Washington Eye Institute brings together board-certified ophthalmologists, fellowship-trained surgeons, and award-winning optometrists under one roof — with three locations across Maryland to serve you. Whether your condition requires ongoing monitoring or advanced surgery, our team has the training, technology, and experience to get you the right outcome.
Real Specialists.
Real Results.
Eye conditions don't all look the same — and neither should your care. At Washington Eye Institute, you won't be rushed through an appointment or handed a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Our physicians, led by Dr. Michael Summerfield, MD — Georgetown University residency program director — take the time to hear what's going on, run the right diagnostics, and walk you through every option before moving forward. That's how eye care should work.
We don't just identify the problem — we manage it. Our practice covers the full spectrum: cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, keratoconus, corneal disease, chronic dry eye, and inflammatory conditions like uveitis. With fellowship-trained specialists in cornea, retina, and refractive surgery — plus active participation in clinical trials — we bring treatments to our patients that many practices simply can't offer.
Click any condition below to learn how our team approaches diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.
Cataracts
Blurry, faded, or glare-sensitive vision from a clouded lens. We perform femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with premium IOL options including the Light Adjustable Lens and Apthera.
Silent optic nerve damage that steals peripheral vision over time. We catch it early with advanced diagnostics and treat it with laser procedures and MIGS when needed.
Gradual loss of sharp central vision, most common after age 60. Our retina team monitors progression closely and delivers anti-VEGF therapy to slow or stabilize the disease.
Uncontrolled blood sugar quietly damages retinal blood vessels. We provide regular diabetic eye screenings, laser treatment, and injections to preserve your remaining vision.
Persistent burning, grittiness, or watery eyes that won't resolve on their own. We go beyond eye drops with IPL therapy, punctal plugs, and targeted treatment for the underlying cause.
A thinning, cone-shaped cornea that distorts vision — sometimes rapidly. We manage every stage with corneal cross-linking to halt progression and scleral lenses to restore clarity.
Scarring, infections, pterygium, and other conditions affecting the front surface of the eye. Our fellowship-trained cornea specialist performs transplants and complex surgical repair.
Painful inflammation inside the eye linked to autoimmune disorders, infections, or unknown causes. We provide careful workup and long-term management to prevent flare-ups and vision loss.
Retinal tears, vascular occlusions, and macular pathology that require prompt attention. Our medical retina team diagnoses quickly and intervenes early to protect your sight.
High myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism that glasses alone can't always solve. We offer the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) and refractive lens options for patients who aren't LASIK candidates.
Washington Eye Institute isn't a general clinic that refers out the hard cases. Our physicians — including Dr. Michael Summerfield, MD, who directs the Georgetown University / Washington Hospital Center ophthalmology residency — handle complex surgical and medical eye care in-house.
The team includes fellowship-trained specialists in cataract and refractive surgery, cornea, and medical retina, alongside Dr. Diana Chu, OD — Maryland's 2025 Young Optometrist of the Year — who leads our specialty contact lens and keratoconus management services.
Questions and Answers
Find answers to common questions about eye care, conditions, and when to see a specialist.
If you're dealing with sudden vision loss, persistent pain, flashes, floaters, or a condition that isn't responding to standard treatment, it's time to see a specialist. Many conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration have no early symptoms at all — a comprehensive eye exam is often the only way to catch them before damage is done.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses disease, prescribes medication, and performs surgery. An optometrist provides eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and manages many common conditions. At Washington Eye Institute, both work side by side — so you get the right level of care without having to go somewhere else.
Diabetic eye disease damages the small blood vessels in your retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. Without treatment it can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular dilated exams, blood sugar control, and early intervention with anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy are the best defense.
Treatment depends on the stage. Early on, scleral contact lenses can restore functional vision. Corneal cross-linking (CXL) can stop the cornea from getting worse. In advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be the best path forward. Our team manages keratoconus at every stage under one roof.
Every 2–3 years for adults under 40 with no risk factors, every 1–2 years from 40–64, and annually after 65. If you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or a known eye condition, you likely need to come in more often. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at our Rockville, Greenbelt, or Cumberland office.
Patients Feedback
Dr and his staff are very caring people. They take time to explain everything. Also they are very compassionate about their patients. I would recommend this facility to anyone
Debra Elliott
From front desk to medical personnel: courteous, professional, thorough. Dr. Chu is a joy and skilled in her field. Happy Holidays, healthy, happy 2025,
Jennifer Critchlow
Had a truly excellent experience at Washington Eye Institute! The eye tech and Dr. Summerfield, were both exceptional, informative, and very reassuring.
Andrea Grenadier
Staff were professional and friendly. Dr. Chang was attentive and answered my questions. I was given a thorough eye exam.
Evelyn Woods
Dr and his staff are very caring people. They take time to explain everything. Also they are very compassionate about their patients. I would recommend this facility to anyone
Debra Elliott
From front desk to medical personnel: courteous, professional, thorough. Dr. Chu is a joy and skilled in her field. Happy Holidays, healthy, happy 2025,
Jennifer Critchlow
Had a truly excellent experience at Washington Eye Institute! The eye tech and Dr. Summerfield, were both exceptional, informative, and very reassuring.
Andrea Grenadier
Staff were professional and friendly. Dr. Chang was attentive and answered my questions. I was given a thorough eye exam.
Evelyn Woods
Dr and his staff are very caring people. They take time to explain everything. Also they are very compassionate about their patients. I would recommend this facility to anyone
Debra Elliott
From front desk to medical personnel: courteous, professional, thorough. Dr. Chu is a joy and skilled in her field. Happy Holidays, healthy, happy 2025,
Jennifer Critchlow
Had a truly excellent experience at Washington Eye Institute! The eye tech and Dr. Summerfield, were both exceptional, informative, and very reassuring.
Andrea Grenadier
Staff were professional and friendly. Dr. Chang was attentive and answered my questions. I was given a thorough eye exam.
Evelyn Woods
They understood that young children and older patients will need a little extra time and patience during their exams. I can’t thank them enough for taking care of my mom’s eyes. I will definitely recommend anyone to visit this practice.
L.R, March 2025
Everyone is exceptional, friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and caring.
F.M, January 2025
I had a fabulous experience here with entire staff, Dr. Feng and the optician. I’m super happy I found this practice and I recommend anyone to give it a try.
S.T, March 2024
We Value Our Patients Feedback
Reviews
4.9(227)
They understood that young children and older patients will need a little extra time and patience during their exams. I can’t thank them enough for taking care of my mom’s eyes. I will definitely recommend anyone to visit this practice.
L.R, March 2025
Everyone is exceptional, friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and caring.
F.M, January 2025
I had a fabulous experience here with entire staff, Dr. Feng and the optician. I’m super happy I found this practice and I recommend anyone to give it a try.