Robert Bittner, OD, FAAO

  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Robert T. Bittner OD, FAAO, a board-certified optometrist, is a native of Greensburg, PA. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Penn State University. While at Penn State, Dr. Bittner was a member of the Penn State Blue Band. He traveled with the band to the Capital One Bowl, Outback Bowl, and Ticketcity Bowl, respectively. He then moved to Bayamón, Puerto Rico where he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree at Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry.

After working in general ophthalmology and corporate optometry practice, he decided to pursue a residency. He completed his post-graduate residency training in ocular disease at The Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV.

Dr. Bittner is board-certified by the American Board of Optometry. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He has been published in various articles and has been a speaker at the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting.

He has previously served on the Medical Staff at UPMC Somerset Hospital where he provided on-call services with privileges in Optometry. Dr. Bittner also enjoys teaching and mentoring students and residents alike. He volunteers with the Guerrilla Eye Service and Mission of Mercy, where he provides free eye exams to the greater Pittsburgh community along with other optometrists, ophthalmologists and residents. With experience in private practice, nursing homes, and in corrections examining inmates, he brings a diverse mix of patient care to UPMC. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, snowboarding and exploring new restaurants.

Memberships: 

  • American Academy of Optometry
  • American Board of Optometry
  • American Optometric Association
  • Pennsylvania Optometric Association

Certifications and Licensures: 

  • Diplomate, American Board of Optometry
  • Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
  • Colorado Optometry License
  • Pennsylvania Optometry License

Education & Training

  • Optometric Residency - Ocular Disease - Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center - Huntington, WV
  • Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry - Bayamón, PR
  • The Pennsylvania State University - University Park, PA

Representative Publications

Bittner, RT. New eye drops can help aging people see better – an optometrist explains how Vuity treats presbyopia. May 5th 2022 https://theconversation.com/new-eye-drops-can-help-aging-people-see-better-an-optometrist-explains-how-vuity-treats-presbyopia-180762
Bittner, RT. Perspective for Early diagnosis, additional anti-VEGF injections may improve outcomes in neovascular AMD. February 4th 2022 https://www.healio.com/news/optometry/20220204/early-diagnosis-additional-antivegf-injections-may-improve-outcomes-in-neovascular-amd