Get to Know Your Trusted Vision Care Professionals

Woman testing her eyes at an eye exam

Serving Erie, PA & Surrounding Communities

At Niagara Eye Associates we are more than just a vision center; we are a devoted team of compassionate providers who prioritize your eye health and well-being. With a focus on specialized services such as cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and blepharoplasty, we offer comprehensive care for all aspects of eye disease.

Our approach extends beyond diagnosis and treatment; we strive to provide individualized patient-focused care. Using cutting-edge technology, we deliver quick, accurate results to ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your vision.

Learn More About What We Do:

Family-Owned & Operated Private Practice

At our family-owned and operated private practice, professionalism, and friendly care are our priorities. We value each patient as an individual, not just another set of eyes. At our practice, you can expect personalized care tailored to your unique needs, free from corporate influences, ensuring that your doctor makes decisions focused solely on your well-being. on.

Meet Our Staff

Gary T. Brotherson

Gary Brotherson, Ophthalmologist at Niagara Eye AssociatesI am an Erie native who truly enjoys living here. I am blessed with my wife Linda, who is also my office manager, and three adult children.

As a general Ophthalmologist, I examine patients for all aspects of eye diseases, not just glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes. As a surgeon, I can offer my patients the latest and greatest approaches for intervention, although I am considered conservative in my approach.

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I am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and belong to the local, state, and national societies of the AMA.

I am a volunteer surgeon for Surgical Eye Expeditions and have made several trips to South America performing and teaching cataract surgery.

It has been humbling to have been nominated to ‘Best Doctors in America’ many times since 1999.

Education & Residency

  • College: Duke University BSE- Biomedical Engineering, Magna cum Laude
  • Medical School: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • Residency: Summa Health Systems

Richard B. Hetrick

Richard Hetrick, Ophthalmologist at Niagara Eye AssociatesDr. Richard Hetrick is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Heis a retired Navy Officer having achieved the rank of Captain. He has most recently served as the Commanding Officer of Operational Health Support Unit Camp Lejeune where he was responsible for 416 sailors in states extending from North Carolina to Missouri.
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Following separation from the Navy, Dr. Hetrick opened a practice in Millcreek while working at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a staff optometrist. At the Medical Center he has been appointed Adjunct Faculty at NOVA Southeastern University and Salus University. In addition to his regular duties there, he is additionally responsible for the education and training of both students and residents. In addition, he has been on staff at Niagara Eye Associates where he provides comprehensive eye examinations, contact lens fitting, and ocular disease management.

Education

  • College: Thiel College
  • Professional School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry
We encourage you to take the first step towards preserving your vision by scheduling an appointment with us today.