Dr. John M. Engel, MD

I recently brought my two kids to see Dr. Engel. This practice is AMAZING. Dr. Engel is wonderful … he took time with both of my kids according to their personalities (one is more scared and thus needs more attention/patience vs the other). The staff and nurses are very friendly, helpful and kind. The parents, however, in the waiting room is what’s disappointing. Yes, there might be a bit of wait time but that’s because: this is a “KIDS” Ophthalmology practice and like I said all children behave differently at the Dr visits. Therefore, each doctor tries their best to evaluate and take their time with the kids and their different personalities because after all, we as parents want the best care and treatment. We are all grown adults so plan your kids doctor appointments accordingly. It was very frustrating to sit with my kids in the waiting area and listen to parents complain and give rude attitudes to the front desk about how long they have been waiting. These temper tantrums from the parents towards the staff was embarrassing to watch. Overall, this practice is wonderful and I’m so happy I found it !!! We will be coming back for our check-ups.

My son had a very serious accident while playing—he injured his eye when a tree branch scratched it. Unfortunately, it happened late on a Friday, and I couldn’t find an eye specialist immediately. Over the next four days, we visited the emergency room multiple times and saw different doctors. My son was given only antibiotics, even though his eye remained red, swollen, and filled with discharge. By Monday, we managed to see an eye doctor who prescribed antifungal medication, but my instincts told me something was still very wrong.The situation worsened, and in total, we saw five different doctors, including his pediatrician, who eventually rushed us to the children’s eye clinic at the hospital. This was a blessing. The specialist there discovered a small piece of wood lodged in my son’s eye—something all the previous doctors had missed!I can’t even imagine what could have happened if this incredible doctor Engel hadn’t found it. Thanks to his skill, care, and thoroughness, Dr. Engel not only saved my son’s eye but possibly his life. I’m beyond grateful and can’t thank them enough! You truly are the best.

My son is a new patient to the office. Making the appointment was easy and the staff was pleasant. I'd faxed our registration paperwork ahead of time (not because I'm overly organized, but more because I know I'm likely to forget to bring it with me).. I was pleasantly surprised that they'd attached the paperwork to our file, and we were all set. We waited about a half hour before seeing the doctor, but when I mentioned we had an appointment following , that we might be late for, they made sure we we saw the doctor quickly and we were able to make it to our other appointment. Overall, I don't mind that I had to wait because the staff was reasonable and understood our rush. Dr. Engel was friendly and pleasant, and came highly recommended by our pediatrician.

"Not really rating the doctor here as I havent seen him yet" but I had called the office today to make an appointment and the lady who answered the call was so impatient and also passing sarcastic comments on the side with her colleague while i had difficulty trying to hear and understand her. Those comments could also have been said in a polite manner and probably in a little bit patient manner. Now I am hesitant to even take my kid to see the doctor as I am scared of what kind of staff I will be leaving my kid too. People first impression on a facility comes from the front desk people and probably Dr.Engel should probably address this sooner than later as I also see from different reviews that other people have also faced this.

Dr engel is amazing. My 4yo son went to a different ophthalmologist, wont say his name, who was very condescending.. I would stress everytime i had an appointment with him with my son.. Found dr engel, he is in network w my insurance. Went to second appointment and its very calming knowing I dont get yelled at everytime i dont understand something or because he didnt wear his glasses 100% of the time.. Dr engel, calmy explains everything, listens to any input or questions, very good w my son, my son seems very relaxed when hes in the room.. he has a calming way about him... would recommend him to anyone looking for a pediatric ophthalmologist.. (my son has a drifting eye, so we have been going to the other ophthalmologist since he was 8 months)All i can say is how relieved I am.. you have no idea how much anxiety i got with the last one..Its worth the drive, his office is in east Brunswick, Im near Toms river... Ill drive for him