Eye Doctor Near Hagerstown, Maryland

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Greenbelt

4.7 (965)

Rockville

4.7 (297)

Cumberland

4.8 (57)

Eye Surgery Center

4.7 (285)

Our Experts

Michael Summerfield, MD

Cataract Surgeon & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Cataract Surgeon & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Joseph Mekhail, MD

Cataract & Cornea Surgeon

Cataract & Cornea Surgeon

Sarah Chang, MD

Cataract Surgeon & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Cataract Surgeon & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Sunil Bellur, MD

Medical Retina & Uveitis Specialist

Medical Retina & Uveitis Specialist

Rajini Seevaratnam, OD

Medical Optometrist & Ocular Disease Specialist

Medical Optometrist & Ocular Disease Specialist

Diana Chu, OD

Specialty Contact Lens & Ocular Surface Disease Optometrist

Specialty Contact Lens & Ocular Surface Disease Optometrist

Debra Weltman, OD.

Refractive Surgery Optometrist & Dry Eye Specialist

Refractive Surgery Optometrist & Dry Eye Specialist

Specialty Eye Care Accessible from Hagerstown

Allegany County has one of the oldest median ages in Maryland at 44.7, placing many western Maryland residents at elevated risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Rather than driving to Baltimore or the DC suburbs for subspecialty eye care, Hagerstown-area patients can access retinal treatment, advanced cataract surgery with premium lens implants, corneal cross-linking for keratoconus, and comprehensive eye exams at Washington Eye Institute's Cumberland office on Kent Avenue, approximately 45 minutes west via I-70 and I-68. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and fellowship-trained specialists brings the same expertise found at academic medical centers to western Maryland, so patients in Hagerstown, Frostburg, Lavale, and the surrounding communities receive advanced care without the burden of a two-hour drive to the metro area.

Wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion all require regular intravitreal injections to preserve vision. For Hagerstown patients, traveling to Baltimore or the DC suburbs for each injection appointment creates a significant burden that can lead to missed treatments and preventable vision loss. Our Cumberland office provides anti-VEGF injection therapy on a routine basis, along with laser photocoagulation and ongoing optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to track treatment response over time. We also evaluate and manage retinal tears, macular pathology, and retinal vascular disease. Patients with inflammatory eye conditions, including autoimmune-related uveitis and infectious uveitis, receive medical management from our team without leaving western Maryland. Staying local for retinal care means Hagerstown-area patients can maintain the consistent treatment schedule their condition demands.

Cataracts affect the majority of adults over 70, and western Maryland's aging population means demand for cataract surgery continues to grow. Our Cumberland surgeons perform laser-assisted cataract surgery using femtosecond laser technology for a procedure performed with enhanced precision. During your consultation, your surgeon will measure your eye dimensions, assess cataract density, and discuss lens implant options tailored to your visual goals. Washington Eye Institute offers premium intraocular lenses, including the Light Adjustable Lens and Apthera IOL, which allow for customized refractive outcomes that can reduce dependence on glasses after surgery. We also have extensive experience with complex cataract cases, including patients who have had prior refractive surgery. Hagerstown patients receive the full range of modern cataract care locally and recover in the comfort of their own community, avoiding the two-hour round trip to Baltimore.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and regular monitoring is essential to ensure treatment remains effective. Because the condition progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, consistent follow-up with pressure checks, visual field testing, and OCT imaging is critical for patients at every stage. Our Cumberland office provides the full spectrum of glaucoma care, from initial diagnosis and prescription eye drop management to laser glaucoma treatments and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) for patients whose condition requires a surgical approach. Having local access to both medical and surgical glaucoma management means Hagerstown patients can keep follow-up appointments on schedule without the time and cost of traveling to a metro-area specialist. Early detection and consistent local care give our western Maryland glaucoma patients the best chance of preserving their vision long term.

A thorough eye exam does more than update your glasses or contact lens prescription. It screens for conditions that develop without early symptoms, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and retinal tears. Our Cumberland optometrists and ophthalmologists provide full diagnostic evaluations using advanced imaging, including OCT scans and visual field testing, to give Hagerstown families a complete picture of their eye health. Adults over 65 should have a comprehensive exam annually, and patients with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits. Because our Cumberland location has both optometrists for routine care and ophthalmologists for surgical and medical eye conditions under one roof, any findings during a routine exam can be addressed immediately by a specialist without a separate referral or additional travel.

Diabetes is a leading risk factor for vision loss, and rural communities in western Maryland sometimes have fewer opportunities for the specialized screening and treatment these patients need. Our Cumberland office offers dilated diabetic eye exams with retinal imaging to detect diabetic retinopathy at its earliest, most treatable stages. Annual screening is recommended for all patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, even those whose blood sugar is well controlled, because retinopathy can progress without noticeable symptoms. When treatment is needed, our team provides intravitreal injections for diabetic macular edema and laser photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, all locally. Hagerstown-area patients with diabetes benefit from having both screening and advanced retinal treatment available at a single Cumberland location, making it easier to stay on top of the eye care their condition requires.

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision that worsens over time if left untreated. Patients in the Hagerstown area no longer need to travel to Baltimore or Washington, DC for specialized keratoconus care. Washington Eye Institute offers corneal cross-linking, the only FDA-approved treatment to stabilize the progression of keratoconus, at our Cumberland office. For patients with advanced or late-stage keratoconus, our fellowship-trained cornea specialist also perform corneal transplantation. In addition, our optometrists fit specialty hard and scleral contact lenses designed specifically for irregular corneas, providing clearer, more comfortable vision for patients whose condition cannot be corrected with standard glasses or soft contacts. From early diagnosis through ongoing management, Hagerstown patients have access to the full continuum of keratoconus care locally.

Chronic dry eye is more than occasional discomfort. Left unmanaged, it can affect daily activities, contact lens wear, and overall quality of life. Many Hagerstown-area patients have tried over-the-counter drops without lasting relief. Our Cumberland office provides a comprehensive approach to dry eye and ocular surface disease, starting with a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Treatment options include intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which targets inflammation in the meibomian glands to help improve tear film quality, as well as punctal plugs to help the eye retain moisture. Our multidisciplinary team of ophthalmologists and optometrists works together to develop a personalized treatment plan, giving western Maryland patients access to the same advanced dry eye therapies available at metro-area specialty practices.

Standard soft contact lenses and glasses do not always provide adequate vision correction, especially for patients with keratoconus, severe astigmatism, post-surgical eyes, or chronic dry eye. Our Cumberland optometrists specialize in fitting scleral contact lenses, hybrid contact lenses, and toric lenses for patients with irregular or hard-to-fit corneas. Scleral contact lenses vault over the entire corneal surface, providing clear, stable vision and a comfortable cushion of moisture for dry eye sufferers. For Hagerstown-area patients who have been told they cannot wear contacts or who struggle with poor vision despite corrective lenses, a specialty contact lens evaluation at our Cumberland office may open up options that were previously only available at practices in the Baltimore or DC metro area.

From Hagerstown, take I-70 West toward Hancock. Continue onto I-68 West at the interchange and follow signs toward Cumberland. Take the appropriate exit for the Cumberland office location. This route covers approximately 75 miles and takes about 45 minutes to one hour depending on conditions. Parking is available at the office.

For a scenic alternative, take US-40 West (National Pike) from Hagerstown through Hancock and onward toward Cumberland. This route follows the historic National Road and passes through small towns along the way. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Free parking is available at the Cumberland office.

Getting to Washington Eye Institute from Hagerstown

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Care Near Hagerstown

Yes. Our Cumberland office provides subspecialty services including retinal injections, cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and diabetic eye screening. You do not need to travel to Baltimore or the DC area for advanced eye care.

We accept Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans for covered eye care services. Contact our Cumberland office to confirm the details of your specific Medicare plan before your appointment.

Eye Care Questions from Hagerstown-Area Patients

Answers to common questions from patients in the Hagerstown, Frostburg, and western Maryland region about the services available at our Cumberland office.

Our Cumberland team provides intravitreal injection therapy for conditions including wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. We also offer laser photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and ongoing monitoring with OCT imaging to track treatment response over time. Patients with retinal tears, macular pathology, and retinal vascular disease are evaluated and managed locally. For conditions requiring frequent injections, having treatment available in Cumberland means Hagerstown patients can maintain the consistent appointment schedule these conditions demand without the travel burden.
Washington Eye Institute is led by Dr. Michael Summerfield, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist who serves as the Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center Ophthalmology Residency Program Director. Our team includes fellowship-trained specialists in cornea, refractive surgery, and medical eye care. The practice participates in clinical trials and uses advanced technology including femtosecond laser cataract surgery and the Light Adjustable Lens. Hagerstown patients receive the same caliber of care available at academic medical centers, with the convenience of a Cumberland location that is approximately 45 minutes from Hagerstown rather than two hours to Baltimore.
Adults over 65 should have a comprehensive eye exam annually. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, a family history of macular degeneration, or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits. Allegany County's older median age means many residents are in the demographic most vulnerable to age-related eye conditions. Early detection through regular exams remains the most effective way to preserve vision, and our Cumberland office makes it easier for Hagerstown-area patients to stay on schedule with annual screenings.
Our Cumberland office provides dilated diabetic eye exams with retinal imaging to detect diabetic retinopathy at the stages when treatment is most effective. We recommend annual screening for all patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, even those whose blood sugar is well controlled, because retinopathy can develop without noticeable symptoms. If treatment is needed, our team provides intravitreal injections for diabetic macular edema and laser photocoagulation for proliferative retinopathy at the same location, so Hagerstown patients do not need to travel elsewhere for follow-up care.
Your surgeon will measure your eye dimensions, assess the density of the cataract, and discuss your daily visual needs and goals. You will learn about the available lens implant options, including standard lenses as well as premium choices like the Light Adjustable Lens and Apthera IOL, which can be customized to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery. We use femtosecond laser technology for a procedure performed with enhanced precision. Your surgeon will provide a clear explanation of the surgical process, recovery timeline, and what to expect at each follow-up visit, all of which take place at our Cumberland location.
Our Cumberland office handles eye emergencies during regular office hours. Call immediately if you are experiencing sudden vision loss, eye trauma, severe pain, new flashes and floaters, or a sudden increase in floaters. These symptoms can indicate retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, or other conditions that require prompt evaluation. We prioritize urgent cases to evaluate and treat you as quickly as possible, so Hagerstown-area patients can receive emergency eye care locally rather than driving to a hospital emergency room in Baltimore.
Yes. Our Cumberland office has both optometrists for routine eye exams, prescription management, and specialty contact lens fittings, and ophthalmologists for surgical and medical eye care including cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and retinal treatment. If a routine exam reveals a condition that needs specialist attention, your care can transition immediately without a separate referral or additional travel. Having all your eye care in one location simplifies scheduling, keeps your records in one place, and ensures continuity between your primary eye doctor and any specialist involved in your care.
The most direct route is I-70 West to I-68 West, a drive of approximately 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic and weather. Our Cumberland office is located on Kent Avenue near Greenway Avenue Stadium and Fort Hill High School, with convenient parking. For patients who do not drive or whose procedure requires someone else to drive them home, some community transportation services operate in the western Maryland corridor. Contact our office and we can provide additional guidance on getting to your appointment.
Yes. We provide the full range of keratoconus care at our Cumberland location, from early diagnosis through advanced treatment. Corneal cross-linking is available to stabilize progression of the condition, and our fellowship-trained cornea specialist perform corneal transplantation for patients with advanced disease. Our optometrists also fit specialty scleral and hard contact lenses designed for irregular corneas, which can significantly improve vision for keratoconus patients who cannot see well with standard glasses or soft contacts. Hagerstown-area patients previously had to travel to Baltimore or DC for this level of keratoconus care.
Our Cumberland office offers advanced dry eye treatment that goes beyond over-the-counter artificial tears. We start with a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, whether it is meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular surface inflammation, or another factor. Treatment options include intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which targets inflammation to help improve tear film quality, and punctal plugs to help the eye retain moisture. For patients with severe dry eye, we also offer specialty scleral contact lenses that create a cushion of moisture over the cornea for all-day comfort. Our multidisciplinary team develops a personalized plan to address your specific dry eye condition.
Washington Eye Institute offers the Visian ICL, an implantable lens designed for patients with high myopia or those who are not candidates for LASIK. The ICL is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens and can correct significant nearsightedness without removing corneal tissue. Our board-certified refractive surgeon have extensive experience with implantable lens technologies. Hagerstown-area patients interested in reducing their dependence on glasses or contacts can schedule a consultation at our practice to determine whether the ICL is a good fit for their vision and eye health.
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. It may be triggered by autoimmune conditions, infections, or occur without a known cause. Without proper treatment, uveitis can lead to serious complications including vision loss. Our Cumberland team provides medical management for autoimmune-related uveitis, infectious uveitis, and chronic inflammatory eye disease. Hagerstown patients with uveitis benefit from having ongoing monitoring and treatment available locally, since this condition often requires frequent follow-up visits to adjust medication and assess response to therapy.

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