cataract surgery this summer performed by Dr. Shatz. I have nothing but praise for Dr. Shatz for his professionalism and very caring manner. I went in for a second opinion for a cornea condition I have, having been told by a very well-known eye doctor in this area. I was told I needed surgery immediately. Something didn't seem right, so luckily saw Dr. Shatz.
He reassured me that surgery was not needed immediately (if ever). I knew I had cataracts, but he left if up to me to decide when to have surgery. I am so glad I had it done! Also went to see Dr. Deidrya Jackson. She is brand new to the practice and is fantastic! She is also very caring and took her time with me. The practice is very lucky to have her! I liked her very much! If you're having any type of eye problems or a routine eye exam, make an appointment with them. You won't be sorry!
He reassured me that surgery was not needed immediately (if ever). I knew I had cataracts, but he left if up to me to decide when to have surgery. I am so glad I had it done! Also went to see Dr. Deidrya Jackson. She is brand new to the practice and is fantastic! She is also very caring and took her time with me. The practice is very lucky to have her! I liked her very much! If you're having any type of eye problems or a routine eye exam, make an appointment with them. You won't be sorry!
Ilene Roizman
Jan 28, 2017
I never thought I'd have eye surgery, then I got diagnosed with cataracts. Even after learning that it's a commonly performed minor procedure with a very high success rate, I was still a little apprehensive. As it turned out, I had a very positive experience. All the nurses at the surgery center were fantastic and I felt well taken care of. Dr. Shatz is a skilled and efficient surgeon, and the procedure itself was quick and virtually painless. I can now see better than I have in probably my whole life. For me, cataract surgery has been an amazing life-changing experience.
