Get to know Dr. Erik Chotiner

Lasik and cataract surgeon
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What is Dr. Erik Chotiner’s training and experience?

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

Trust your vision with a cataract surgery pioneer

Dr. Erik Chotiner has performed thousands of premium cataract procedures to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses following cataract surgery

Our most prolific cataract surgeon

Dr. Erik Chotiner is our most prolific cataract surgeon. He pioneered laser-assisted cataract surgery in Central Pennsylvania and performed the first such surgery in our region.

Leading refractive cataract surgeon

Dr. Chotiner is a leading laser refractive cataract surgeon, having performed thousands of premium cataract procedures to eliminate or reduce the need for corrective lenses following cataract surgery.

Implantable contact lens provider

For patients not eligible for LASIK and who do not require cataract surgery, Dr. Chotiner offers implantable contact lenses (ICL) surgery to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Our most prolific cataract surgeon

Dr. Erik Chotiner is Memorial Eye Institute’s most prolific cataract surgeon. He pioneered laser-assisted cataract surgery in Central Pennsylvania and performed the first such surgery in our region.

Leading refractive cataract surgeon

He is a leading refractive cataract surgeon, having performed thousands of premium cataract procedures to eliminate or reduce the need for corrective lenses following cataract surgery.

Implantable contact lens provider

For patients not eligible for LASIK and who do not require cataract surgery, Dr. Chotiner offers ICL (implantable contact lens) surgery to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Dr. Erik Chotiner’s professional background

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT Dr. Erik Chotiner

Qualifications

Dr. Erik Chotiner is:

  • Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Dr. Erik Chotiner’s specialties include:

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

Dr. Erik Chotiner is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College where he was the recipient of the Hackman Scholarship.

Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College, where he received numerous awards for high scholarship including the Thomas D. Duane Research Fellowship Award for Ophthalmology.

Dr. Chotiner completed his ophthalmology residency at Temple University Hospital, where he trained under both Temple and Wills Eye Hospital ophthalmologists. After his residency, he completed subspecialty training in LASIK, cataract, and corneal surgery at the Shiley Eye Institute of the University of California in San Diego.

Dr. Erik Chotiner has received the following rewards:

  • The Guy Chan Teaching Award, Temple University Hospital, 2005
  • Eye Care Specialist Hero, Central Pennsylvania Parent, March 27th, 2015

Dr. Erik Chotiner has conducted the following reports and studies:

  • Ciliary body leiomyoma with anterior chamber invasion. Archives of Ophthalmology. 119. 1218.
  • Refractive lensectomy: A case report, Aspen Invitational Refractive Symposium, March 2009
  • Dysphotopsia following ICL implantation: A case report and discussion, Aspen Invitational Refractive Symposium, March 2011
  • Combined low-level light therapy and intense pulsed light therapy for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Clin. Ophthalmol. 2019 Jun 11; 13: 993-999.

Dr. Erik Chotiner is affiliated with the following professional bodies:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (founding member) American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Pennsylvania Medical Society
  • Dauphin County Medical Society
  • Refractive Surgical Alliance

Dr. Erik Chotiner’s career highlights include:

  • First ophthalmologist in Central PA to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Television appearances:

  • ABC Channel 27 Interview on Cataracts in Young Individuals 2008
  • ABC Channel 27 Interview on Laser Cataract Surgery 2011

Patriot News Articles:

  • “Coming back to our senses after an injury occurs” 2010.
  • “New doctor, building a relationship is key to treatment” 2011.
  • “5 Questions about nutrients for eye health” 2012.
  • “3 Important things to know about glaucoma” 2014
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (founding member) American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Pennsylvania Medical Society
  • Dauphin County Medical Society
  • Refractive Surgical Alliance

Dr. Chotiner is an avid skier and tennis enthusiast. He enjoys seeing Broadway musicals, live popular music and classical concerts, and especially the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. He is a technology enthusiast and loves teaching friends and family how to use their new devices. He looks forward to spending quality time with his wife and two teenage children.

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.

Voted “Simply the Best” by the Harrisburg community

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Affiliations and memberships

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