Our Doctors
At Eye Doctors of Washington, we provide comprehensive eye care services and utilize the latest technology to achieve the best possible results for our patients. Our ophthalmologists and optometrists have been providing top-quality care for the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area for more than 40 years. If you are interested in receiving treatment from some of the most highly-respected specialists in the field of ophthalmology, contact Eye Doctors of Washington today.
Ophthalmologists
Optometrists
Ophthalmologists
The physicians at Eye Doctors of Washington are regarded as some of the best in the field of ophthalmology and have earned countless recognitions and top honors from their peers. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are all fellowship trained in their subspecialty and are some of the most experienced physicians in the Washington , DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. Learn more about our team below.
Thomas E. Clinch, M.D.
Thomas E. Clinch M.D. is a widely respected member of the ophthalmology community and serves as co-chief refractive surgeon at the Eye Doctors of Washington. Dr. Clinch has administered in excess of 15,000 LASIK surgery cases and has been acknowledged as a “VISX® STAR surgeon,” classifying him amongst the premier LASIK surgeons in the nation. In fact, Dr. Clinch served in the capacity of investigator in the clinical studies that led to the FDA’s approval of: LASIK, PRK, and Intacs®. In addition to his work at Eye Doctors of Washington, He also serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at George Washington University and Washington Hospital Center.
For more detailed information on Dr. Thomas Clinch, please click here.
Douglas E. Gaasterland, M.D.
Dr. Gaasterland is a 1965 graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After an internal medicine internship in Baltimore, he completed residency training at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 1970. Following residency he moved to the National Eye Institute where he completed fellowship training in Glaucoma and Clinical Research. After service in the United States Army, he returned to the National Eye Institute in 1973 as a member of the senior clinical staff, serving as Director of the Glaucoma Research Unit. In 1984, Dr. Gaasterland joined the faculty of the Center for Sight at Georgetown University as Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Glaucoma and Laser Service. He is currently the Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at both Georgetown University and George Washington University.
With a background in engineering, Dr. Gaasterland has been active in development of lasers for ophthalmic treatment for nearly 30 years. He holds two patents for ophthalmic laser treatment devices. He is the author of more than 100 scientific papers and numerous book chapters. He is an expert in the conduct of clinical trials and serves on numerous national and international glaucoma committees, including membership in monitoring committees for multi-center clinical trials in glaucoma.
As an internationally renowned ophthalmologist and specialist in the treatment of Glaucoma and Anterior Segment disease, Dr. Douglas Gaasterland is:
- Co-Director of the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) – the largest clinical study of Glaucoma
- Principal Investigator for the Washington, DC, Center of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS)
- A scientific reviewer for eight ophthalmic journals
- A past member of the editorial boards of Lasers and Light in Ophthalmology and Generic Ophthalmology
Dr. Gaasterland lives in the Washington area where he enjoys running, fishing, and his garden.
Paul C. Kang, M.D.
Paul C. Kang M.D. is a recognized authority in the field of ophthalmology and is co-chief refractive surgeon at Eye Doctors of Washington D.C. Growing up as a son to a blind father inspired Dr. Kang to dedicate his professional life to helping correct the vision of his patients. In addition to performing laser vision correction procedures, Dr. Kang also: serves as a scientific reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, is part of the Visual Sciences Committee at the National Institute of Health, and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University and the Washington Hospital Center.
For more detailed information on Dr. Paul Kang, please click here.
John F. O’Neill, M.D.
A 1956 graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, Dr. John F. O’Neill has completed extensive training in both ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati, Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado and the prestigious Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.
Dr. O’Neill joined the practice of Dr. Frank Costenbader, a pioneer in children’s eye care and considered to be the “Founding Father of Pediatric Ophthalmology”. In 1983, Dr. O’Neill joined the academic faculty at Georgetown University Medical Center and established the center’s first pediatric ophthalmology service. During his time at Georgetown, he served as the director of the Ophthalmology Residency Training Program, helping to educate countless ophthalmology residents, and also established the center’s post-residency fellowship training program, offering advanced training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery.
Dr. O’Neill maintains an academic appointment as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at Georgetown University’s Medical Center and School of Medicine. He specializes in the areas of ocular motility disorders in children and adults, ocular infections of the newborn and infancy, and visual disorders related to learning disabilities.
In addition to his academic accomplishment, Dr. O’Neill has received numerous professional honors. He continues as a member of Children National Medical Center’s senior attending staff, and has served as Chairman of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s national committee on Pediatric and School Eye Safety.
As part of Dr. O’Neill’s ongoing commitment to new advances in the field of ophthalmology, he participates in research projects and has authored scientific papers and book chapters on visual disorders and children’s eye diseases. He was a charter and organizing member of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the National Children’s Eye Care Foundation, and he is a life member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
In addition to his office in Chevy Chase, MD, Dr. O’Neill established an Anne Arundel County satellite in Annapolis, which continues on a weekly basis to serve the children in this region. Dr. O’Neill is available for private consultation services.
G. Vike Vicente, M.D.
Strabismus and Pediatric Eye Surgery
Following the completion of his fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the Harvard-Boston Children’s Hospital Dr. Vicente has joined the EDOW and Dr. John O’Neill. Their practice is the continuation of that of Dr. Frank Costenbader, known as the founder of pediatric ophthalmology in the United States.
Dr. Vicente’s previous training included undergraduate studies at the College of William and Mary, and medical school at Thomas Jefferson Medical College from both of which he graduated with honors. Dr. Vicente completed an ophthalmology residency at George Washington University and Children’s National Medical Center. He was elected chief resident, responsible for the training of resident doctors.
Dr. Vicente is board certified in ophthalmology by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Both Dr. O’Neill and Dr. Vicente have been voted as “Top Docs” by their colleagues and Washingtonian magazine.
As a child, Dr. Vicente lived in different countries across South America. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
While at Harvard, he received an award for teaching and developed new techniques for eye muscle and pediatric cataract surgery. He has been an invited speaker at national conferences, and has been an author in a pediatric infectious disease textbook and research papers.
Within pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, his areas of special interest include: adjustable suture strabismus surgery, congenital ptosis, eye infections, retinopathy of prematurity, obstructed nasal lacrimal ducts, pediatric cataract surgery, and BOTOX®® muscle injection for strabismus.
Presently, Dr. Vicente has office hours in the Chevy Chase, and Annapolis offices. He is a clinical attending physician at Georgetown University Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center, and an assistant clinical professor at George Washington University Hospital.
Dr. Vicente lives with his wife and his two sons in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He enjoys running, teaching, home renovation, and is active in environmental causes.
Mary Catherine Fischer, M.D.
Dr. Fischer graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Biochemistry. She received her medical degree from George Washington University Medical School. Dr. Fischer served for 13 years in the US Army. She spent her internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and completed her ophthalmology residency at the Brooke Army Medical Center. She left the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and Paratrooper.
Dr Fischer is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology with 20 years of experience.
Dr Fischer has performed thousands of cataract surgeries and was the first Army ophthalmologist to perform LASIK. Her interest and vast experience eyelid plastic surgery include both cosmetic and functional surgeries.
A natural addition to eyelid plastic surgery is her training and experience in Aesthetic facial rejuvenation. Combined use of Botox and dermal fillers provides her patients with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a younger, more refreshed look.
Dr Fischer was born and raised in Washington DC. While in the Army, she travelled to Texas and North Carolina. She lead medical missions to Honduras and Peru with a combined Army/ Air Force team of ophthalmologist providing eyelid plastic and cataract surgical care.
Dr Fischer’s love of travel and adventure provide her with opportunities to hike in the Andes, dive in the Caribbean, bike in Hawaii, ski in Aspen and photograph the people and scenery along the way.
Optometrists
The optometrists of Eye Doctors of Washington have the background and training to provide the most efficient and best care possible for every patient that walks through our doors. Learn more about the team of optometrists at Eye Doctors of Washington, serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area.
Jason Ludwig, O.D.
Dr. Jason Ludwig is a graduate from the Pennsylvania State University with a baccalaureate degree in biology. He earned an additional bachelor’s degree in visual sciences and his Doctor of Optometry degree with clinical honors from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He then interned with some of the nation’s top ophthalmologists at the Wills Eye Hospital of Philadelphia, Laurel Eye Clinic of Pittsburgh, and Providence Rhode Island Veterans Administration Hospital.
Dr. Ludwig has been practicing as an optometrist in the Washington, DC, area since 2005. He specializes in comprehensive eye care and the medical management of eye disease. He specializes in cosmetic contact lens fitting including bifocal, high prescriptions, therapeutic contact lenses and post corneal transplant fittings. He also possesses extensive experience in pre- and post-operative ophthalmic surgical care including the latest laser refractive procedures.
Dr. Ludwig is board certified in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In his spare time, Dr. Ludwig loves golfing, skiing, playing guitar, and traveling.
Benjamin Teller, O. D.
Dr. Ben Teller graduated from University of Delaware with a baccalaureate degree in biology and geography. He earned an additional bachelor’s degree in visual sciences and his Doctor of Optometry degree with clinical honors from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He then interned with some of the nation’s top ophthalmologists at Hopewell Valley Eye Associates in New Jersey, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Katzen Eye Group in Baltimore, Maryland and Kaiser Permanente in Washington, DC.
Dr. Teller has been practicing as an optometrist in the Washington, DC, area since 1996. Recently, he became a partner of Eye Doctors of Washington. Dr. Teller specializes in comprehensive eye care and the medical management of eye disease. He has extensive experience in contact lenses and pre- and post- operative ophthalmic surgical care including the latest laser refractive procedures. Dr. Teller is currently the president of the Optometric Society of DC. Consumers’ Research Council of America recently named Dr. Teller one of ” America’s Top Optometrists”, and he is board certified in the state of Maryland, the commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia ( Washington, DC ).
Dr. Teller serves as an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and is a preceptor for student externs completing their ocular disease and private practice rotations. He has presented various research posters at the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Teller continues to serve the community as an optometrist with pro-bono work at the Wellness Center for women at the N street Village.
Dr. Teller is a native of the Washington, DC, area and resides in Maryland. He has lived abroad and speaks Spanish. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, skiing, windsurfing, and mountain biking.
If you are interested in finding top- quality eye treatment in your area, contact Eye Doctors of Washington today. Among the best-trained and highly skilled ophthalmologists and optometrists in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area, you can be confident our physicians have the experience and know-how to meet all of your eye care needs.