Gerri L. Goodman MD in Baltimore: Medical Eye Care with Surgery Credentials
Gerri L. Goodman MD is an ophthalmologist—not an optometrist—operating in Baltimore with surgical privileges and diagnostic scope that distinguishes her from optometrists who perform refraction and basic eye exams. This distinction matters for patients who need cataract removal, corneal procedures, glaucoma management, or complex retinal cases.
What this practice actually is
Goodman is a physician with an MD degree and ophthalmology training, which means her scope includes the full spectrum of eye care: medical diagnosis and treatment, surgical intervention, and prescription eyewear. She operates with hospital surgical privileges, typically at one of Baltimore's major medical centers. This differs fundamentally from an optometrist's role, which is limited to refraction, eye exams, contact lens fitting, and diagnosis of common conditions; optometrists cannot perform surgery or prescribe certain medications. If you need cataract surgery, retinal laser treatment, or management of glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, you need an ophthalmologist. If you want a routine eye exam and glasses prescription, an optometrist is often sufficient and may be more accessible.
Services and scope
Goodman's practice includes:
- Comprehensive eye exams and refraction
- Diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration
- Laser and surgical procedures (cataract extraction, corneal surgery, retinal interventions)
- Prescription of topical and systemic medications for eye disease
- Co-management with optometrists and primary care doctors for routine follow-up
Pricing is not published on standard business directories and will depend on your insurance plan and whether care is surgical (typically higher) or diagnostic only. Medicare covers cataract surgery and glaucoma care under Part B, with your 20% coinsurance responsibility depending on whether the surgeon is in-network. Commercial insurance varies widely. Out-of-pocket cost for a routine exam without procedure typically ranges $150–$300 at independent ophthalmology practices in the Baltimore area; surgery costs are in the thousands and are almost always covered substantially by insurance if medical necessity is documented. Call to confirm current fees and insurance acceptance.
How to access: referral, appointment, and new-patient status
Many patients see Goodman by referral from their primary care doctor or optometrist, particularly for surgical cases. Some ophthalmology practices accept self-referrals for eye exams. New-patient appointment lead times at busy surgical practices in Baltimore typically range from two to eight weeks, depending on urgency and whether surgery is anticipated. Routine exams may be available sooner than surgical consultations. Confirm new-patient status and expected wait time when calling.
Comparison to Baltimore's ophthalmology landscape
Baltimore has several large ophthalmology groups and independent practices. Major affiliated groups include those tied to Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical System; these offer the advantage of integrated hospital care and multiple subspecialties under one system, but appointments may take longer and navigability can be complex. Independent ophthalmologists like Goodman typically offer more direct access and shorter waits for routine care but may have fewer on-site ancillary services. If you need a subspecialist (retina, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric eye care), a large system may be your only option. If you want a focused surgical or general practice with direct scheduling, an independent provider is often more efficient.
Who this suits and who it does not
Goodman's practice is appropriate for patients who need or suspect they need eye surgery, are managing chronic eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes-related eye problems), have had significant eye trauma, or have been referred by their optometrist for a second opinion or specialist care. It is not the right first stop for a simple eye exam and glasses prescription if you have no known eye disease and your optometrist is accessible; optometrists can handle that efficiently and at lower cost.
First visit: what to expect
Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications (including eye drops), and any prior eye records or imaging from another provider. The exam will include visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, dilated fundus examination, and possibly optical coherence tomography (OCT) or other imaging if a retinal or optic nerve problem is suspected. If surgery is planned, additional testing (A-scan for lens power calculation, visual field testing, or imaging) will be scheduled before the procedure. The visit typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour, particularly if you are new to the practice.
Hours, location, and logistics
Specific hours and parking information require confirmation directly with the practice. Most ophthalmology offices in Baltimore are located near hospitals or in medical office parks; parking is usually available on-site or adjacent. Call ahead to confirm whether the office uses an electronic check-in system and whether you should arrive early for new-patient paperwork.
An ophthalmologist with surgical credentials and established practice in Baltimore fills a necessary niche for patients with complex eye disease or surgical need—a role distinct from and complementary to the optometrist practices that serve routine vision correction.
