About Us

Brian L. Vitz, D.O.

Dr. Vitz is the founder and original owner of the Elmwood Eye Center, which he established in 1985. Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Vitz served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his medical training, he returned to his native York and has been serving the patients of this area for the past 30 years. In his free time, he enjoys racing cars.

Medical Education

  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Internship & Residency

  • Memorial Osteopathic Hospital, York, PA
  • Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Tulsa, OK

Specialty Interests

  • Cataract Surgery
  • Advanced Lens Technology

Hospital Privileges

  • Memorial Hospital of York, York, PA
  • Hanover Surgical Center, Hanover, PA

Societies/Honors

  • Board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology & Otorhinolaryngology

Denise L. Kerchner, M.D.

Dr. Kerchner joined the practice in 2013 and took over ownership in 2020. She was born and raised in the York area, and had always wanted to return to her home community to serve her friends and neighbors. When not at the office, she enjoys working on renovation projects with her husband and spending time with friends and family.

Medical Education

  • The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA

Internship & Residency

  • York Hospital/Wellspan, Department of General Surgery, York, PA
  • The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Hershey, PA

Specialty Interests

  • Cataract Surgery
  • Advanced Lens Technology
  • Glaucoma

Hospital Privileges

  • Memorial Hospital of York, York, PA
  • Hanover Surgical Center, Hanover, PA

Societies/Honors

  • Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
  • The Pennsylvania Medical Society
  • The Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology

Jacques L. Surer, Jr., D.O.

Dr. Surer has been a practicing Ophthalmology for more than 40 years. He formerly operated a solo practice in York, but joined the Elmwood Eye Center in 2019. 

Medical Education

  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Specialty Interests

  • Primary Eye Care/Routine comprehensive examinations

Societies/Honors

  • Board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Optometry and Otorhinolaryngology
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Past president of the American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology
  • Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Society
  • York County Osteopathic Society
  • York County Blind Center, Past Chairman

Anna T. Hess, O.D.

Dr. Anna Hess was born and raised in the York, Pennsylvania area. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, summa cum laude, from Franklin & Marshall College. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2022 from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University and graduated summa cum laude. In her free time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Optometric Education

  • Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Internship

  • The Eye Institute at Salus University
  • Lebanon VA Medical Center
  • York VA Clinic
  • Kirman Eye

Specialty Interests

  • Primary Eye Care/Routine comprehensive examinations
  • Contact lens fitting and management
  • Treatment of glaucoma and ocular disease

Societies/Honors

  • Beta Sigma Kappa, the International Optometric Honor Society
  • American Optometric Association
  • Pennsylvania Optometric Association
  • Central Pennsylvania Optometric Society