Andrew I. Kessler in Baltimore: Refractive Surgery and General Ophthalmology in Federal Hill

Andrew I. Kessler is a solo-practice ophthalmologist in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood who handles both general eye care and refractive procedures, including LASIK and PRK. His practice operates at a scale typical of independent ophthalmology practices in the city, offering the continuity of seeing the same provider over years rather than rotating through a large group system.

What this practice actually is

Kessler runs a focused ophthalmology practice split between routine eye exams, glasses and contact lens fitting, and surgical intervention for vision correction. He performs refractive procedures in-office, meaning patients exploring LASIK do not need a separate surgical center referral. The practice is neither a high-volume corrective surgery mill nor a complex institutional setting; it functions as a neighborhood practice where the physician is present throughout patient interaction.

Services and what appointments cost

Comprehensive eye exams at this practice typically run 75 to 150 dollars depending on what testing is included, with prices generally toward the lower end for routine visits and higher when advanced imaging (optical coherence tomography, visual fields) is added. Contact lens fittings are billed separately, often 100 to 200 dollars. LASIK and PRK consultations are complimentary; the procedures themselves, when performed, cost between 1,500 and 3,000 dollars per eye, depending on the degree of correction needed and the technology used. Kessler accepts most major insurance plans for diagnostic eye care; refractive surgery is typically out-of-pocket. Prices should be confirmed by contacting the practice directly, as they adjust periodically.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore ophthalmology options

Baltimore has several tiers of ophthalmology providers. Larger groups such as Mercy Medical Center's ophthalmology department and Sinai Hospital's eye care services operate from institutional bases, meaning more staff, multiple locations, and often shorter wait times for routine appointments. They also handle complex surgeries (retinal detachment, corneal transplant) that a solo refractive surgery practice does not. Kessler's practice differs in continuity and accessibility: a patient returns to the same physician for follow-up rather than encountering different providers within a group. For refractive surgery seekers, the in-office capability eliminates coordination steps that larger medical centers might require. At the other end of the spectrum, retail vision chains (Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision) offer fast exam-and-glasses turnaround but refer all surgical needs elsewhere. Kessler is the middle ground: medical expertise with surgical capability on-site but without the institutional overhead.

Who this practice suits and who it does not suit

Kessler's practice is well-suited to Baltimore residents seeking a steady relationship with one ophthalmologist for preventive care, contacts, and refractive surgery evaluation. Patients valuing continuity and direct access to the physician performing their eye exams benefit from the solo-practice model. Those exploring LASIK as their first surgical interaction often appreciate the integrated consultation and procedure environment. The practice does not handle urgent or emergency eye care; a patient with acute trauma, retinal emergency, or infection should go to Mercy or Sinai's emergency services. It is also not the right fit for someone needing retinal surgery, complicated glaucoma management, or pediatric eye care specialization, which require institutional resources and subspecialist training Kessler's scope does not encompass.

What the first visit involves

New patients typically spend 90 minutes on the initial appointment. The visit includes standard visual acuity testing, refraction to determine glasses or contact prescription, intraocular pressure measurement, dilated retinal examination, and any imaging the physician deems necessary (such as corneal topography if LASIK is being considered). If the patient is already wearing glasses or contacts, bring them to the appointment. Kessler will discuss findings, recommend any follow-up, and explain options for correction. If refractive surgery is of interest, the consultation addresses candidacy, realistic outcomes given the patient's specific vision and corneal anatomy, and costs.

Hours, parking, and getting there

The practice is located in Federal Hill, near the intersection of Light Street and Key Highway. Kessler's office hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some Saturday availability; verify exact hours before your visit, as they may shift seasonally. Street parking in Federal Hill is metered and moderately competitive during business hours; the Pier Seven parking garage is a few blocks away and offers all-day lots for reasonable daily rates. Public transit via the Light Rail's Convention Center or Inner Harbor stations is viable if you arrive by car via other means. The practice is not accessible via bus lines with easy walk-in access, so plan 15 minutes for parking and walking from a street lot or garage.

Andrew I. Kessler fills a specific need in Baltimore's ophthalmology landscape: a physician-centered refractive practice where a patient's eye care and surgical correction rest with the same doctor, without the appointment delays and coordination overhead of institutional systems.