Robert Burch Family Eye Center at Lincoln Center

Columbia University Irving Medical Center has expanded its footprint on the Upper West Side with the new Robert Burch Family Eye Center at Lincoln Center. Thoughtfully designed and built with flexibility and efficiency in mind, this newly relocated facility enhances both patient experience and capacity, aligning with CUIMC’s mission to deliver world-class care. 

A conceptual rendering of the Robert Burch Family Eye Center's reception area.
Rendering of a reception desk at the Robert Burch Family Eye Center, with modern wood finishes, white countertops, and seating area visible in the background.
A conceptual rendering of a state-of-the-art exam room designed for advanced eye care.
Rendering of an exam room at the Robert Burch Family Eye Center featuring ophthalmology equipment, built-in cabinetry, and seating for patients.
Before renovation: the 6th floor at 65th Street in its raw state, with exposed structure and utilities awaiting transformation into the Robert Burch Family Eye Center.
Partially demolished interior near an elevator lobby with exposed walls, pipes, and construction materials.
Early construction phase, with stripped walls and infrastructure awaiting fit-out for the new ophthalmology facility.
Empty floor under renovation with exposed concrete columns, ceiling beams, and visible piping.
Post renovation: A bright, welcoming reception area welcomes patients and families with natural wood, marble finishes, and modern lighting designed for efficiency and comfort.
Reception desk at the Robert Burch Family Eye Center with wood and marble finishes, staff assisting a patient, and a seating area in the background.
The self-service kiosk area is designed to improve patient check-in efficiency within a bright, modern environment.
Patient using electronic check-in kiosks in a bright alcove with wood accents, modern lighting, and adjacent waiting area.
The renovation delivered 16 exam lanes designed to meet the specialized clinical requirements of the Department of Ophthalmology.
Corridor with sliding wood doors to exam rooms, overhead utilities, and clean modern finishes, with physician walking down the hall.
Contemporary exam rooms integrate state-of-the-art ophthalmology equipment with a warm, patient-focused design.
Physician and patient in a modern ophthalmology exam room with wood cabinetry, medical equipment, and calming finishes.
A specialized diagnostic suite with advanced ophthalmic imaging equipment was designed for precision and patient privacy.
Patient seated at diagnostic imaging equipment in a darkened blue room with privacy curtains and clinical furnishings.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Location: 37 West 65th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY

Client: Department of Ophthalmology

Project Program: Clinical practice renovation for the Robert Burch Family Eye Center

Project Scope: The project includes a complete architectural fit-out of the 6th floor, along with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical infrastructure upgrades. It also covers construction administration, procurement of furniture, signage, network equipment, IT cabling, and relocation of existing staff and providers.

Project Area: 9,000 gross sq. ft.

Special Feature(s) or Highlight(s):

  • 15 exam rooms, including two pediatric exam rooms
  • Three diagnostic areas
  • One procedure room ​
  • One laser room
  • Sustainable design with low-VOC finishes and recycling programs
  • Fully ADA-compliant, with accessibility upgrades

Architect: Gensler

MEP Engineer: Cosentini Associates

Contractor: Vanguard Construction & Co.

Completed: June 2025