Dr. James Chelnis

Dr. James Chelnis is a board-certified oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, nationally recognized for his refined aesthetic judgment and technical precision. He specializes in eyelid, facial, and neck rejuvenation, focusing on safety, balance, and enhancing natural appearance. As the founder and medical director of Manhattan Face & Eye, he combines surgical, injectable, laser-based, and regenerative treatments into personalized plans for subtle, lasting refinement.

He earned his medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at SUNY Buffalo and completed his ophthalmology residency at the Ross Eye Institute. Dr. Chelnis further pursued an elite fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Hamilton Eye Institute, where he received advanced training in facial surgery and fat transfer.

In his academic role, he serves as faculty at Mount Sinai Hospital and the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, teaching residents and contributing to training. He is an internationally invited speaker and has led clinical research on dry eye disease, publishing studies on neuromuscular treatments and combination therapies. Dr. Chelnis is dual-board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, recognized for meticulous technique and compassionate care.