Ophthalmologist Near Bethesda, Maryland

Cataract surgery has advanced well beyond basic lens replacement, and Bethesda patients now have access to technology that can reduce dependence on glasses after surgery. Dr. Michael Summerfield, a board-certified cataract and refractive surgeon and Program Director of the Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center Ophthalmology Residency, leads our cataract program alongside Dr. Joseph Mekhail, a fellowship-trained cornea and refractive specialist with expertise in complex cases. Premium intraocular lens options include the Light Adjustable Lens, which allows fine-tuning of your prescription after surgery using UV light treatments, and the Apthera IOL for extended range of vision. We also offer femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for enhanced precision. During your consultation, our surgeons review each lens option in detail so you can select the best fit for your visual goals and daily routine.

Extended screen time is a leading contributor to dry eye symptoms, and Bethesda professionals who spend hours each day on computers and devices are especially susceptible. Dry, climate-controlled office environments common in the Bethesda corridor compound the problem by reducing tear film stability throughout the day. Our Rockville office offers comprehensive dry eye evaluations including meibography imaging to assess meibomian gland structure and function. Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may include prescription drops, warm compress therapy, punctal plugs to help retain natural tears, or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. For persistent or chronic cases, our multidisciplinary team of ophthalmologists and optometrists works together to build a long-term management plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes.

Not every patient can wear standard contact lenses comfortably. For Bethesda residents with astigmatism, keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, or severe dry eye, our optometrists Dr. Rajini Seevaratnam and Dr. Diana Chu provide custom contact lens fittings using scleral contact lenses, hybrid contact lenses, and toric contact lenses. Dr. Chu, recognized as Maryland's 2025 Young Optometrist of the Year, brings advanced expertise in scleral and hybrid lens technology for even the most challenging fits. Every fitting begins with detailed corneal topography mapping to ensure optimal comfort, visual clarity, and long-term lens health.

The concentration of knowledge workers along the Bethesda and NIH corridor means many local residents experience eye fatigue, tension headaches, and blurred vision from prolonged screen use. Symptoms tend to worsen over the course of the workday and can interfere with productivity and comfort both at the office and at home. Our optometrists evaluate patients for digital eye strain with a thorough assessment of focusing ability, tear quality, and binocular vision. Based on results, we may prescribe specialized computer lenses with anti-fatigue or blue light filtering technology, or recommend evidence-based ergonomic adjustments to monitor positioning, lighting, and break intervals that meaningfully reduce daily strain.

Glaucoma develops gradually and often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making routine screening essential for Bethesda patients over 40 or those with a family history of the disease. Our ophthalmologists use intraocular pressure measurement, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the optic nerve, and visual field testing to detect structural damage before irreversible vision loss occurs. When intervention is needed, we offer a full range of treatment options from medicated eye drops and laser glaucoma treatments to minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures that can lower eye pressure with less recovery time than traditional surgery. Ongoing monitoring at regular intervals ensures treatment remains effective and is adjusted as needed over time.

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into an irregular shape, leading to distorted vision that worsens over time if left untreated. Bethesda patients diagnosed with progressive keratoconus can receive corneal cross-linking at Washington Eye Institute, a procedure that strengthens corneal tissue and is designed to stabilize progression. Dr. Joseph Mekhail, our fellowship-trained cornea specialist, manages keratoconus cases from early detection through advanced stages, including corneal transplantation when necessary. For patients who need vision correction alongside treatment, Dr. Seevaratnam and Dr. Chu fit specialty scleral and hard contact lenses designed specifically for irregular corneas, restoring functional vision that standard glasses or soft lenses cannot achieve.

Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are among the leading causes of vision loss in adults, and early detection through regular dilated eye exams is the most effective way to protect your sight. Washington Eye Institute provides comprehensive medical retina care for Bethesda patients, including advanced imaging to identify retinal changes at their earliest stages. Our team manages diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, and retinal tears with individualized treatment plans. The practice also participates in clinical trials for emerging retinal treatments, giving eligible patients access to emerging therapies not yet widely available.

For Bethesda patients with high myopia or prescriptions that fall outside the range for LASIK, Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery offers an option that may help reduce dependence on glasses and contacts. Dr. Michael Summerfield performs Visian ICL procedures, placing a biocompatible lens behind the iris to correct vision without permanently altering corneal tissue. Because the lens is removable, ICL gives patients a reversible option that preserves future treatment flexibility. Candidates typically include younger adults with strong prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eyes that make laser vision correction less suitable. A thorough evaluation at our Rockville office determines whether ICL is the right fit based on your eye anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle needs.

Our Rockville office is a quick 12-minute drive north on I-270, just off the Shady Grove Road exit. You can also take Rockville Pike (MD-355) north as an alternative surface route. The office has free parking available for all patients.

We work with most major PPO and HMO plans. Our billing staff can verify your coverage before your visit so you know what to expect. Contact our Rockville office to confirm your specific plan details.