Dr. Richard Appell Fichman, MD

Expert Publications

• Anesthesia and preoperative and postoperative medications.
• Anesthesia and preoperative and postoperative medications.
• Use of topical anesthesia alone in cataract surgery.

Media Releases

Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Appell Fichman, who serves patients throughout the State of Connecticut.

Dr. Fichman is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract and laser eye surgery. He is currently affiliated with SightMD Connecticut, working with patients in the Manchester and Torrington areas. He has been providing the highest quality eye care to the local community for over 30 years and performed the first LASIK surgery in Connecticut in 1995.

In his clinical role, he has always focused on getting his patients to reduce their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, and is dedicated to providing the best in technology and advanced eyecare, from treatment of complex eye conditions to routine eye exams, fashionable glasses and contact lenses. He has also developed a procedure to eliminate needles, sutures, and patches from cataract surgery named Quick Sight, which continues to be used around the world.

Academically, Dr. Fichman graduated with his medical degree from the Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School in 1979. He completed his internship at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in 1980, before completing his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Arizona Health Center in 1982.

An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology, an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

On a professional level, he is an active member of the American Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American College of Eye Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and the Hartford County Medical Association.

With a passion for teaching, Dr. Fichman is a Clinical Instructor at the University of Connecticut, and has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Woodhull Hospital.

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. Ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and may perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

Among his most notable achievements, Dr. Fichman has been the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the Hartford County Medical Association in 2022.

On a more personal note, he enjoys many hobbies in his spare time including spending time with his children and grandchildren, skiing, and traveling. Music is a big passion of his and in 2020, he wrote and performed a special song as a tribute to all the dedicated essential workers helping keep us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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