Dr. Frederick Carriker, his father, was the inspiration for Dr Richard Carriker to help others. Dr Frederick Carriker was an innovator, introducing corneal transplant and retinal detachment surgery to Arizona.

Dr. Richard Carriker grew up in Arizona, attending Brophy College Preparatory. His early interest in science led to being named Science Student of the Year. He attended California Western College, attending a combined degree in Biology and Chemistry. His medical degree was earned at Creighton University, graduating Cum Laude and Academic Honor Society. Dr. Carriker attended the Estelle Doheny Eye Institute at University of Southern California, for his Ophthalmic Residency.

Dr. Richard Carriker joined his father in 1984 in practice in Phoenix. He developed his own certified surgery center. This allows him to perform sophisticated procedures in eye surgery.