Q&A with Katherine Erlichman, founder of Pennwood Ophthalmic Associates
By George Berkheimer
Katherine Erlichman founded Pennwood Ophthalmic Associates in Everett after moving to Bedford County from Philadelphia in 1991. Pennwood employs three optometrists and nine other staff members. Its optical shop offers protective eyewear, designer frames, sports frames, and affordable options for patients of all ages, in addition to contact lenses for every need. In addition to comprehensive eye exams, Erlichman’s practice provides surgical services treating cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and various eyelid abnormalities.
Q: What sets your eye care center apart from others in the area?
Erlichman: I’m the only ophthalmologist in the county. People cannot obtain ophthalmic surgical care for their eyes anywhere else in Bedford County. We treat patients with kindness and compassion.
Q: What drew you to Bedford County?
Erlichman: I grew up in Bellefonte, Pa another small community. When I was a senior resident in Philadelphia the Bedford Memorial hospital CEO asked if I would consider relocating here. My husband and I were uncertain because we lived in the Philadelphia area. Bedford is a gorgeous and friendly place to live and practice. We have never questioned our decision to move across the state.
Q: Did anything surprise you about Bedford County?
Erlichman: I was on call in center city Philadelphia. I witnessed trauma and violence weekly when treating people in the emergency room. What a surprise to move to a smaller community where people are polite and friendly, patients respect the physician’s recommendations and are honest. I have not worked a day in my 33 years here in Bedford County because it was a pleasure to serve the people of Bedford County, no work involved!
Q: Are you involved in any community organizations?
Erlichman: I’m the president of the Bedford County Pink Ribbon Fund, founded in 2017. We collect and manage donations to support breast cancer patients in the county. So far, we have supplied patients with $266,000 in gas cards, hotel stays, deductible payments and copay payments. We have an excellent following with people donating to the breast cancer fund because they know the money remains local. With so many good people in Bedford County supporting the breast cancer patients here it is an honor and a joy to be affiliated with this organization.
Q: Do you spend much time in the outdoors on your time off?
Erlichman: My husband and I love to play golf. We also enjoy gardening and live on a farm which keeps us busy. Hiking is a fun exercise for us, but our favorite outdoor activity is watching the grandsons play little league baseball.
Q: You’ve lived in other Pennsylvania localities, what makes Bedford County special to you?
Erlichman: Pennwood Ophthalmology is grateful for our 33 years of loyal patients. I am grateful to have the A-Team working for me in the operating room and in my office. Integrity goes a long way in Bedford County, along with the outstanding hard work and perseverance I see here every day while working, volunteering and just having recreational fun.