Everything Your Eyes Need
Get complete care in one place, eye exams, contacts, and advanced treatments and surgeries, at our state of the art practice led by our team of leading specialists.
Everything Your Eyes Need
Get complete care in one place, eye exams, contacts, and advanced treatments, led by a trusted team of specialists focused on your best possible vision.
Explore cataract symptoms, surgery options, and premium lens choices to restore clear vision and reduce the need for glasses.
Understanding Cataracts
Choosing the Right Lens
Specialized IOL Choices
Learn about macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal treatments to protect your sight.
Retinal Procedures
Understand glaucoma symptoms, treatment options, and advanced procedures to preserve your vision.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma Management
Discover treatments for corneal disease, dystrophies, and chronic dry eye symptoms.
Explore children's eye exams, eyewear options, and pediatric eye conditions for healthy vision development.
Children's Eye Care
Children's Eyewear
Pediatric Conditions
Comprehensive care for general eye health, infections, vision correction, and urgent eye injuries.
General Eye Health
Urgent Care & Infections
Discover eyelid surgery, cosmetic treatments, and solutions for eyelid conditions to enhance your appearance.
Oculoplastic Surgery
Eyelid Conditions
Cosmetic Treatments
Explore eyeglass lenses and protective eyewear options for clearer sight.
Your Vision Experts. One Team
Our experienced, board-certified eye care specialists combine deep clinical expertise with a patient-first philosophy, listening to your needs, explaining your options, and delivering compassionate care you can trust.
![Dr. Karen Nipper, MD (1)]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2025/11/Dr.-Karen-Nipper-MD-1.webp?strip=all" /})
Karen Nipper, MD
Oculoplastic & Cosmetic Surgeon
Oculoplastic & Cosmetic Surgeon
Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and fellowship‑trained in Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery under Dr. Marc S. Cohen in Philadelphia.Dr. Nipper combines her surgical fellowship expertise with a commitment to both medical and cosmetic eyelid care, serving patients from eyelid malposition repair to aesthetic enhancement.
![Dr. Sarah Burens O.D.]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2025/11/Dr.-Sarah-Burens-O.D.png?strip=all" /})
Sarah Burens, O.D.
Optometrist
Optometrist
Dr. Burens is a highly accomplished optometrist who graduated summa cum laude with dual degrees from Ohio State, achieved the top national board score, and completed advanced training in surgical co-management and ocular disease at the White River Junction VA Center, bringing exceptional expertise in managing complex conditions including diabetes, glaucoma, and dry eye.
![Dr. Richard Gilbert, M.D]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/01/Dr.-Richard-Gilbert-M.D.webp?strip=all" /})
Richard Gilbert, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist
A respected ophthalmologist with extensive experience and Boston University residency training, Dr. Richard Gilbert offers expert diagnosis and treatment for a full range of general eye conditions in Waterbury.
![Erika Wandel, MD (2)]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/01/Erika-Wandel-MD-2.webp?strip=all" /})
Erika Wandel, MD
Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon
Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon
With fellowship training at Mount Sinai Hospital and board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Wandel is a glaucoma and cataract specialist who continues a family legacy of excellence while delivering comprehensive surgical and medical eye care informed by her international humanitarian experience.
![Dr. Michelle L. White, MD (2)]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/01/Dr.-Michelle-L.-White-MD-2.webp?strip=all" /})
Michelle L. White, MD
Cataract, LASIK, & Cornea Surgeon
Cataract, LASIK, & Cornea Surgeon
Dr. Michelle White is a board eligible ophthalmologist and former Chief Resident at Drexel University who completed elite fellowship training at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Wills Eye Hospital to deliver cutting-edge care in corneal disease, cataract surgery, and refractive procedures.
![Caroline N. DeBenedictis, MD]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/01/Caroline-N.-DeBenedictis-MD.webp?strip=all" /})
Caroline N. DeBenedictis, MD
Pediatric Ophthalmologist & Strabismus Specialist
Pediatric Ophthalmologist & Strabismus Specialist
With specialized fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics at Wills Eye Hospital, Dr. DeBenedictis is a board-certified ophthalmologist who expertly treats both children and adults with complex eye conditions ranging from congenital disorders to strabismus surgery.
![1]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2025/11/1.webp?strip=all" /})
John Siano, DO
Retina Specialist
Retina Specialist
Dr. Siano, DO, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon who completed advanced fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery and serves as Chief Resident during his ophthalmology residency at Nassau University Medical Center.
![Dr. Shimy Apoorva, D.O]({img src="https://entk8cma4fx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2025/11/Dr.-Shimy-Apoorva-D.O.png?strip=all" /})
Shimy Apoorva, D.O.
Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon & Medical Retina
Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon & Medical Retina
Dr. Shimy Apoorva is a fellowship-trained, board-certified ophthalmologist in ocular immunology and uveitis who provides comprehensive eye care through advanced cataract and MIGS procedures, laser glaucoma treatments, and expert management of inflammatory and retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy and AMD.
United by a Mission of Care
Experience the difference of a team that truly cares. From your very first phone call, you will discover an atmosphere defined by warmth, passion, and unwavering professionalism. It takes a special team to deliver exceptional results with a personal touch. Whether it is a technician easing a patient's nerves, a surgeon performing a life-changing procedure, an optician helpign find a patient the perfect new pair of glasses, or an administrator helping you navigate insurance, every member of the ReFocus family is driven by the same goal: to care for you with heart.
Why Choose Us?
our mission is simple: to provide exceptional vision care using the latest technology and a patient-first approach. We’re not just treating the condition; we’re treating the person, offering support and guidance at every stage of treatment.
All Ages, Clear Vision Care for Everyone
Good vision matters at every age. From kids to adults to seniors, we
provide personalized eye care to keep you seeing clearly for life.
Cataract
Glaucoma
Cornea
Cornea & Ocular Surface
Complete Specialty Eye Care
Whether you're seeking routine eye exams and corrective lenses, advanced cataract and glaucoma treatment, specialty retinal care, pediatric eye services, or aesthetic procedures, our skilled and compassionate team delivers comprehensive expertise and personalized care to help you see better and live better.
Waterbury Vision Care
We prioritize your comfort and confidence during every visit here.
Eye care appointments often bring along some worry about what lies ahead. Our Waterbury practice is designed as a comforting space where you feel welcomed and truly valued right away. We take the time to listen attentively to your concerns, grasp your personal needs, and provide clear answers to all your questions without any rush. By treating you like family, we build lasting relationships filled with trust and genuine support. This compassionate method replaces your anxiety with the reassurance and peace of mind you need for better eye health.
The staff were warm and accommodating. Dr. Debenedictus saw my 6 year old son and was very comforting. The highlight of the visit was the professionalism and kindness of Dr. White.
Katrina Sweezea
Everyone at ReFocus Eye Health clinic was very nice. Everyone that took care of me did it promptly. Almost no waiting. Doctor explained everything i needed to know. Thank you all for caring.
Maria Gonzalez
The staff were warm and accommodating. Dr. Debenedictus saw my 6 year old son and was very comforting. The highlight of the visit was the professionalism and kindness of Dr. White.
Katrina Sweezea
Everyone at ReFocus Eye Health clinic was very nice. Everyone that took care of me did it promptly. Almost no waiting. Doctor explained everything i needed to know. Thank you all for caring.
Maria Gonzalez
The staff were warm and accommodating. Dr. Debenedictus saw my 6 year old son and was very comforting. The highlight of the visit was the professionalism and kindness of Dr. White.
Katrina Sweezea
Everyone at ReFocus Eye Health clinic was very nice. Everyone that took care of me did it promptly. Almost no waiting. Doctor explained everything i needed to know. Thank you all for caring.
Maria Gonzalez
The staff were warm and accommodating. Dr. Debenedictus saw my 6 year old son and was very comforting. The highlight of the visit was the professionalism and kindness of Dr. White.
Katrina Sweezea
Everyone at ReFocus Eye Health clinic was very nice. Everyone that took care of me did it promptly. Almost no waiting. Doctor explained everything i needed to know. Thank you all for caring.
Maria Gonzalez
The staff were warm and accommodating. Dr. Debenedictus saw my 6 year old son and was very comforting. The highlight of the visit was the professionalism and kindness of Dr. White.
Katrina Sweezea
Everyone at ReFocus Eye Health clinic was very nice. Everyone that took care of me did it promptly. Almost no waiting. Doctor explained everything i needed to know. Thank you all for caring.
Maria Gonzalez
The staff were warm and accommodating. Dr. Debenedictus saw my 6 year old son and was very comforting. The highlight of the visit was the professionalism and kindness of Dr. White.
Katrina Sweezea
Everyone at ReFocus Eye Health clinic was very nice. Everyone that took care of me did it promptly. Almost no waiting. Doctor explained everything i needed to know. Thank you all for caring.
Maria Gonzalez
What Our Patients Say
Appearance or compassionate care for various eye conditions, our specialists combine their expertise with a personal touch.
4.5
reviews (1,284)
Our Happy Patients
What a wonderful practice in Waterbury. From friendly front desk staff to assistants and doctors, I felt comfortable and well looked after during my first visit. Highly recommend.
Deb V
My first time visiting REFOCUS was a very rewarding experience. Desks were very pleasant and professional. Dr. Burens is very knowledgeable, kind, and informative and answered all my questions. I will return for future appointments.
Deborah Diver
Life saving Doctor. Dr. Apoorva determined I had a problem with high blood pressure and had a heart problem. Dr. determined I needed by-pass surgery and my life was saved. She still follows up with all of my doctors. Best Doctor ever!
Randy Bieler
An overall pleasant experience. Staff are pleasant and efficient. The staff made up for the discrepancy with quiet efficiency. Doctor Apoorva was easily the most impressive eye doctor. Top notch A-1 care all around. I'll be back.
Fred Centrella
I had my yearly eye exam and a pleasant experience. Check in has been streamlined. My initial contact in the exam room and conducted tests quickly and efficiently. Dr. was his usual amusing self. You know you are in good hands.
Al Fermeglia
A Lifetime of Vision for Your Whole Family
We take pride in being the eye care home for your entire family. From celebrating a baby's first clear look at the world to preserving independence for our senior patients, we are honored to be a part of your lives. By offering specialized attention for infants, teens, adults, and seniors all under one roof, we make it easy to prioritize eye health. Let us partner with you to ensure a lifetime of healthy vision for the people you love most.
Love the Way You See
We bridge the gap between eye health and daily life, as our clinical staff and opticians collaborate to match you with eyewear and contacts that deliver sharp clarity and the lasting comfort you deserve.
Sudden eye pain, injury, or vision loss can feel scary, but our expert team is ready to help if an emergency happens. We treat urgent problems like eye injuries, flashes and floaters, sudden vision changes, eye infections, scratches and cuts, chemical eye injuries, trauma, and foreign objects. Getting immediate care can protect your vision and even prevent permanent damage. If you have a eye emergency, don’t wait, contact us quickly so our eye doctors can help you see safely again.
Your child’s vision is the key to exploring the world around them. We are proud to partner with parents to treat everything from eye emergencies to developmental conditions like strabismus and amblyopia. Our mission is to ensure your child’s vision never holds them back, giving them the visual tools and confidence necessary to excel in school, sports, and beyond.
The health of your retina is essential for clear vision, and our specialized team is equipped to handle even the most challenging cases. We provide robust care for widespread conditions such as macular degeneration and ocular complications from diabetes, alongside specialized treatment for inherited retinal dystrophies and vascular occlusions. Furthermore, we are fully prepared to address urgent structural threats, offering immediate care for retinal tears and detachments. By combining advanced diagnostics with a full suite of therapeutic options, including Intravitreal injections, laser procedures, and vitreoretinal surgery, we create personalized treatment plans designed to preserve your sight and your independence.
From ocular surface disease and dry eye treatments to medical care for corneal injuries or interventions for keratoconus, our cornea specialist offers a depth of care rarely found in local practices. We are equipped with state-of-the-art tools to address every stage of corneal health, offering early solutions like cross linking, amniotic membranes, and scleral lenses, as well as a range of advanced corneal transplants and grafts. We are dedicated to providing the specific, high-tech intervention your eyes need for lasting clarity.
Contact Us
Tuesday: 8a.m.-5p.m.
Wednesday: 8a.m.-5p.m.
Thursday: 8a.m.-5p.m.
Friday: 8a.m.-5p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
