After more than three decades of caring for patients across Western New York, Dr. Charles Niles is stepping away from practice. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Buffalo-area eye care, one defined by skilled surgery, community service, and a genuine commitment to his patients’ well-being. For the many people who trusted Dr. Niles with their vision over the years, his departure is bittersweet.
At the same time, patients in the Buffalo area can feel confident knowing that the same level of specialized glaucoma and cataract care Dr. Niles was known for remains available close to home. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Niles’ career and where his patients can turn for continued, expert eye care.
Dr. Niles’ Decades of Dedication to Western New York
Dr. Charles Niles has been a fixture in the Western New York eye care community for over three decades. After earning his medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine, he went on to become the first fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist in the entire region, a milestone that speaks to both his ambition and his commitment to bringing advanced care closer to home.
Over 30 years in practice, Dr. Niles built deep expertise in laser-assisted cataract surgery, including procedures with multifocal and toric intraocular lenses, as well as in glaucoma treatment and surgery. But his impact extended well beyond the operating room. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at UB’s medical school, he helped shape the next generation of eye care professionals while continuing to see his own patients.
A Lasting Commitment Beyond the Exam Room
Dr. Niles’ impact on the Buffalo community extended well past his office walls. He founded the Student Site Savers program, which brought glaucoma screenings directly to underserved neighborhoods across Western New York. Because glaucoma often progresses without any noticeable symptoms, these screenings helped identify people at risk who might not have otherwise seen an eye doctor until significant damage had already occurred.
Dr. Niles also stayed active in research throughout his career, including presenting findings on how laser-assisted cataract surgery affects eye pressure. That kind of ongoing curiosity and dedication to improving patient outcomes defined his approach to medicine from start to finish.
What Dr. Niles’ Patients Should Know About Continuing Care
Losing a trusted doctor is never easy. When you have spent years with a provider who knows your history, understands your concerns, and has guided your treatment decisions, a transition can feel unsettling. That concern is completely understandable.
However, patients in Western New York are fortunate to have comprehensive eye care for conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts readily available. Eye Care & Vision Associates has been a trusted name in Buffalo-area eye care for years, with experienced specialists who offer the same types of advanced treatments Dr. Niles provided.
Glaucoma Care at Eye Care & Vision Associates
Glaucoma requires long-term, consistent management. The condition gradually damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain, and once that damage happens, it cannot be reversed. That makes regular monitoring and the right treatment plan essential for protecting the vision that remains.
Eye Care & Vision Associates has fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists on staff. The practice uses advanced imaging technology to detect even subtle changes in the nerve before patients notice any difference in their sight, allowing the care team to adjust treatment early.
Treatment Options for Every Stage
For patients with mild or moderate glaucoma, newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures can lower eye pressure through tiny incisions, often during the same visit as cataract removal. For more advanced cases, traditional surgical approaches remain available. Eye Care & Vision Associates tailors each treatment plan to the individual, factoring in the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and their day-to-day needs.
Trusted Cataract Surgery at Eye Care & Vision Associates
Cataracts affect nearly every person eventually, and surgery to remove them is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in medicine.
Eye Care & Vision Associates offers laser-assisted cataract surgery using the CATALYS Precision Laser System, which allows surgeons to perform key steps of the procedure with greater accuracy and a faster visual recovery for patients.
Our practice also provides premium lens options, including multifocal and toric lenses that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. For patients dealing with both cataracts and glaucoma, combined procedures allow both conditions to be addressed at once, cutting down on total recovery time.
Your Eye Care Continues in Experienced Hands
Dr. Niles gave Western New York more than 34 years of outstanding eye care, and his contributions to both his patients and the broader community deserve recognition. His retirement is well earned.
For patients looking ahead, Eye Care & Vision Associates brings together a team of experienced, board-certified specialists who share that same philosophy of patient-centered, thorough care. The practice continues to invest in the latest diagnostic and surgical technology so that every patient receives the best possible outcome.
Looking for a new glaucoma specialist or cataract surgeon in the Buffalo area? Schedule an appointment at Eye Care & Vision Associates in Buffalo, NY, online or by calling 716.631.EYES (3937) to meet our experienced team.