George A Patterson, MD in Baltimore: Comprehensive Eye Care With a Focus on Cataract and Refractive Surgery
George A Patterson, MD operates as a full-service ophthalmology practice in Baltimore offering medical, surgical, and refractive eye care to adult patients. The practice handles conditions ranging from routine refraction and glaucoma management to cataract surgery and LASIK, making it suited to patients seeking both primary eye care and surgical intervention under one provider rather than referrals between separate offices.
What the practice handles
Patterson's scope includes comprehensive eye exams, prescription updates, cataract evaluation and surgery, LASIK and PRK for refractive error, glaucoma screening and management, and treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The practice does not specialize in pediatric ophthalmology, retinal disease, or oculoplastics; patients with detached retinas, complex retinal conditions, or eyelid surgery needs are referred to specialists rather than treated in-house.
Services and typical costs
A comprehensive eye exam with dilation runs approximately $150 to $200 without insurance; patients with coverage should verify their copay with their carrier before the visit. LASIK consultations are free; surgery costs range from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye, varying by corneal thickness, refractive error magnitude, and whether the patient qualifies for custom wavefront treatment. Cataract surgery fees are typically billed through insurance with a standard copay or coinsurance; out-of-pocket costs depend on the lens implant selected, with basic monofocal implants covered at a higher percentage than premium multifocal or toric options. Confirm current pricing at the time of contact, as cataract costs shift with insurance contracts and implant availability.
How Patterson compares to other Baltimore ophthalmologists
The practice occupies a middle ground in Baltimore's ophthalmology landscape. Larger hospital-affiliated systems like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical System offer more subspecialty depth and same-day urgent care but typically longer waits for routine exams and higher out-of-pocket costs at their academic centers. Smaller independent practices or optometry-based centers handle basic exams and prescriptions at lower cost but lack surgical capability. Patterson's advantage lies in combining surgical capacity with same-specialty continuity; a patient diagnosed with early cataracts during an exam sees the same MD for surgery planning rather than being transferred. For patients who prioritize breadth of surgical options and one-stop care over access to corneal specialists or retinal surgeons, Patterson is the stronger fit than a pediatric-focused or subspecialty-only practice.
Who suits this practice and who doesn't
The practice works well for adults 40 and older seeking cataract evaluation, refractive surgery candidates aged 21 to 65 with stable prescriptions, and patients with glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration who prefer ongoing management with a surgical ophthalmologist. Pediatric patients, those with juvenile-onset glaucoma, or patients with retinal detachment or severe diabetic retinopathy need referral elsewhere. Patients seeking a same-day emergency exam for acute eye pain or vision loss should contact the office directly to confirm urgent-visit availability rather than assume walk-in access; most surgical practices reserve same-day slots for established patients and route new acute cases to urgent-care centers or hospital EDs.
What to expect on your first visit
New patients should arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and bring a current photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications. The exam includes visual acuity testing, tonometry (eye pressure check), dilated fundus exam, and assessment for refractive error. If the patient expresses interest in LASIK or cataract surgery, the MD performs a preliminary evaluation but does not typically commit to a surgery date at the first visit; a follow-up consultation with measurements and detailed options occurs before surgical scheduling. Bring sunglasses or request samples if dilating drops are used, as pupils remain dilated for 3 to 4 hours post-exam, blurring vision and increasing light sensitivity.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The practice office is located in Baltimore County; verify the exact address and current hours before traveling, as these details change periodically. Street parking or a nearby lot is typically available. Most appointments are scheduled rather than walk-in, so call ahead rather than arriving unannounced. Insurance accepted includes most major plans; the office staff can confirm coverage eligibility by phone before your visit.
George A Patterson, MD fills a specific niche for Baltimore adults who want cataract or refractive surgery without navigating a large health system or multiple referrals. The practice's strength is surgical depth paired with accessible outpatient continuity of care.
