Doctor hit NYC: Search for suspect who attacked optometrist in exam room on Upper East Side

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) – An optometrist says he was attacked while examining a patient in his Upper East Side office.

It happened just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday at 243 East 77th St

Dr. Ronald Goldstein says he was in the exam room with a patient when the attacker walked past the receptionist and hit him.

Goldstein, 62, fell to the floor and passed out while the patient cowered in fear in the chair.

He said he didn’t know his attacker but wasn’t so sure if it was a random act because it appeared to be premeditated.

“It’s a very strange shock when someone comes into our office, breaks into our rooms and attacks me like that,” he said. “Nobody here recognizes him – we don’t have angry patients, so it was a very strange situation.”

Goldstein was taken to the hospital where he suffered seven stitches to his forehead.

Seconds after the attack, employees working in the office saw the suspect walk out as casually as he came in.

They chased him to take his photo and because of their quick action, the police have photos of the wanted suspect.

Police are still looking for the suspect, who is believed to be in his mid-20s.

Goldstein was back at work Friday but took precautions such as locking the front door until a patient needed to enter.

“I couldn’t imagine someone coming in here and hitting me, it’s just not that kind of job,” Goldstein said.

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