Andrew E. Holzman, MD in Baltimore: Refractive Surgery and Cataract Expertise

Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS operates a surgical ophthalmology practice in Baltimore focused on cataract removal, refractive procedures, and lens implants, serving patients who need precision eye surgery rather than routine refraction or frame fitting.

What Holzman's practice actually is

Dr. Holzman is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in anterior segment surgery—the lens and cornea. His credentials include FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), which indicates training and board certification in surgical technique. He performs cataract surgeries with premium intraocular lens options, refractive procedures (LASIK, PRK, and similar corneal corrections), and refractive lens exchange for patients over 50 who have presbyopia or high refractive error. The practice differs from general Baltimore ophthalmology offices that may do routine dilated exams and glasses prescriptions; it is a surgical referral center where patients typically arrive already diagnosed and seeking a specialist.

Services and fees

Cataract surgery is the core service. Standard cataract extraction with a monofocal intraocular lens is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans if medically necessary; out-of-pocket cost for uninsured patients ranges from $3,000 to $4,000 per eye depending on complexity. Premium lens options (multifocal, toric for astigmatism, extended depth-of-focus) cost $1,500 to $2,500 more per eye and are often not covered by insurance. LASIK and PRK pricing varies by refractive error complexity; typical Baltimore-area refractive surgery fees are $1,500 to $3,000 per eye for LASIK. Verify current fees and which insurance plans are accepted directly with the office, as surgical fee structures change and in-network status varies by insurer.

Refractive lens exchange (an alternative to LASIK for patients over 50) costs similar to premium cataract surgery and is usually elective, not covered by insurance.

How Holzman compares to Baltimore ophthalmologists

Baltimore has several practicing corneal and cataract surgeons, but many are embedded in hospital-affiliated groups (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical Center, Sinai Hospital) rather than private practices. Dr. Holzman's private surgical practice means shorter scheduling delays and more direct control over surgical planning. Some Hopkins and University of Maryland surgeons maintain similar refractive expertise; the difference lies in access and appointment timeline. If you need urgent cataract surgery through an established hospital ophthalmology department, Hopkins and UMMC offer 24/7 infrastructure and extended surgical suites. If you prefer a private surgery center setting with faster scheduling for elective refractive work, Holzman is a documented surgical expert with established facilities. For routine comprehensive eye exams, vision correction, or glaucoma management, a general ophthalmologist or optometrist is often more efficient and cost-effective than a surgical specialist.

Who it suits and who it does not

Holzman's practice suits patients with diagnosed cataracts, presbyopia requiring correction, or corneal refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) who want surgical options evaluated. It serves candidates for premium lens implants, patients considering LASIK who need a detailed surgical candidacy assessment, and people already referred by their primary eye doctor to a specialist. The practice does not suit patients seeking routine eye exams, progressive lens prescriptions, or contact lens fittings; those services are better handled by general optometry or ophthalmology. It is not a walk-in urgent care for flashes, floaters, or acute eye pain; those require immediate evaluation at a hospital emergency department or urgent ophthalmology clinic.

What the first visit involves

Patients arrive with a referral or as self-referred consultations. The office will review current refractive history, any previous eye imaging or tests, and relevant medical history. Dr. Holzman performs a dilated exam, measures the eye for surgical planning (keratometry, axial length, anterior chamber depth), and discusses surgical options, lens choices, and realistic outcomes. For cataract surgery, this typically takes 45 to 90 minutes. For refractive surgery consultation, additional topography and wavefront analysis may be done to assess candidacy. Insurance verification happens before or during the visit; elective refractive procedures are billed directly to the patient. The office will provide a written surgical quote and timeline.

Hours, location, and logistics

Dr. Holzman's practice is located in Baltimore and operates Monday through Friday; specific hours and exact address should be confirmed by phone or website before your first visit, as surgical schedule availability varies. Parking is available on-site. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted for medically necessary cataract surgery; verify your in-network status with the office. Surgical procedures are performed at an associated surgery center; you will receive separate pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

Holzman's surgical focus and private practice model position him for Baltimore patients who need expert lens or corneal surgery and want detailed consultation outside a hospital system framework.