“Your dad was a beloved doctor. His patients still talk about him and carry genuine affection for him. I emailed one man who he took care of when the patient was a teenager. He came to us when he had already lost almost all of his vision in one eye. He was quite an athlete and was terrified of what lay ahead. Your dad performed a complicated surgery on him and managed to save the eye and prevent loss of vision in the remaining eye. He is so sad to hear the news and spent the night thinking about how much your father shaped his life, as a child, as a young man, as a father and beyond. To say that he touched his life is an understatement. And there are many more patients like that.

Your dad was an amazing surgeon. He had “great hands.” He made everything look easy, when I know it wasn’t easy at all. He never was cavalier. He took care of each surgical patient as if they were his only patient. He carefully reviewed each chart the night before, and even again in the OR. His attention to detail was admirable.

Your dad hired me in 1985, when I just completed my residency. I was such a newbie. He and I spent many many hours together in the OR doing cataract surgeries, glaucoma surgeries, strabismus surgeries, and corneal transplant surgeries. No one is doing those transplant surgeries anymore, but when I would see a patient who had one of them in the office for follow-up, the surgical results were still perfect and so beautiful. We saw children and adults. We saw “fancy” people and people who just needed help. He never wanted to turn away anyone who could benefit from his skills. And he shared many stories of his experiences with me, which I loved.”

— Surgical Colleague

“Your dad was an extraordinary man who was one of the most significant people in my life. Being in the office, his presence is felt every day and his memory persists through the many lives that he improved through his compassion and skill. It was an honor to have shared so many years with him. 🙏🙏”

— Surgical Colleague

“Thank you for informing me of your father’s passing. I cried the day he retired and I am crying now in memory of a great man who saved my vision. We stayed in touch. He was always asking me about my vision. I would call him when I was unsure about what another doctor told me. My deepest sympathy to your family. Thank you, Dr. Schneider, as always with love and appreciation.”

— Patient

“Howie’s passing is a terrible blow. A one of a kind person. Little All American football star studied and became a famous Dr. But for me, we had a special bond. Been through a lot together. I am hurt. I mourn his passing. He is my brother and my heart and love go out to his family. Rest peacefully, old friend.”

— Childhood Friend & Teammate