Dr. Cinthi Pillai is passionate about quality patient care and expanding access to Neuro-ophthalmology. She has 18+ years of experience in outpatient, inpatient and telemedicine settings.
Her connection with visual neuroscience began in college as a student at New York University where she majored in Neural Science and was selected to conduct research in the laboratory of Dr. Torsten N. Wiesel, Nobel laureate, and Dr. Judith Hirsch at Rockefeller University. She went on to earn her medical degree from Newcastle University in England where she completed an in-depth analysis of the structure, strengths and weaknesses of public versus private health care systems. This experience sparked her passion, as a future Neuro-ophthalmologist, to expand access to subspecialty care.
Dr. Pillai completed her neurology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center where she cared for a wide range of patients from diverse and underserved communities. She then completed a Neuro-ophthalmology fellowship at Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Prior to founding ACCESS NEURO-OP, Dr. Pillai served as a key faculty member at New York University Langone School of Medicine for over seven years. During her tenure, she was a core contributor to the team that elevated the Neurology Department to #1 in the USA (Best Hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery US News Ranking 2022, 2023, 2024). She is currently an Associate Professor of Neurology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and actively involved in resident education at Bronxcare.
Dr. Pillai has designed and conducted numerous clinical trials, published and lectured. She is thankful to have had the mentorship of world leaders in Neuro-ophthalmology and related fields throughout her career. On a personal level, having faced a critical illness herself, Dr. Pillai brings a unique perspective to patient care - deeply understanding both the vulnerability of being a patient and the responsibility of delivering compassionate, comprehensive patient care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tele-Neuro-ophthalmology was successfully used by top medical centers—including Columbia, Cornell, Emory, Indiana University, NYU, Stanford, and UC Davis. It is definitely possible, and also effective when clinical experience guides the process. Many patients do not have access to Neuro-ophthalmologists loca
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tele-Neuro-ophthalmology was successfully used by top medical centers—including Columbia, Cornell, Emory, Indiana University, NYU, Stanford, and UC Davis. It is definitely possible, and also effective when clinical experience guides the process. Many patients do not have access to Neuro-ophthalmologists locally and our aim is to bridge that gap in care! If you can see an in-person Neuro-ophthalmologist, you should. As with any telemedicine service, there can be limitations and we work with your local doctors to ensure the best possible care.
Before your Tele-Neuro-ophthalmology visit, it is important to first see an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Some parts of the eye exam—like checking your pupils—are limited during a telemedicine visit. This is accounted for in the clinical decision making process, and careful review of findings from your eye doctor ahead of your appointme
Before your Tele-Neuro-ophthalmology visit, it is important to first see an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Some parts of the eye exam—like checking your pupils—are limited during a telemedicine visit. This is accounted for in the clinical decision making process, and careful review of findings from your eye doctor ahead of your appointment allows us to make your virtual visit as thorough and helpful as possible. We usually request the visit note, visual field test (HVF 24-2), optical coherence tomography of the optic nerve (OCT RNFL), and photos of the optic nerve.
Many medical tests—such as blood work, CT scans and MRI—are designed to be reviewed remotely using advanced technology. At ACCESS NEURO-OP, we use a secure electronic medical record (EMR) system to access your health information, order tests, and prescribe medications safely and efficiently. You will also have access to a private messagin
Many medical tests—such as blood work, CT scans and MRI—are designed to be reviewed remotely using advanced technology. At ACCESS NEURO-OP, we use a secure electronic medical record (EMR) system to access your health information, order tests, and prescribe medications safely and efficiently. You will also have access to a private messaging portal, allowing you to communicate directly with Dr. Pillai and upload documents for review. Additionally, Dr. Pillai will maintain communication with your local doctor to ensure coordinated care.
There is a national shortage of Neuro-ophthalmology trained physicians, and many patients can not travel to obtain evaluations. Our mission is to broaden patient access to Neuro-ophthalmic care - where you need it, when you need it.
ACCESS NEURO-OP provides:
• Direct Patient Care in-person (NYC only) and/or via Telemedicine (17+ States)
• Neuro-Ophthalmology Telemedicine solutions for Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology and Optometry practices (17+ States)
While ACCESS NEURO-OP does not participate in commercial insurance, Dr. Pillai is committed to expanding access to Neuro-ophthalmic care. Reduced fees for telemedicine consultations are available for patients below set income thresholds - please email info@accessneuroop.com for additional information.
Neuro-ophthalmologists diagnose and manage visual symptoms related to the optic nerve, visual pathways in the brain, and eye movement abnormalities. Management often involves collaboration with multiple specialists such as Neurologists, Ophthalmologists, Rheumatologists, Endocrinologists, Dermatologists, and Neurosurgeons.
Dr. Pillai is also a board certified Neurologist with extensive outpatient, inpatient and telemedicine experience.
The patient must be in one of the following states at the time of video consultation:
ACCESS NEURO-OP currently provides Neuro-ophthalmology telemedicine solutions for Ophthalmology, Optometry and Neurosurgery practices that do not have access to timely in-person Neuro-ophthalmic care.
• Expedited Neuro-ophthalmology Tele Consultations
• Direct Clinician to Clinician Conversations
• Expert Remote Clinical Guidance
Please email info@accessneuroop.com to discuss a custom solution that meets your patient care goals.