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Thomas Arnista

Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments

Meet Dr. Thomas Arnista (Durham, CT)

Dr. Arnista received Deans List honors in Biological Sciences at UCONN and was granted early admission into the New England College of Optometry. While there he earned both his Doctorate of Optometry and a B.S. in Visual Science in 1985. To further his clinical acumen he completed an additional year of residency training at the Boston VA Outpatient Clinic. He subsequently joined a combined optometric and surgical practice where he gained broad experience in patient care with an emphasis on eye disease. Following his time there he transitioned to become an affiliate at Community Health Care Plan in New Haven – one of the first multidisciplinary staff model HMOs – where he gained additional skills in coordinating care with primary care physicians and specialists. During this time he earned recognition as an Advanced Optometric Practitioner in CT, which allows him to medically manage a wide variety of ocular disease and to perform several minor surgical procedures. He went on to earn the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry which he has maintained since 2014.

He joined Royal Vision Associates in 2009 and has been an integral part of the practice ever since, including our second location - Durham Family Eye Care. He also has privileges at Connecticut Valley Hospital, Whiting Forensic Hospital, the West Haven VA Medical Center and the CT Dept. of Corrections.

His extensive training and experience allow him to provide full range primary care optometry, and to also manage a variety of ocular conditions including glaucoma, diabetic eye complications and dry eye. He is also frequently involved with pre and post-operative LASIK and cataract care. Regardless of your reason for visiting us, you will find him to be pleasant, patient, thorough and always willing to answer all your questions.

Dr. Arnista enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, current events and exploring the outdoors.


We Accept Most Insurance Plans

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VSP
Medicare logo
Medicare
United Healthcare logo
United Healthcare
Cigna logo
Cigna
Spectera logo
Spectera
Blue Cross Blue Shield logo
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Davis Vision logo
Davis Vision
EyeMed logo
EyeMed
Humana logo
Humana
Medicaid logo
Medicaid
Anthem logo
Anthem
National Vision Administration (NVA) logo
National Vision Administration (NVA)
UMR logo
UMR
AARP logo
AARP
MetLife logo
MetLife
Aetna Medicare logo
Aetna Medicare
Aetna logo
Aetna
Blue View Vision logo
Blue View Vision
Optum logo
Optum
Meritain Health logo
Meritain Health
Superior Vision logo
Superior Vision
Cigna Vision logo
Cigna Vision
Guardian logo
Guardian
Oxford logo
Oxford
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care logo
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
FEP Blue Vision logo
FEP Blue Vision
Premier Eye Care logo
Premier Eye Care
WellCare logo
WellCare
BCBS Federal Employee Program logo
BCBS Federal Employee Program

Find Durham Family Eye Care in Durham, CT

Hours
  • Monday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Sep. 7 Closed
  • Nov. 26 Closed
  • Nov. 27 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed

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Patient Reviews

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114 Reviews
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New M. - Jul 20, 2026
What a great place when they tell you that they are going to take care of something THEY DO !!!
Lori L. - Jul 11, 2026
I am so happy to be back at Durham Family Eye Care after 10 years! I had originally started going el... sewhere because my previous insurance wasn’t accepted, but this year I have new insurance that they do accept, and I’m so glad I returned. To make matters worse, I showed up feeling like the worst patient ever—I forgot my insurance information, forgot my glasses, and even forgot my prescription! The receptionist couldn’t have been kinder. She was able to verify my insurance for me and immediately put me at ease. Dr. Sites was wonderful. She was incredibly kind, thorough, and took the time to answer my questions. The exam was much more comprehensive than the office I had been going to in Middletown, where I always felt rushed. At Durham Family Eye Care, I never felt like they were trying to hurry me along. I don’t remember everyone’s names, but every staff member I interacted with was professional, patient, and genuinely friendly. When it came time to pick out glasses, they took the time to help me find frames that actually complemented my face instead of just pointing me toward a display. I also received trial contact lenses to wear for a week before my follow-up visit, which I really appreciated. On top of that, they offer 50% off glasses when you purchase your contact lenses, which seems like an amazing value. From start to finish, the entire experience exceeded my expectations. The level of customer service, attention to detail, and genuine care for their patients is outstanding. I highly recommend Durham Family Eye Care!