background
background
Dr. Dean Cestari, MD

Dr. Dean Cestari, MD

Ophthalmology*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Dean Cestari, MD is an ophthalmologist in Boston, MA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Sackler School Of Medicine, Tel Aviv University in 1998. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as North Shore Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.8 Star Rating
Based on 152 reviews 4.8 Star Rating (152 reviews)

Practice

243 Charles St Boston, MA 02114
(617) 573-3412

Dr. Cestari is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurology

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Cestari specializes in the areas of Neurology & Ophthalmology. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ • See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. • See hospitals
ADVERTISEMENT
healthgrades-rx

Save money with free prescription discounts

Optum Perks and Healthgrades are subsidiaries of RVO Health.

Experience Check

Search for experience in a specific area

Learn more about experience and why treatment frequency matters

Insurance Check

Search for your insurance carrier and choose your plan type

Dr. Cestari's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Cestari

4.8
152 ratings, 132 with a written review
5 star
93%
93%
4 star
1%
1%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
5%
5%

Your trust is our top concern.

We strive to keep reviews honest, trustworthy, and fair.

Doctors can not pay for good reviews, nor can they pay to have negative reviews removed.

We monitor all reviews to ensure they comply with our guidelines and don’t include personal information, profanity, libel, defamation, harassment, obscenity or fraud.

Any reviews that are deemed fraudulent or violate our guidelines will be removed immediately.

All reviews are confirmed and audited before publication, and community members have the ability to flag inappropriate content for further review by our team.

Positive experience and results
I recently had surgery for adult onset strabismus with Dr. Cestari. I am 3 weeks post-op with good results. I am very impressed with the professionalism and concerned care by both Dr. Cestari and the resident he had working with him at the time. The care in the OR and recovery at MEE was also excellent. For anyone unsure about whether to have the operation, I hope this review helps allay any fears or doubts. You are in good hands.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 18, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Arrogant and dismissive Doctor and Resident
Dr. Cestari never examined me and consulted with resident who at first couldn’t locate referral or history and questioned procedures I had done. She did not know the basics of common procedures and appeared to be a first year resident. In hushed tones Dr Cestari had to correct her misbeliefs in the few minutes he was in the room. I was referred by two board certified ophthalmologists 7 months ago; if his training of residents is standard I would question the qualifications of residents coming out of Mass Eye and Ear.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Dec 27, 2024
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Adult Strabismus Surgery
Dr. Cestari is an amazing surgeon, ever since I was little I always had an issue with my right eye as I got older I started getting double vision and just was getting worse as I got older. Once I received my surgery date and saw him 2 times before he decided to do the procedure on both eyes. I was fairly nervous for the procedure not knowing what to expect and if I could see . The experience was relatively painless ibuprofen , ice only). He is a phenomenal surgeon and has a very nurturing demeanor. He is not only precise, but also patient, caring, and uses easily understood terms and makes you feel calm when he tells you what he will be doing. There's no doubt in my mind that Dr. Cestari is one of the best strabismus surgeons in the world and I highly recommend him. Him and is team as MASS Eye and Ear are amazing!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Helaina – Oct 16, 2024
Hi Helaina, thank you for sharing your positive... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Disheartening Follow Up
He preformed the strabismus surgery well but from day one I had a lot of swelling and scratches on the inner portions of my eye that weren't worked on. Three months out and after incredible discomfort he had been difficult to reach when I've had post operative complications. No response from the portal or his staff, no check up scheduled for a loose suture scratching my eye until several days later. Now my eyes have healed improperly and I still have pain around the surgical site but he indicated that my surgery should no longer be causing me pain, that the cosmetic result is fully healed and permanent, and that it is instead likely a different eye issue hurting me. It seems later in the conversation he recalled that I had come to him with post operative complications, and then changed his message to say that perhaps I am still healing and that my pain will subside with time. This is my fourth time taking prescription eye drops at his advice in the hopes that my eyes will relax.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Great Surgeon, Awful Follow Up – Jul 16, 2024
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Excellent For Complex Strabismus Surgery
Dr. Cestari did an excellent job fixing my double-vision that resulted from an earlier vitrectomy surgery for a detached retina. My situation was complex requiring Dr. Cestari to fix my double-vision by operating on just one eye where he had to work around a scleral buckle used to reattach my retina. Prior to my surgery a 15 diopter prism was required to correct my double vision. Prisms this strong significantly reduce visual acuity. With one operation, using adjustable sutures, Dr. Cestari corrected this to within an almost perfect two diopters giving me back a good part of my stereo eyesight and 20:15 vision. Throughout the process Dr. Cestari was professional and respectful in handling any questions and concerns. Post vitrectomy double-vision cases are a small percentage of all strabismus surgeries. Make sure you chose a surgeon, like Dr. Cestari, who has significant experience with this type of case. I would recommend him to anyone with a similar diagnosis.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Alex – May 31, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Outstanding surgeon
Dr Cestari has performed two surgeries to correct my double vision. The second surgery was three weeks ago and my vision has improved beyond my expectations. I trust him, feel comfortable following his recommendations, feel grateful to have been his patient.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Kathleen Kaditz – Feb 18, 2024
Hi Kathleen, thank you for taking the time to... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Post Surgical adult strabismus surgery
He was the first doctor to acknowledge & understand my symptoms. I had suppressed double vision which caused acuity issues. He was kind and caring.Post surgery my eye sight has never been better from an acuity perspective. Further my night vision is outstanding. He and his team are respectful, professional, and clearly experts in their field. Thank you doctor!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Steven Connell – Dec 05, 2023
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Great Doctor!
Great doctors. Very thorough visit!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nancy – Dec 02, 2023
Thank you so much for your positive comments,... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Thyroid Eye Disease patient
I had to wait several years for the thyroid eye disease to become inactive before Dr Cestari could perform strabismus surgery. My double vision and eye alignment was fairly bad before surgery. During all visits prior to surgery (and there were many) he clearly explained the possible outcomes and always answered all my questions. It took two surgeries (not totally unexpected) to correct the double vision, but Dr. Cestari nailed it! I didn't even need prisms in my glasses! It became clear to me that strabismus surgery requires skill and experience to get it right, and Dr Cestari did just that. I hope that the thyroid eye disease and double vision never returns, but if it does, I will be going right back to him because I know that he can correct it.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 01, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to provide such a... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
A Dual Challenge
I presented to Dr. Cestari with two problems. My right eye had adult strabismus, apparently a complication from previous cataract surgery, and a central scotoma, or blind spot, in the visual field in that eye. That said, Dr. Cestari developed a treatment plan that had the greatest potential to achieve a reasonable cosmetic, and more importantly, a very good functional outcome. The surgical procedure was carefully reviewed, and my experience, both pre- and postoperatively, was uneventful, and almost totally pain free. Only five days after surgery, my vision has improved, giving me a better sense of self-confidence. One final note: all the nurses, staff, and support personnel at the MEE Neuro Ophthalmology department are equally first class: professional, caring, and efficient.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Steve S. – Aug 08, 2023
Hi Steve, thank you for taking the time to share... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Eye muscle alignment
Dr. Cestari has incredible knowledge, offers a complete and thorough explanation of expectations and plan of treatment, with discussion of risks. Listened intently to my history (which was complicated over decades) and coordinated planned treatment as he believed it may affect the treatment. Great level of confidence and commitment to addressing the issues. Staff incredible, and the team in the pre-op, OR and Post-op completed the level of professionalism you would expect in THE perfect situation. Follow up was the same level of care and compassion. I had complete trust in his advice. I highly recommend Dr. Cestari, and I am proud and honored to have him on my heath care team!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
George H Raymond – Aug 02, 2023
Hi George, thank you for taking the time to share... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Outstanding
Dr. Cestari performed Strabismus surgery on my left eye recently and I could not be more pleased. Dr. Cestari is incredibly skillful and kind. I can’t thank him, and his team, enough.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 04, 2023
Dr. Cestari's Reply –
Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Dr. Cestari is really professional and patient. My eyes looks good now.
What went well
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 20, 2023
Dr. Cestari's Reply –
Thank you for your feedback!
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Double Vision Surgery
Dr Destari and his team are amazing. I have Graves Disease with Thyroid Eye and have been seeing double for about 9 years. I was referred to Dr Destari by another Doctor and my life has become so much better. No double vision!! He and his staff were so helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Took time to answer questions in a way I could understand. Highly recommend Dr Destari and his team.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Judy Kelley – Mar 31, 2023
Thank you for your outstanding review, Judy! Very... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
I waited 57 years for this!
I was born with a crossed eye and never thought anything about having it corrected because, quite frankly, I didn't think there were any solutions. After contacting Mass Eye and Ear, it turned out I was a perfect candidate for the corrective surgery, and Dr. Cestari made the entire procedure so easy. I had my 3-month post-op appointment yesterday, and I'm so excited that my eyes no longer cross when my glasses are off! He and his team are wonderful to deal with, and although there was some time spent being uncomfortable with my very red eyes, in the end, it's all worth it! Thanks Dr. Cestari and your whole office!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
L. Oshman – Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Dr Cestari and entire team were absolut fantastic
The entire team gives a open dialogue on surgery, recovery and things to look for in the healing process. They were fantastic and I would highly recommend Dr Cestari and his terrific tea,
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Michael D Cunningham – Mar 01, 2023
Dr. Cestari's Reply –
Hi Michael, thank you for your positive feedback!
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Strabismus Surgery
I had a condition call strabismus for a few years. As time went on my life was restricted on what I could see and how independent I was. I was worried I wouldn't be able to take care of myself or my husband. I am a senior. I googled what could be done for this condition. I didn't think I would find anything that would help. I found Dr. Cestari at Ma Eye and Ear Boston. I saw about a operation that would straighten my eyes. I told myself I need to have this done. I had the operation last Friday. Immediately I saw a real difference in my sight. Dr. Cestari and his team did a great job. This operation is life changing for me. I can walk, drive, see tv, and do normal things again. I hope people with this problem will call Dr. Cestari's office to see if this will help them. Not too many people like me ever knew this could be done. I give Dr. Cestari a 10 plus!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Diane Murphy – Mar 01, 2023
Hi Diane, thank you for taking the time to... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Superior Oblique Myokymia
Dr. Cestari at Mass Eye and Ear was amazing! He and his team were able to correctly diagnose a very rare disease i have. It is called Superior Oblique Myokymia. Not much is known about it and effective treatment procedures are all but non existent. I did not respond well to drug therapy so with very cautious optimism, we decided to opt for surgery. The surgery he chose was custom but was similar to a strabismus procedure i believe. He put me at ease for the surgery and a few months later I can report a MAJOR improvement in my symptoms. I can drive and work again! I recommend Dr. Cestari with the highest praise!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jamie – Dec 02, 2022
Hi Jamie, thank you for taking the time to share... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Excellent care
My double vision was corrected and I couldn’t be more pleased. Start to finish…from the office visits, the surgery and the after care, the quality of services I received was exceptional. I highly recommend Dr Cestari.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Genea Rychlik – Nov 02, 2022
Hi Genea, thank you for taking the time to share... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?
Surgeon at MA Eye and Ear, Boston
Dr. Cestari is THE BEST. You could not have a better surgeon. Don't hesitate There are just not enough words to express how pleased I am that he did my surgeries.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Oct 04, 2022
Thank you for providing a wonderful... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Cestari?

Leave a review

How was your experience with Dr. Cestari?

Eye Health Spotlight

About Me

care philosophy

Dr. Dean Cestari is a fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist at Mass. Eye and Ear. He treats patients for central nervous system disorders that affect vision.

  • Ophthalmology

  • Neurology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary

    Fellowship Hospital

  • New York Presbyterian/cornell

    Residency Hospital

  • Ny Presbyterian Cornell Med

    Residency Hospital

  • Ny Presbyterian Cornell Med

    Internship Hospital

  • Sackler School Of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

    Medical School, 1998
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology®
- 
Neurology
American Board of Ophthalmology®
- 
Ophthalmology
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

Dr. Cestari is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurology

    Read our methodology

    Focus on Thyroid Eye Disease

    Locations

    Practice

    Massachusetts Eye and Ear243 Charles St Boston, MA 02114
    1

    Practice

    Office243 Charles St Fl 9 Boston, MA 02114
    2

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Massachusetts General Hospital

      55 Fruit St
      Boston, MA 02114
      Recipient of 31
      hospital awards

      America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2025)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      90%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      6% higher than the national average

      86%
      Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

      21% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • Brigham and Women's Hospital

      75 Francis St
      Boston, MA 02115
      Recipient of 31
      hospital awards

      America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      91%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      7% higher than the national average

      84%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      9% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • Newton-Wellesley Hospital

      2014 Washington St
      Newton, MA 02462
      Recipient of 15
      hospital awards

      America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2024)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      83%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      7% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality