Francis J Crilley Jr MD in Baltimore: Ophthalmology and Refractive Surgery

Francis J Crilley Jr MD is an ophthalmologist in Baltimore offering comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery, and treatment of eye diseases, positioned as a provider for patients seeking both routine vision correction and surgical intervention.

What Francis J Crilley Jr MD actually offers

The practice provides full-scope ophthalmology, including medical eye exams, refraction for glasses and contact lenses, cataract surgery, and refractive procedures (LASIK and PRK). Crilley holds an MD degree and is board certified in ophthalmology, which distinguishes him from optometrists (who hold OD degrees and cannot perform surgery). This scope matters for Baltimore patients: if you need both a routine eye exam and a potential surgical option evaluated in one place, an MD ophthalmologist can do both; most optometry practices cannot.

Services and what to expect for costs

A comprehensive eye exam at an ophthology practice typically costs between $150 and $250 out of pocket without insurance, though prices vary by complexity. Contact lens fitting adds $50 to $150 depending on lens type. Cataract surgery in Maryland generally costs $3,000 to $5,000 per eye without insurance; this price nearly always decreases substantially with Medicare or private insurance, though out-of-pocket responsibility depends on your specific plan. LASIK and PRK are elective and rarely covered by insurance; costs range from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye at practices in and around Baltimore. Verify current pricing directly, as costs fluctuate by procedure, eye prescription complexity, and facility fee structure.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore ophthalmology options

Baltimore has multiple ophthalmology practices affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical System, as well as independent practitioners. Practices at major systems often offer the advantage of integrated electronic records and on-site surgical facilities, but may carry longer waits for new patients (sometimes 6 to 12 weeks). Independent practitioners like Crilley may offer more flexible scheduling and shorter appointment lead times. For refractive surgery specifically, some large Baltimore practices (like those at Johns Hopkins) perform high volumes of LASIK, which can be an asset if you prioritize statistical outcome data; smaller or independent practices may offer more personalized surgical planning. If you need a cataract evaluation or general ophthalmology care and prefer to be seen quickly, an independent practice may suit you better. If you want care integrated with a major medical system or anticipate needing other specialists on-site, a system-affiliated practice may be preferable.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

This practice suits Baltimore patients who need comprehensive eye care with surgical capability in one office, who value a single-provider relationship, or who seek refractive surgery consultation. It is less suited to patients who have a strong existing relationship with an optometrist and do not need surgical services, or who require care from a large multidisciplinary team for complex systemic eye disease (though most complex cases can be managed or co-managed at an independent practice with appropriate referrals).

What a first visit involves

A first appointment includes a detailed medical and vision history, visual acuity testing (how well you see at standard distances), refraction (determining your prescription), intraocular pressure measurement, and a dilated eye exam to assess the retina and optic nerve. If you are considering refractive surgery, expect additional testing such as corneal topography and pachymetry (measuring corneal thickness). The appointment typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Bring your current glasses, a list of medications, and insurance information. You will not be able to drive immediately afterward if your eyes are dilated, so arrange transportation or plan to wait for dilation to wear off.

Hours, location, and parking

Verify current hours by calling or checking the practice website, as surgical schedules sometimes shift availability for routine appointments. Most Baltimore ophthalmology practices offer morning and afternoon slots on weekdays; many also schedule Saturday hours. Parking varies by location; if the office is in a downtown or Inner Harbor medical building, street parking is limited and garage parking may cost $5 to $15. If it is in a neighborhood or suburban location, free or ample parking is typically available.

Francis J Crilley Jr MD represents a straightforward option for Baltimore patients who value having both diagnostic and surgical ophthalmology capability without navigating referrals between separate providers.