Get to know Dr. Richard Kowalski

Senior optometrist
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Get to know Dr. Richard Kowalski

SENIOR OPTOMETRIST

What is Dr Richard Kowalski’s training and experience?

In this video, Dr Richard Kowalski talks you through his training and experience

Trust your vision with a comprehensive eye care specialist

Dr. Kowalski is an expert in a variety of ocular conditions

What’s your favourite part about your role?

“The patients drive me; that’s why you do this job. You develop a bond with patients and an understanding of what’s going on in their lives. I’ve seen young kids grow-up and go off to college! No two days are the same.”

What’s a memorable moment in your career?

“I once helped a lady who suffered from a very high prescription since second grade. Without her glasses, she could only see two feet away from her. After surgery, she was able to read some of the smallest lines on the chart!”

What are your top 3 super powers?

  1. I take my time with my patients
  2. I make things easy to understand
  3. I’m a great listener

Dedicated to better vision

Dr. Kowalski has been a senior optometrist at Memorial Eye Institute for over 20 years.

Experienced

Dr. Kowalski performs comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings, and diagnoses and treats a variety of eye conditions. He also provides pre-and post-op care for LASIK patients.

Certified

Dr. Kowalski received his Bachelor of Visual Sciences and Doctorate of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is also certified by the American Board of Optometry.

Dr. Richard Kowalski’s professional background

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT ABOUT Dr. Kowalski

Qualifications

Dr. Kowalski is certified by the American Board of Optometry.

Dr. Kowalski performs comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings. He also diagnoses and treats a variety of ocular conditions and provides pre- and post-op care for LASIK and Cataract patients.

Dr. Kowalski received his Bachelor of Visual Sciences and Doctorate of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is also certified by the American Board of Optometry.

Dr. Kowalski has been an associate investigator in multiple FDA clinical LASIK laser trials.

Dr. Kowalski is affiliated with the following professional bodies:

  • American Optometric Association
  • Pennsylvania Optometric Association

Dr. Kowalski has been a senior optometrist at Memorial Eye Institute for over 20 years.

Dr. Kowalski enjoys spending time with his wife and his three boys. He especially enjoys coaching midget football. He likes biking with his family and playing golf.

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

We are honoured to have received the following community awards

Affiliations and memberships

We’re proud to be members of these prestigious professional organiZations

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I hate my reading glasses!

These things aren’t me at all. On, off, on, off… what a huge inconvenience to have to deal with day-in and day-out. Click here to find out if you can ditch your readers…

I have a high prescription and I’m not suitable for laser eye surgery

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