Michael DePaolis, is among the most experienced and well-respected optometrists in the United States. As a member of the Flaum Eye Institute he examines and treats patients for a variety of vision conditions such as refractive error, glaucoma, ocular surface irregularities, contact lens complications, and more. He also co-manages cataract and refractive surgery and refers a variety of diseases and conditions requiring surgical intervention or advanced medical treatment to his colleagues at the Flaum Eye Institute.

Dr. DePaolis is a graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He has practiced in the Rochester community since 1987 and also serves as adjunct faculty at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and provides optometric internship guidance to students of the State University of New York School of Optometry.

A Fellow in the Academy of Optometry and the Editor of Primary Care Optometry News, Dr. DePaolis frequently serves as a clinical investigator in the disciplines of contact lenses and anterior segment care. The author of over 100 articles, papers and textbook chapters, he has lectured at over 400 eye care meetings worldwide.

Dr. DePaolis is the 2007 recipient of the American Optometric Association Contact Lens and Cornea Section Luminary Award for Distinguished Practice and the 2010 New York State Optometric Association's Distinguished Achievement Award.

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology - Department of Ophthalmology (SMD)

Publications

Journal Articles

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: What's New in Diagnosis and Management?

Lee, A, Wingerchuk, D, DePaolis, M.

Healio CME (Ocular Surgery News). 2021; .

5. What do we do now? Implications for the clinical practice.

DePaolis M, Cho P, Cunningham D, Morgan PB, Quinn TG, Saks AP, Shovlin JP

Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association.. 2013 January 1536 Suppl 1 :S28-33. Epub 1900 01 01.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% in patients with bacterial conjunctivitis: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, 5-day efficacy and safety study.

Karpecki P, Depaolis M, Hunter JA, White EM, Rigel L, Brunner LS, Usner DW, Paterno MR, Comstock TL

Clinical therapeutics.. 2009 March 31 (3):514-26. Epub 1900 01 01.

Clinical effect of blowing nitrogen gas across the cornea during photorefractive keratectomy.

Itoi M, Ryan R, Depaolis M, Aquavella JV

Journal of refractive surgery.. 1997 13 (1):69-73. Epub 1900 01 01.

The role of contact lenses in the management of the radial keratotomy patient.

DePaolis MD

Optometry clinics : the official publication of the Prentice

Surface analysis of hydrogel contact lenses by ESCA.

Hart DE, DePaolis M, Ratner BD, Mateo NB

The CLAO journal : official publication of the Contact Lens

Collagen shields as a vehicle for collecting and studying migratory cells on human corneas.

Geasey SD, del Cerro M, DePaolis MD, Aquavella JV, Viola RS

Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.. 1992 February 33 (2):298-303. Epub 1900 01 01.

Applications of hydrophilic disposable contact lenses as therapeutic bandages.

Lindahl KJ, DePaolis MD, Aquavella JV, Temnycky GO, Erdey RA

The CLAO journal : official publication of the Contact Lens

Sterile infiltrates associated with contact lens wear.

Aquavella JV, DePaolis MD

International ophthalmology clinics.. 1991 31 (2):127-31. Epub 1900 01 01.

The effect of a collagen bandage lens on corneal wound healing: a preliminary report.

Aquavella JV, del Cerro M, Musco PS, Ueda S, DePaolis MD

Ophthalmic surgery. 1987 August 18 (8):570-3. Epub 1900 01 01.

Trends in eye care.

DePaolis MD

Journal of the American Optometric Association.. 1980 February 51 (2):154-60. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

5.0

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

5.0

During this visit did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

5.0

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

5.0

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

5.0

Patient Comments

Dr. DePaolis, is a good eye doctor.

Sep 29, 2024

Dr. DePaolis is the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and professional doctors I know. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Sep 23, 2024

The Dr was great I believe that since it was an emergency, perhaps we were not told as many details of what to expect afterward. [...] Once again, let me say that I believe the communication for emergency surgery is the issue. The care was wonderful

Sep 21, 2024

Everything ran smoothly from beginning to end and I felt I got the best care ever.

Sep 15, 2024

Dr DePaolis is the very model of what professionalism & empathy should be. Train all of your providers to learn by his example.

Sep 14, 2024

I always get the very best care with this provider.

Sep 12, 2024

Dr. DePaolis is outstanding!

Sep 12, 2024

I love Dr. D! He always listens, has an excellent manner, always explains things, and is such a pleasure to see!

Sep 02, 2024

Assistant was efficient. Doctor was tremendous.

Sep 02, 2024

Very helpful and pationate

Aug 31, 2024

Dr. D is a great doctor.

Aug 31, 2024

Dr. DePaolis has a great communicator.

Aug 29, 2024

Excellent Dr!

Aug 24, 2024

I was informed of my problem and taken care of quickly and professionally.

Aug 20, 2024

Outstanding care by Dr. DePaolis and team

Aug 16, 2024

Dr. DePaolis, was very good at explaining exactly what I needed to do.

Aug 12, 2024

I have recommended this provider.

Aug 12, 2024

I have known Dr. DePaolis for decades - excellent doctor.

Aug 11, 2024

I had the most thorough exam. I really feel like I'm treated as a whole person. Relating my overall health to my eye health.

Aug 10, 2024

Dr. DePaolis is a fantastic provider in every way. So approachable, so knowledgeable, so gifted. URMC is SO lucky to have him

Aug 10, 2024

Dr. DePaolis and Aaron are great to work with, so professional and kind.

Aug 03, 2024

Dr. D has literally saved my eyes. I will be his patient until he retires.

Aug 03, 2024

Dr. DePaolis is a real pro, I trust him

Aug 03, 2024

Dr. D shows, in so many ways, that he really cares about his patients' health & welfare.

Jul 27, 2024

Good experience

Jul 17, 2024

Dr. DePaolis recommended change of my OC drops with a view to improvement of dry-eye condition and referred me to a specialist regarding concerns I expressed during our consultation.

Jul 13, 2024

5.0

All questions answered and understood.

Jul 09, 2024

5.0

He is the BEST!

Jul 06, 2024

5.0

My questions are always answered to my satisfaction

Jun 30, 2024

5.0

Clear discussion and plan moving forward. Even excellent advice given regarding other aspects of my general health that would impact eye health as well.

Jun 29, 2024

5.0

Very pleased with this provider

Jun 08, 2024

5.0

I have been a patient of this doctor for many years and would not consider changing to another physician. Very knowledgeable physician who provides great care and shows much concern for my needs.

May 21, 2024

5.0

He is a terrific caring MD as well as up to date on my condition

May 02, 2024

5.0

I have recommended many family members to go to Dr. Depaolis.

Apr 23, 2024

5.0

Dr Depaolis has been my doctor for decades and we know and trust each other. He has always gi en me great care.

Apr 15, 2024

5.0

Can't say enough about how wonderful dr Depaolis is. He has treated our entire family for decades and we are so fortunate to have him.

Mar 10, 2024

5.0

I have been a patient of Dr. DePaolis since 1987. I believe that should tell you everything you need to know

Feb 27, 2024

5.0

I have been going to see Dr. DePaolis for 28 years and he is a wonderful doctor and I would recommend him to anyone.

Feb 27, 2024

5.0

[...] Dr. DePaolis may be the best doctor I have ever seen.

Feb 24, 2024

5.0

Dr. Michael is a wonderful, caring, doctor. Love him, have been his patient for years!

Feb 13, 2024

5.0

I am very fortunate to have Dr. DePaolis caring for me. He is masterful, in all ways

Feb 11, 2024

5.0

This was the MOST friendly, professional, caring, comprehensive physician I've worked with. I trust this physician's care.

Feb 11, 2024

5.0

Excellent caregiver.

Jan 26, 2024

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is absolutely the BEST.

Jan 11, 2024

5.0

He is an exceptional physician in every way

Jan 11, 2024

5.0

Obviously I am concerned about my eye problems, the Dr. Was very reassuring and also arranged for me to see another doctor in the clinic who has more expertise. Good care I think.

Dec 28, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is the best!!

Dec 17, 2023

5.0

Great provider!!!!!!

Dec 17, 2023

5.0

Knows my condition and guides on how to deal with it

Dec 16, 2023

5.0

I doubt I could ever find a more caring, knowledgeable, friendly, intelligent doctor as Dr. Michael DePaolis. He makes the patients know he cares, takes as much time as needed to explain things, never rushes patients if we have a question. He is the absolute best!!

Dec 15, 2023

5.0

I have been a patient of Dr. D for about 25 years. I think he's the best and I feel fortunate that I can maintain my connection as I age and face new vision issues.

Nov 27, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is far & above any provider I've ever had, in both competence & bedside manner. Same goes for Aaron DeSantis. While I'd prefer they never retire, pls consider having them train new hires.

Nov 20, 2023

5.0

I'm more than satisfied with the professionalism and knowledge base displayed by my doctor. He has always had my best interest at heart. He is very personable as well as professional. I can't say enough positive things about him.

Nov 16, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis was able to go into detail and assess the problem that I am having.

Nov 12, 2023

5.0

The care provider is an excellent credit to his profession.

Oct 28, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is awesome!

Oct 12, 2023

5.0

Dr. Depaolis spent more time with me and explained my medical condition better than May other clinician I can recall in recent years. His explanation was much more clear and thorough than other providers I've seen for this same condition.

Sep 30, 2023

5.0

He is an exceptional doctor.

Sep 30, 2023

5.0

Dr Depaolis is always happy, sometimes I hear him whistling as he walks the hallways and has this glare about himself that is so enticing. He truly enjoys his job and shares that enthusiasm with his patients.

Sep 16, 2023

5.0

I have recommended this provider to friends, and they feel the provider is excellent too.

Sep 08, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is very thorough and always addresses any questions or concerns I have. I have been a patient for many years [...]. He does his homework and it ALWAYS up to date on new eye procedures, contacts and all other issues that I need addressed. He listens to his patients and NEVER rushes them..

Aug 18, 2023

5.0

Excellent, thorough, knowledgable, attentive listener, kind, encouraging, helpful

Aug 18, 2023

5.0

Best eye care provider ever!

Aug 13, 2023

5.0

I've been a patient of Dr. DePaolis for 30 years. I think he's the best and his care over the decades has been superb.

Aug 11, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is a wonderful, caring person. He listens to each and every concern and addresses them with fulsome answers.

Jul 27, 2023

5.0

Dr. De Paolis is outstanding in every way! I could not ask for a better provider.

Jul 19, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is the best of the best. He has been my eye doctor since I was 10 years old.

Jul 13, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis and his assistant are the best.

Jul 13, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis reached out to another provider on my behalf, via My Chart, and instructed me to let him know if II was not contacted. I am very grateful for his concern.

Jul 03, 2023

5.0

He is the best

Jun 30, 2023

5.0

Michael is the best.

Jun 29, 2023

5.0

I appreciate Dr. DePaolis' care and concern for my eyesight. He is very thorough with his examination of my eyes and shares his findings with me in a detailed and understandable manner. I am very pleased and satisfied with my selection of Dr. DePaolis as my eye care doctor.

Jun 25, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis, listens and explains with and interest in you as a person. Helped me with an eye problem I have had since my cataract surgery.

Jun 22, 2023

5.0

I'm over the moon happy with my new eye Dr!! An office I went to previously (not U of R) the eye Dr used to yell at me if I couldn't decide which I could see better (during the exam "1 or 2" ) I tolerated that verbal abuse at the previous office for far too long from the eye Dr. I only stayed because the office staff was nice. At this U of R office, I'm so genuinely happy that no one yelled at me.

Jun 19, 2023

5.0

Excellent, because Dr. Depaolis was willing to stay later to take care of my emergency.

Jun 17, 2023

5.0

Very personable & knowledgeable. Did not rush me & made me feel important.

Jun 16, 2023

5.0

Dr. Depaolis is outstanding.

Jun 16, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is an extremely smart man, personable, informative and I trust him with my eye care.

May 23, 2023

5.0

Dr.D is always thorough and has a genuine care toward you as a patient and as a person

May 12, 2023

5.0

Dr.Depaolis is excellent.professional, caringALWAYS places the concerns of the patient first!

May 10, 2023

5.0

I have been a patient of Dr. DePaolis for more than thirty years. He rates a 10 out of 10 as far as I am concerned. He is an excellent doctor. He is professional, he listens, he cares, and I trust him completely. I feel very lucky to have him as my eye doctor.

May 07, 2023

5.0

I have seen Dr. DePaolis for decades; much longer than any of my other healthcare provides. I started with him initially when he worked in Harrisburg, PA. As he and I both grow older, I know at some point he will retire and that future event already saddens me. He has been an excellent eye care provider.

May 04, 2023

5.0

Both my husband and I see Dr. Depaolis for our eye care. We have other family members that use him too! We are so glad to have him to care for us, and don't hesitate to recommend him.

Apr 19, 2023

5.0

I have known Dr. Depaolis for several decades.

Apr 14, 2023

5.0

Dr. Depaolis is a most wonderful eye doctor - he has ALWAYS been the best!

Apr 11, 2023

5.0

Would definitely recommend Dr. DePaolis [...]

Apr 07, 2023

5.0

Dr is friendly and a good listener

Apr 06, 2023

5.0

Provider pointed out what comes with aging which is good to be aware of. Much appreciated advice on how to be as healthy as possible.

Mar 31, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is the best eye specialist I have ever had. I recommended him to my husband, who is also very pleased.

Mar 31, 2023

5.0

Very [...] professional

Mar 16, 2023

5.0

Dr. D. Is the best!

Mar 12, 2023

5.0

Fabulous eye Dr. [...]

Feb 20, 2023

5.0

Dr. D is awesome--this was our first meeting, and I'm thrilled he'll by my eye-care doc: extremely warm, attentive, efficient, patient in explanation, enthusiastic!

Feb 17, 2023

5.0

The care provider has been following my care for over 35 years post-surgery

Feb 17, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis provides comprehensive, understandable, and authoritative solutions to my problems. We work together and, thanks to his clear explanations and instructions, I can be a truly informed partner in my own care. He should teach provider-patient relations to other medical personnel! I've been seeing him for 30 years and was initially referred to him by an admiring fellow practitioner in New Jersey, where I lived before. I have felt blessed ever since.

Feb 10, 2023

5.0

Would prefer to see this provider for all followup care.

Feb 07, 2023

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is the best provider I have ever had. Very smart. Good communicator. Inspires confidence.

Jan 28, 2023

5.0

This was the first time I had met this Dr. He was very friendly, easy to understand and thorough.

Dec 18, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is extremely thorough and caring - an excellent eye doctor.

Nov 21, 2022

5.0

This doctor is always great! Great manner in both doing an exam and asking questions and fielding my questions. Always feel comfortable seeing him and always feel like my eye health care is in good hands.

Nov 20, 2022

5.0

Only provider that could help me with my issue. I've tried others. NOTHING!!!

Nov 19, 2022

5.0

Dr D is wonderful. His openness and communication style make the office visits a joy.

Nov 17, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is one of the finest clinicians I have ever encountered.

Nov 13, 2022

5.0

IN MY OPINION DR. DEPAOLIS IS THE BEST ! KNOWLEDGEABLE, FRIENDLY

Nov 06, 2022

5.0

I have recommended this provider to others

Oct 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Depaolis was absolutely EXCELLENT. He reviewed my complicated medical history carefully and clearly, thoughtfully, and thoroughly explained how the other health issues I have been going through could impact my eye health. He explained further testing he wanted to do and what It would entail [...]. He facilitated my having this testing completed by early December so we could review the results and assure we have examined everything thoroughly. He is one of the most caring, knowledgeable, thorough, and excellent care providers I have worked with and I appreciated the time he took with me as well as the excellent care he provided.

Oct 20, 2022

5.0

Dr DePaolis was GREAT! Very attentive to my concerns, personable and explained things in easy to understand terms. I feel fortunate that my wife and I found him.

Oct 07, 2022

4.6

Would recommend Dr DePaolis, but hear he's not accepting new patients. Wanted my husband to go to him

Oct 06, 2022

5.0

He's definitely one of the best physicians that I've had the experience of being treated by....

Sep 25, 2022

5.0

My family has been coming to this provider for years. He is very well liked and trusted.

Sep 23, 2022

5.0

I like the doctor [...].

Sep 22, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is excellent.

Sep 16, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is the best!

Sep 16, 2022

5.0

It is always a pleasure to recruit services from Dr. Deapolis. He is an excellent example of his profession and truly cares about his patients. I trust his professional advice and very pleased to be his patient!

Sep 15, 2022

5.0

No issues

Aug 18, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolls is exceedingly nice, kind & easy to talk to.

Aug 15, 2022

5.0

Dr Michael DePaolis mannerism very warm, caring. His advice Is very helpful

Aug 09, 2022

5.0

Dr DePaolis is an extraordinary doctor asks human being. I have complete confidence in him and his medical wisdom, including all the current and pending medical advances.

Jul 17, 2022

5.0

Always explains.

Jul 15, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis was my eye doctor before he joined the U of R. I followed him.

Jul 14, 2022

4.2

Dr Michael Depaolis is an excellent doctor.

Jul 14, 2022

3.4

[...] I love my doctor [...]

Jul 09, 2022

5.0

The explanations Dr. D provided answered my multiple questions and relieved my anxiety about changes in my eyesight, eye strain, and balance that were concerning me. He worked with me to come up with a short-term and longer term plan to manage the issues that I am satisfied with, and relieved to activate.

Jul 08, 2022

5.0

The provider's care is beyond perfect!!!

Jul 05, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis has always provided excellent care. I appreciate his genuine kindness and warmth.

Jul 03, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is the best of the best. He has been my eye provider since I started wearing glasses at 6 years old. My entire family has Dr, Mike as their eye provider.

Jun 24, 2022

5.0

Dr. Depaolis is an excellent provider.

Jun 20, 2022

5.0

I have recommended Dr DePaolis to so many friends and family members. Like me everyone loves him

Jun 19, 2022

5.0

I'm very satisfied with this provider

Jun 15, 2022

5.0

Was very good at explaining everything

Jun 10, 2022

5.0

Dr. D is the best. So kind and understanding.

Jun 08, 2022

5.0

DePaolis is beyond exceptional. URM is lucky to have him.

Jun 03, 2022

5.0

I am very pleased with my selection of this specific eye doctor for my eye care. He is very detailed and thorough with his examination and provides excellent feedback regarding the condition of my vision and eyes.

May 13, 2022

5.0

Well run office with very caring and informed peopleDr DePaolis is great.

May 05, 2022

5.0

I asked about cataracts. Dr. Gave me information and asked about night driving. We discussed these issues. I was very pleased about this.

May 05, 2022

5.0

Perfect encounter

May 04, 2022

5.0

Exceptional

May 03, 2022

5.0

First time I felt like my concerns were heard, addressed and a medical plan put in place.

Apr 29, 2022

5.0

He is the best!

Apr 22, 2022

5.0

I've been seeing Dr. DePaolis now for over 20 years. He is truly excellent at what he does, he's an outstanding and personable professional with a terrific "bedside manner". I've recommended him and [...] to many family and friends over the years that I've been seeing him.

Apr 11, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis is very caring and competent.

Apr 06, 2022

5.0

Both Dr. DePaolis and his assistant Aaron are outstanding providers...the best I've experienced. I assume that is why there is such a long wait for an appointment.

Mar 27, 2022

5.0

There wasn't any health concerns

Mar 25, 2022

5.0

Wouldn't go to another Dr than Dr Depolis. He has cared for my eyes for years and goes above and beyond.

Mar 23, 2022

5.0

Overall, both myself and my wife had an excellent experience with Dr. DePaolis and his assistant. Our first impressions were that both were very affable. In terms of a clinician experience, we were extremely impressed at how thorough his examinations were and the time he took to discuss his results, findings and opinions. There was just no comparison to past eye exams we've had in the Webster area over a 40 year span!

Mar 09, 2022

5.0

Very good experience. I have a very high regard for Dr. De Paolis

Mar 09, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePoalis is an outstanding physician. He literally saved my eye sight which allowed me to continue with my occupation and life style. I have recommended him to multiple people and they are all as pleased as I am with his care. He always listens, is thoroughly knowledgeable, shows kindness and compassion, and has excellent suggestions to keep your eyes healthy. He is just the best there is out there.

Mar 04, 2022

5.0

Dr. DePaolis was very informative and knowledgeable

Mar 03, 2022

5.0

He is the first eye dr. I felt truly listened to my concerns and came up with a treatment plan that SOLVED my issue.

Mar 01, 2022

5.0

The Dr. Provided clear details.

Feb 24, 2022

4.2

Would have liked more time discussing the change in my eyes.

Feb 18, 2022

5.0

DePaulis and Ryan are exceptional personalities and set and example for how doctors love their work and the people they treat.

Feb 14, 2022

5.0

Mike DePaolis is the Gold Standard of Doctors.

Feb 10, 2022

5.0

Having been in the healthcare field, I applaud Dr. D for taking the extra few moments in an obviously busy schedule to address diet and exercise with his patients. He is very thorough and treats the whole individual.

Feb 10, 2022

5.0

I like his manner. His many years of experience are evident. He views eye health in the context of overall health.

Feb 03, 2022