TOTAL EYE CARE
Total Eye Care
We perform complete and thorough routine and medical eye examinations for people of all ages using a variety of advanced instruments and techniques which make it possible to diagnose conditions both inside and outside the eye.
Drs. Cassel and Ratner specialize in eye surgery including cataract, lens, implant, and laser surgery, as well as the treatment of glaucoma, corneal, and retinal disorders and many other eye problems. The doctors are also available to give second opinions on cataract surgery and the diagnosis and treatment of other medical and surgical eye problems. The excellent surgical and laser facilities and equipment at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and our affiliation with the Johns Hopkins Hospital further aid them in providing total and state of the art eye care to our patients.
Through the expertise of Drs. Billig and Flemke, we can fit contacts for all ages, with all types of eyeglass prescriptions.
They also specialize in fitting contact lenses for unusual prescriptions for astigmatism, bifocals, and custom-tinted contact lenses.
Our doctors have the expertise to help correct vision when refractive surgery is not successful. Drs. Billig and Flemke also have the
expertise to help those patients who have binocular vision problems that cause double vision.
Our optical area offers our patients an opportunity to select quality eyewear while at our office. We carry a display of over
700 frame styles with a wide range of styles and prices. Our opticians have extensive experience
in the art of dispensing eyeglasses. Besides being able to assist in choosing the right frame style for you,
he also is an expert in fitting progressive bifocals and trifocals. We have the latest
in high index materials to make your lenses thinner than any previous generation lenses. . Ultraviolet and anti-reflective coating,
transition and photo-gray
lenses, non-prescription quality sunglasses and a wide variety of lens tints are also available.
OUR DOCTORS
What is an Ophthalmologist?
Drs. Cassel and Ratner are ophthalmologists, or eye physicians and surgeons, who have graduated from accredited
medical schools with M.D. degrees and have completed extensive training in eye care beyond medical school and internship.
As ophthalmologists, they provide total eye care, including performing comprehensive medical eye examinations, and prescribing
glasses, diagnosing diseases and disorders of the eye, and using the appropriate medical, surgical, and
laser procedures necessary for treatment.
Gary H. Cassel M.D.
Dr. Gary Cassel attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He interned at New York University Medical Center, and spent two years conducting research on cataracts and diabetic eye disease at the National Eye Institute of N.I.H. He did his eye residency training at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Cassel later came to Baltimore and was a fellow at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins Hospital doing retinal research. He is currently an instructor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Cassel also has staff privileges at Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
And what does Dr. Cassel do in his spare time? Flamingnet.com
Lois J. Ratner M.D.
Dr. Lois Ratner did her undergraduate college study at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York she attended the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City where she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. Her internship was completed at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City, after which she spent three years training in Ophthalmology, including eye surgery and lasers, at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Ratner was subsequently appointed as the Chief Resident of Ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Following her residency in ophthalmology she also trained as a glaucoma specialist with Dr. Steven Podos, a world renowned expert in glaucoma.
What is an Optometrist
Drs. Billig and Flemke are doctors of optometry (O.D.). An optometrist is a professional licensed to practice optometry,
specializing in eye and visual care. The optometric education consists of four years of undergraduate college followed
by four years in an optometric college. Optometry College provides extensive training in eye care with a major emphasis
on the diagnosis of eye diseases and the assessment of visual disturbances, including clinical patient care. The optometrist
treats visual disturbances with glasses, contact lenses, and low vision aids (magnifiers), and may also prescribe exercises
for muscle imbalances. Optometrists are also licensed to diagnose and treat certain medical eye conditions. If an
optometrist diagnoses an eye disease that requires additional medical treatment, the patient
is then referred to the ophthalmologist.
Michael D. Billig O.D.
Dr. Michael Billig, a native of Baltimore, received his undergraduate degree from the
University of Maryland. After college, he attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston, where he earned his doctorate.
Dr. Billig has been in private practice in the Baltimore area since 1983, specializing in prescribing contact lenses. He has extensive
experience fitting soft, rigid gas permeable and hard, clear and tinted contact lenses. Dr. Billig has the patience
and knowledge necessary to fit people who have had difficulty wearing contacts in the past. He is
recognized by optometrist and ophthalmologists across the state for his expertise and integrity.
Stephen C. Flemke O.D.
Dr. Stephan Flemke, a native of Phoenix, Maryland, is also and outstanding optometrist.
He trained at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia.
Dr. Flemke's extensive training has touched on all aspects of eye care with a special emphasis on contact lenses and eyeglass
problems. Dr. Flemke, along with Dr. Billig, are part of a select group of optometrists in Maryland who are certified to
dispense therapeutic medications. Dr. Flemke's excellent training is as important to us as his personal and sincere approach
to patients, which fits in very nicely with our practice style.
Our Opticians
Mr. Shawn Stebbing
Mr. Stebbing has been an optician in Maryland for many years. Prior to joining our team at Ruxton Towers,
Mr. Stebbing was with United Optical where he not only dispensed eyewear but managed an office that included several other opticians and staff.
As a board certified and experienced optician, Mr. Stebbing takes measurements, reads prescriptions, dispenses eyeglasses and
provides customer service. He also has a lens tracing unit in our office that allows him to order you new lenses
WITHOUT the need to leave your frames with us. This state-of-the-art lens tracing unit has quickened
our turn-around on new and replacement eyeglass lenses, making a lot of our patients very happy. Additionally, Mr.Stebbing
knows how to use intricate tools to adjust and repair eyeglass frames, as well as
offering tips on how to care for eyeglasses and keep them from breaking as a result of
everyday wear and tear.
Ms. Jennifer Kelley
Ms. Kelley has also been a board certified optician in Maryland for many years, initially working with Dr.
Stuart Dankner in Cross Keyes and then working for over 17 years with patients through the Luxoticca Group,
manufacturers, marketers and designers of eyeglass frames and sunglasses eyewear. She brings with her experience
in all aspects of the optical profession. Besides being extremely knowledgeable in
the latest lens materials, coatings, and finishing techniques for eyeglasses, she has a tremendous amount of
expertise in choosing frames that are right for each different facial shape and coloring. Ms. Kelley, armed
with the latest tools available in the optical industry, often can adjust or fix your eyeglasses
while you wait.
For years we have strived to provide our patients with quality eye care from experienced professionals.
Mr. Stebbing and Ms. Kelley's patient-oriented style and years of experience in the optical profession
fit perfectly with our goals. We invite all of you to stop in and meet them.
THE EYE BOOK
Our doctors authored THE EYE BOOK- A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health, published by The Johns Hopkins Press. The book is written for those people interested in learning more about their eyes and eye problems, ranging from glasses and contact lenses to cataracts and glaucoma. The Eye Book has been well received nationwide and went into a second printing shortly after its initial release. It is currently available at all of the major booksellers as well as on-line (Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com) at a very reasonable price.
INSURANCE AND FEES
Our practice makes every effort to keep down the cost of medical care. One way we do this is by asking that you pay for all
office visits at the time of your service. If you have health insurance coverage then we ask that any co-pay or deductible be
paid at time of your office visit or procedure. Please bring your insurance card to all your appointments along with any referrals or
authorization forms so that we can promptly file for your service. If you are coming for a ROUTINE EYE EXAM check your health insurance
plan carefully to see if you have vision coverage for this type of examination. Not all insurance plans pay for vision services or
routine eye examinations. Please help us by understanding your coverage. Our office currently participates with Medicare, Blue Shield
(Carefirst) and many other local and national health insurance plans. Call our office or that of your health insurance plan to verify
our participation and your eye care benefits.
If you are having financial difficulties, we do not let this stand in the way of your receiving proper medical attention and eye care. We will be glad to speak with you privately and make financial arrangements on an individual basis.
