Get to know Dr. Bennett Chotiner

Founder and Medical Director of Memorial Eye Institute
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What is Dr. Ben Chotiner’s training and experience?

In this video, Dr. Ben Chotiner talks you through his training and experience

Trust your vision with a nationally recognized eye surgeon

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is regarded as the most experienced cataract and LASIK surgeon in Central Pennsylvania

An eye surgery pioneer

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the Founder and Medical Director of Memorial Eye Institute.

A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first fully approved freestanding outpatient ophthalmic surgery center.

He pioneered outpatient ophthalmic surgery in Pennsylvania and is nationally recognized for his leadership in this field.

“Simply the Best” LASIK facility

Dr. Chotiner has been performing refractive vision correction surgery since 1981.

In 1994, Dr. Chotiner established the Laser Vision Center at Memorial Eye Institute, where he performed the first laser vision correction procedure in Central Pennsylvania.

He has been performing LASIK since 1996 and has served as a clinical investigator for several national LASIK studies.

Since 2008, Harrisburg Magazine’s Readers’ Poll has consistently judged Memorial Eye Institute to be “Simply the Best” LASIK facility.

A family of experts

Memorial Eye Institute, the facility that houses both the practice and the surgery center, is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Chotiner’s father.

Dr. Chotiner and his wife reside in Harrisburg and have three grown children and four grandchildren.

An eye surgery pioneer

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the Founder and Medical Director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first fully approved freestanding outpatient ophthalmic surgery center. He pioneered outpatient ophthalmic surgery in Pennsylvania and is nationally recognized for his leadership in this field.

“Simply the Best” LASIK facility

Dr. Chotiner is widely regarded as the leading and most experienced Cataract and LASIK surgeon in Central Pennsylvania. He has been performing refractive vision correction surgery since 1981. In 1994, Dr. Chotiner established the Laser Vision Center at Memorial Eye Institute, where he performed the first laser vision correction procedure in Central Pennsylvania. He has been performing LASIK since 1996 and has served as a clinical investigator for several national LASIK studies. Since 2008, Harrisburg Magazine’s Readers’ Poll has consistently judged Memorial Eye Institute to be “Simply the Best” Lasik facility.

A family of experts

Memorial Eye Institute, the facility that houses both the Practice and the Surgery Center, is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Chotiner’s father. Dr. Chotiner and his wife reside in Harrisburg and have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Dr Bennett Chotiner’s professional background

Discover more about Dr Bennett Chotiner

Qualifications and certifications

Dr Bennett Chotiner is:

  • Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
  • Founding member of the Pennsylvania Ambulatory Surgery Center Association

Dr Bennett Chotiner’s specialties include:

  • Cataract and refractive surgery
  • LASIK surgery
  • Glaucoma
  • General ophthalmology

Dr. Chotiner is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Kenyon College. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey. He completed his residency and fellowship in Ophthalmology at the Eye and Ear Hospital in Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hospitals, where he was a clinical instructor in Ophthalmology

Dr. Chotiner has received the following rewards:

  • Summit Autonomous Society Silver Award
  • Intralase Luminaries Award
  • Wavelight Laser Award
  • UPMC Pinnacle Service Award

Dr. Chotiner’s scientific articles and papers have appeared in numerous professional medical publications. He is an avid film and video enthusiast and has produced and directed several documentary films and videos.

Dr. Chotiner is Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and is active in both the medical and ophthalmic surgery specialty communities:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American College of Eye Surgeons
  • Society for Excellence in Eye Care
  • Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society
  • Dauphin County Medical Society
  • Pennsylvania Medical Society
  • American Medical Association
  • Pennsylvania Ambulatory Surgery Association (founding member)
  • Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association
  • Refractive Surgical Alliance
  • American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (founding member)

Dr. Chotiner’s career highlights include:

  • First phacoemulsification cataract surgery in Central PA
  • First cataract lens implant surgery in Central PA
  • Founder and Medical Director of Pennsylvania’s first freestanding outpatient ophthalmic surgery center
  • First laser vision correction procedure in Central Pennsylvania
  • WHTM-ABC “Live at Five” televised Lasik Surgery
  • Featured surgeon in Video Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Dr. Chotiner serves on several local and regional boards including the Harrisburg University, the Harrisburg Symphony, and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority.

As a former high school and college baseball player, he is now an avid golfer and skier. He enjoys filmmaking and has produced and directed several videos for professional meetings and personal family events.

He particularly enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Thousands of happy patients in Central PA

we help PEOPLE IN AND AROUND THE HARRISBURG COMMUNITY LIVE IT UP WITH BETTER VISION

My wait time was minimal and I was pleased to note the furniture arrangement for social distancing and the sanitation practices in progress. All in all it was a much more relaxing experience than I anticipated and I was impressed by the procedures taken to assure safe practices for the safety of the patients and staff while reducing stress on the patients.

C.J.S.

The doctor and his staff made my cataract surgeries a ‘piece of cake’. I have been coming here since I moved to Harrisburg 37 years ago. Dr. Chotiner performed cataract six years ago and my sight is as good as it was when I was young. As long as the light is reasonable, I do not even need over the counter reading glasses.

Claire B.

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.

S.D.H.

Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.

Vey L.

Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!

Q. B.

I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word……excellent!

Ray J.

As a rookie having my first visit at Memorial Eye in May 2020, I asked for a doctor that was patient and that is exactly what I got in Dr. Kowalski. He took his time and explained my options to me. My testing was extensive and thorough. The staff was very kind and made me feel relaxed during the surgery. A 5 star rating from beginning to end. Well done!

J.E.R.

I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!

J.B.

The staff and doctor were very accommodating. Always on time, if not earlier with appointments. The surgical staff was very attentive to any needs such as extra blankets if needed, and making sure you were comfortable while you waited for your surgery.

Pam C

First time in 78 years I can see well without prescription lenses! I was apprehensive to have any elective surgery during the pandemic with my age and health history. The staff sensed it and made an effort to deal with it very professionally.

W.H.R.

Wonderful practice with kind and supportive employees. The doctors are top notch and excellent!

A. Hendrix

I had my surgery done for a cataract and to correct my astigmatism. I can see better out of the eye that Dr Chotiner performed surgery on without the need for a corrective lens than I can see out of the other eye with my glasses on. The surgery was delayed because of the whole Covid virus closings, but when it was performed it went incredibly well and I could not be happier with the results.

Robin

I was somewhat jittery about returning to the office after the COVID restrictions were lifted. My concerns were put to rest from the moment I stepped through the door and was greeted by an associate who took my temperature, asked pertinent questions, and offered hand sanitizer, as well as being very friendly. The check in and co-pay payment went equally as smoothly.

C.J.S.

My care for cataract removal was superb. The team in the surgical suite was very organized, efficient, and caring. Their expertise was so excellent. Everyone who works there was very skillful in their work and courteous. Dr. Chotiner is kind and extremely skilled. He was outstanding!

M.V.

Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.

Patricia Scheidler

Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.

A. Lawrence

I am so glad the doctor suggested LRI with my cataract surgery. I had never heard of it but it is amazing how my astigmatism is dissipating slowly and it is the reason I started wearing glasses 30 years ago! Even working around pandemic guidelines everyone is polite and cooperates as a team.

A.A.N.

I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.

Joyce K.

I cannot thank Dr. Chotiner and his staff enough for what they have done for me. I had LASIK here 16 years ago and that was a life changing event for me. Prior to that, my vision was always poor and then (after surgery) it was great. Now I have cataracts and once again, getting the first eye done was a life changing experience.

Richard B.

I was very pleased with the efficiency and professionalism of the staff. You have a well oiled team. Everyone is very thorough. Thanks Dr. Rick and staff.

M.A.B.

I am so happy at how good I can see now. Everyone was very professional and efficient. I feel my Dr is one of the best. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. Every one there was just great. Thank you so much.

Glenn C.

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

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Affiliations and memberships

We’re honored to be members of these prestigious professional organisations

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“Why, why, why didn’t I get my eyes done sooner?”