Dr. Richard Atallah

Ophthalmologist in NYC

Dr. Richard Atallah is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Atallah has built his career around providing advanced, personalized eye care to patients from a wide range of backgrounds. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is able to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking patients.

Dr. Atallah earned his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School before returning to New York City to complete his medical internship at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at SUNY Downstate, where he trained in a high-volume clinical environment. This experience helped shape his patient-centered approach and provided extensive exposure to a broad spectrum of complex ophthalmic conditions.

Following residency, Dr. Atallah pursued advanced fellowship training in cornea and external disease at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier eye institutes. There, he received specialized training in the diagnosis and management of corneal disease, dry eye, as well as advanced corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery.

Dr. Atallah’s clinical and surgical interests include cataract surgery, pterygium surgery, corneal transplantation, LASIK and PRK, and the comprehensive management of keratoconus. He also has a particular interest in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease, offering an individualized approach ranging from pharmaceutical therapies to procedures such as punctal plug placement and amniotic membrane placement.

Dr. Atallah believes exceptional eye care begins with listening. He takes the time to understand each patient’s individual needs, clearly explain their options, and develop a treatment plan tailored to their vision and lifestyle. His goal is to combine the latest advances in ophthalmology with a personal, approachable style of care.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Atallah has a passion for travel and golf and enjoys experiencing new cultures and cuisines. He particularly enjoys discovering new sushi restaurants with his wife, and together they are proud cat parents to two cats.