Meet Our Fort Worth Ophthalmologist
Dr. Richard Chu is a board-certified ophthalmologist and the medical director of Chu Eye Institute in Fort Worth, TX. As a native Texan and part of a multi-generational eye care family, he is proud to offer expert, patient-centered care to the community he calls home.
Richard Chu, D.O.
With advanced fellowship training in laser vision correction, cataract surgery, and corneal transplantation, Dr. Richard Chu is a trusted specialist for complex and high-precision procedures.
Education & Background
Dr. Chu graduated from Fort Worth Country Day School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Emory University. He completed his medical degree at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was awarded the Marilyn A. Schaffner Award Scholarship for being an outstanding physician.
Following medical school, Dr. Chu completed his ophthalmology residency at Michigan State University, where he served as chief resident and received the Patrick Murray Award in 2010. He was also elected national Chair of the Council of Residents and Fellows and participated in multiple clinical research projects, publishing work in corneal disease and dry eye.
He later completed subspecialty fellowship training in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the renowned Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis, MO, under Dr. Jay Pepose—an internationally recognized leader in refractive surgery and clinical professor of ophthalmology at Washington University.
Career Highlights
Dr. Chu specializes in advanced cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplantation (DSEK/DMEK). He regularly lectures at national meetings and has served as a clinical instructor for optometric students from the University of Missouri at St. Louis. His leadership roles include active involvement in the American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology, where he holds a position within the national leadership structure.
He is also a member of:
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology
- The American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology
- The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
- The International Society of Refractive Surgeons
Dr. Chu has been recognized by his peers and the community with several honors, including:
- Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Doctor in Ophthalmology (2019, 2022, 2023)
- 360 West Magazine’s Top Doctor (2019)
- Dallas Business Journal Top Minority Business Leader (2020)
I had cataract surgery done by Dr. Richard Chu, and it went extraordinarily well. No discomfort at all after surgery, no complications, and I now have the 20/20 vision I have not had for years. He turned what I expected to be a worrying experience into something routine.
- George M.
Dr. Chu looks quite young, like one of my kids. Do not let that fool you. Dr. Chu is truly a miracle worker. I’ve been wearing eyewear since they strapped my first pair on at 3 months old. 53 years. Had my first cataract removed yesterday, and today, for the first time, I greeted the world without glasses. OMG. This is a game changer. I can see clearly now, and the cataract is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Woo-who, Dr. Richard Chu.
- Kevin S.
I really loved Dr. Richard Chu. He was very friendly, informative, and jovial. Usually, I feel like eye doctors can be grumpy and upset that I’m there, and he seemed really excited and happy to be there, and doing the work he does. The nurses are pretty nice, too. The receptionist ladies were pretty much amazing and again, very informative.
- Lauren G.
Following in a Family of Visionaries
Dr. Chu is part of a family with deep roots in Fort Worth eye care. His mother, Dr. Lena Chu, and brother, Dr. Robert Chu, have served the Fort Worth community for over 37 years combined.
After completing his training, Dr. Chu was proud to return home to Fort Worth to rejoin his family and serve the community where his journey in eye care began.