Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa

Dr. Richard Malara has been providing personalized, professional care to the people of Central New York since 1992. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oral Roberts University and then his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He has been involved in numerous "Gift of Sight" community service projects as well as 7 overseas medical missions projects. Dr. Malara is a yearly participant in the "Save Your Vision" campaign through the American Optometric Association. With roots in this area and graduating from Faith Heritage School in Syracuse, NY, he is giving back to the community he grew up in.

[caption id="attachment_4210" align="alignnone" width="300"] Dr. Malara explains how to choose the best Eye Doctor[/caption]

VIDEOS BY DR. MALARA

• A conversation with Dr Malara about insurance changes and customer service
• Diabetes and the Eyes
• Cataracts AMD and Melanoma
• Updates & Technology
• Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Dr. Matthew Durkin grew up in the Rochester, NY area where he graduated from Webster High School. He graduated magna cum laude from Gannon University and salutatorian from Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Dr. Durkin has practiced optometry in Norwich, NY, Albany, NY and Syracuse, NY since 1999. We are excited to utilize his expertise in comprehensive medical eye exams, contact lens fitting, children and adult vision care, low vision therapy, and geriatric care. He desires to educate and inform patients as he goes through the examination process.

[caption id="attachment_4210" align="alignnone" width="300"] Meet Dr. Durkin[/caption]

VIDEOS BY DR. DURKIN

• Ocular Migraines
• Flashes Floaters and Retinal Detachments
• Dr. Durkin and the Optomap
• Glaucoma
• Blepharitis
• Why is my vision blurry?

Dr. Benjamin Smith was inspired by the compassionate care of his eye doctor as a teenager and strives daily to emulate that kind of personal, professional eyecare. He is comfortable in all types of eyecare, from pediatrics to advanced medical concerns and specialty contact lenses. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Dr. Smith got to know the CNY area as a student at Le Moyne College. From there he received his professional degree from the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan. He also stays active in the eyecare community as President of the CNY Optometric Society. Dr. Smith enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and two dogs, as well as cheering for the Buffalo Bills during football season.

Dr. Benjamin Smith Bio

VIDEOS BY DR. SMITH:

• Why do you need an eye exam?
• Reading and Contacts Monovision or Multifocal
• Scleral Contacts
• Dry Eyes
• Myopia Control
• What is a Corneal Topographer

Dr. Dana Smith nee Mitchell had her first eye exam with Dr. Richard Malara when she was in 4th grade. His emphasis on "Professional Eyecare with a Personal Touch" has inspired her journey towards becoming that kind of eye doctor. Born and raised in Baldwinsville, NY, she will be serving the community that she called home for so many years. She graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Science in biology and health science before following in Dr. Malara's footsteps at Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Dr. Smith's new ideas and compassion for her patients make her a welcome member of the Malara Eyecare family.

Dr. Mariana Maeda is passionate about helping patients of all ages see clearly and feel their best. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan and graduated summa cum laude from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Spanish. 

Fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish, Dr. Maeda connects with patients from many backgrounds and provides inclusive, compassionate care. Her clinical interests include comprehensive eye care, with a special focus on managing dry eye disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, amblyopia, and diabetic eye disease. 

Dedicated to service, Dr. Maeda has volunteered on international medical mission trips with the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, providing free eye exams and glasses to the indigenous Mixtec mountain villages in Oaxaca, Mexico. She also spent several years delivering care in Spanish at a community health center in downstate New York, serving a predominantly immigrant and underserved population. 

Now proud to call upstate New York home again, Dr. Maeda is excited to be part of the Malara Eyecare team in Liverpool and Fayetteville. Outside the office, she enjoys quality time with her loved ones and serving in her local church community.