Dr. Michael J. Richard

Dr. Michael J. Richard is a board-certified ophthalmologist focused on oculofacial plastic surgery. He has practiced full-time at EltraSelf in Florham Park, New Jersey, since 2016, and before that he practiced at Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina. He has been an Assistant Professor in Duke University's Departments of Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery since 2006. He still travels monthly to the Durham VA Medical Center to treat patients and teach residents and fellows. He began his education with a B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University, then earned an M.D. with honors from Boston University School of Medicine. A medicine internship and an ophthalmology residency followed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then an oculoplastic surgery fellowship at Duke University. His surgical work covers cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, including upper and lower blepharoplasty, along with orbital surgery, tear duct surgery, thyroid eye disease, facial trauma and reconstruction, and treatment of orbital tumors, blepharospasm, skin cancers and ocular surface cancer. He has spent more than 15 years refining his eyelid surgery techniques. He also provides laser skin resurfacing and injectable facial rejuvenation, using products including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Sculptra, Radiesse, Belotero and Kybella. He trains ophthalmologists in advanced oculoplastic techniques through the Cure Blindness Project, and he has written dozens of scholarly articles and lectured around the world. His recognitions include the Duke Eye Center Teacher of the Year Award (2011), the Elizabeth K. Moyer Anatomical Sciences Award from Boston University (2001), Patients' Choice Awards (2008, 2009 and 2011), Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2011 and 2012), and a Select Surgeon in Plastic Surgery designation from NJ Monthly for blepharoplasty, Mohs reconstruction, eyelids and laser resurfacing. Patients describe him as humble, compassionate, competent and caring. He is affiliated with St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, Eltra Surgical Center in Florham Park, NJ, the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Livingston Surgery Center. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.