Michael D. Duplessie, MD in Baltimore: Surgical and Medical Eye Care Near Harbor East

Michael D. Duplessie, MD operates a medical and surgical ophthalmology practice in Baltimore, treating conditions from routine refractive errors and dry eye to cataracts and glaucoma, with surgical procedures performed at Mercy Medical Center and other affiliated surgical centers.

What the practice actually is

Duplessie is a physician-owned practice offering both medical management and surgical intervention for eye conditions. The practice handles diagnosis and treatment of common conditions (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, dry eye disease, presbyopia) as well as more complex cases involving cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Cataract surgery is a primary surgical service; patients seeking only glasses or contact lens fitting or those with primarily cosmetic concerns (eyelid surgery, Botox) are better served elsewhere. The practice sits in Baltimore's medical landscape as a full-service ophthalmology option with surgical capability, distinct from optometry-only clinics and from ophthalmologists limiting their scope to nonsurgical management.

Services and what they cost

A new-patient comprehensive eye exam includes visual acuity testing, dilated fundus examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and evaluation for refractive error. Most insurance plans cover the medical portion of this visit; uninsured patients should confirm cost directly with the practice. Follow-up visits for established conditions (dry eye, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration) typically carry lower copays than initial comprehensive exams when insurance is used.

Cataract surgery at affiliated surgical centers carries facility and anesthesia fees beyond the surgeon's fee; total out-of-pocket cost for an uninsured patient undergoing bilateral cataract extraction generally ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per eye depending on lens choice and facility, but this varies. Glaucoma medication and management follow insurance copay structures. The practice accepts Medicare and most major commercial plans; details on specific plan participation should be confirmed before the first visit.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore eye care

Baltimore has competing options across different service levels. Optometry-only clinics (including chains offering glasses and basic exams) are cheaper for simple refractive care and contact lens fitting but cannot diagnose or treat many eye conditions and cannot perform surgery. Hospital-based ophthalmology practices like those within Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical System offer subspecialty depth (retinal specialists, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric eye care) and longer appointment wait times; these suit complex or research-driven cases. Independent surgeons like Duplessie offer faster scheduling, continuity of care, and surgical access without the bureaucracy of hospital systems, but lack on-site subspecialists. Choose Duplessie for straightforward medical eye care, cataract surgery, and glaucoma management in a private practice setting; choose Johns Hopkins or UM if you need subspecialty evaluation, urgent same-day access (they have more call coverage), or research-trial participation.

Who this practice is and is not suited for

The practice is a good fit for patients with cataracts ready for surgery, established glaucoma needing ongoing medical management, age-related dry eye, diabetic eye disease requiring medical oversight, and presbyopia correction. Patients with complex retinal conditions (proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, retinal detachment) are typically better served by dedicated retinal specialists at larger institutions. Patients seeking only glasses or contacts and those with primarily cosmetic eyelid concerns should consider optometrists or plastic surgeons. New patients with diabetes or significant family history of glaucoma are ideal candidates because the practice can establish baseline measurements and catch progression early.

What to expect on a first visit

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes. You will complete a medical history form covering current eye symptoms, past eye surgeries or injuries, family history of glaucoma or blindness, and systemic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune conditions). Nursing staff will perform automated testing including visual field screening or OCT imaging if indicated. The physician will perform a slit-lamp examination of the front of the eye, measure eye pressure, and dilate your pupils to examine the optic nerve and retina. You will receive a written summary of findings and a prescription for glasses or contact lenses if refractive correction is needed. If cataract surgery or advanced glaucoma treatment is indicated, the physician will discuss options, timelines, and costs.

Hours, location, and logistics

Duplessie's office is located in the Harbor East area of Baltimore. Office hours and parking availability should be confirmed directly by phone or the practice website; this information changes periodically. The practice operates as a physician office without hospital urgency room services; patients with acute eye emergencies (chemical burns, severe trauma, sudden vision loss) should go to the emergency department at Mercy Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, or the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Duplessie fills a practical gap for Baltimore patients needing cataract surgery and medical eye care without waiting weeks for a hospital-based appointment or navigating a large health system, while maintaining surgical credentialing and continuity with local surgical centers.