Our Doctors

Philip R. Niswander, M.D., F.A.C.S.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Dr. Philip Niswander attended Nichols School. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Davis, and continued on to achieve his medical degree at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1979.

Dr. Niswander returned to New York, did his internship in Internal Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Niswander is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is Subspecialty Board Certified in Cataract/Lens Implant Surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He has been in practice in Williamsville, New York since 1983.

Dr. Niswander is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, the Buffalo Ophthalmologic Society, the New York State Ophthalmology Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness. He is affiliated with the Ambulatory Surgery Center of WNY and Kaleida Health. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Mary Ellen Loughrey, O.D., F.A.A.O.

A native of Jamestown, New York, Dr. Loughrey graduated from Jamestown High School and Niagara University, where she was awarded the Niagara University Distinguished Student Award. She graduated magna cum laude and is a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society.

She completed the four-year doctor of optometry program at The Ohio State University of Optometry, obtaining dean's list status. Dr. Loughrey completed her externship at the United States Naval Academy Eye Clinic in Annapolis, Maryland. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an active member of the Western New York Society of Optometrists.

Our Staff

Ophthalmic Assistants

Ophthalmic Assistants support our doctors. They administer routine tests and assist in the use of advanced diagnostic instruments, laser treatments, and ocular imaging equipment. Ophthalmic Assistants have up to two years of technical training, and must pass rigorous written tests.

Opticians

Our opticians are state licensed to make and fit eyeglasses, and to dispense contact lenses. We are fortunate to have two of the most experienced optician professionals in Buffalo. They are an important part of our eyecare team, and are here to serve your needs.

Cynthia Brinkworth has had her New York State Optician license since 1983. She is very energetic and has the talent of finding just the right frame for each person. She holds the title of Managing Optician, and started with The Visionary at Niswander Eye Center in 2006.

Nancy Hacker has been a licensed optician and contact lens practitioner for more than 20 years. She is extremely patient and caring and is dedicated to finding the perfect eyewear or contact lenses for each patient. She has worked at The Visionary at Niswander Eye Center since 1999.

Please call The Visionary at 716.631.3950.

Business Office

Our reception team will greet you upon arrival. They will answer any questions you might have about scheduling, insurance, and billing matters. If you have any questions, just ask. We are here to serve you!