
Dr. Michael M. Lai, MD, PhD
Retina & Vitreous Surgeon
406.2 mi · 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 320, Rockville, MD 20852
At a glance
4.77 stars (13 reviews)
95% are satisfied with this provider ·
Accepts 20 insurances
Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, more+ ·
Has 20+ years of experience
Graduated from Johns Hopkins University
Works at The Retina Group of Washington
2 office locations
4.77
13 reviews
Bedside manner
4.8
Wait time
3.9
Recent reviews
Dr. Lai is very professional and very caring. He gave a great suggestion and explanation.all of the crews are very efficient with great team work.
April 25, 2012Manli C.Verified patient
Very smart. Go to the point. Know exactly what needs to be done and how. Explain problem clearly and in details. No waisting time.
April 12, 2012Madeleine H.Verified patient
Office locations
1
1.
The Retina Group of Washington
400.8 mi · 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 320, Rockville, MD, 20852
2
2.
The Retina Group of Washington
406.2 mi · 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 1540, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
Michael M. Lai does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Blockage of vein or artery in the retina (eye)
Retinal detachment
Hypertensive retinopathy
Cataract
Surgical retina and vitreous procedures
Vitreous opacities and degeneration
Blockage of vein or artery in the retina (eye)
Retinal detachment
Hypertensive retinopathy
Cataract
More about Dr. Michael M. Lai, MD, PhD
Dr. Lai began his academic training at the University of California at Berkeley where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with highest honors in Molecular and Cell Biology. He continued his education at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where he was awarded both his M.D. and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. His post-doctoral training included a Department of Medicine internship at the Massachusetts General Hospital, a residency in ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a fellowship with Associated Retinal Consultants in Michigan.
Dr. Lai is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and he is licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. He is affiliated with Children’s National Medical Center, Friendship Surgery Center, Georgetown University Hospital, Silver Spring Ophthalmology, Suburban Hospital, and Washington Hospital Center. He is a member of five local and national medical associations and organizations, and is currently the Washington DC chapter president of the North America Taiwanese Medical Association. Dr. Lai takes care of both adult and pediatric retinal patients, and is fluent in Chinese.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lai also actively participates in research and education. He is currently the co-director of the combined Retina Group of Washington/Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center vitreoretinal surgery fellowship program. Dr. Lai is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, as well as an instructor at National Children’s Medical Center. He is a principal investigator for several national clinical trials. Dr. Lai has published numerous research articles and book chapters, and regularly presents his research at
Education & experience
Education
Medical School - Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, Wilmer Eye Institute, Residency in Opthalmology
William Beaumont Hospital, Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery
Johns Hopkins University (PhD)
Practice
The Retina Group of Washington
Affiliation
Suburban Hospital
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Certifications
American Board of Ophthalmology
Awards and publications
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Background
Languages spoken
English
Chinese (Mandarin)
Gender
Male
NPI number
#1962432260
Michael M. Lai does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
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Dr. Peter Wawrzusin, MD
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Next available: Apr 6
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Next available: Apr 6

Dr. Sara Varghai, OD
Optometrist
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Next available: Apr 6
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Next available: Apr 6

Dr. Namratha Turlapati, MD
Ophthalmologist
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Dr. Peter Wawrzusin, MD
Ophthalmologist
4.62183 reviews
4 mi8630 Fenton St, Ste 130, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Next available: Apr 6
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Next available: Apr 6

Dr. Peter Wawrzusin, MD
Ophthalmologist
4.62183 reviews
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Next available: Apr 10
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6 mi2045 University Blvd E, Ste 100, Hyattsville, MD, 20783
Next available: Apr 10

Dr. Sara Varghai, OD
Optometrist
4.87375 reviews
6 mi672 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA, 22203
Next available: Apr 6
4.87375 reviews
6 mi672 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA, 22203
Next available: Apr 6
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.77
Wait time
3.92
Bedside manner
4.75
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
13 reviews
Most relevant
He is extremely professional and personable. He anticipated and answered all my questions. I highly recommend him.
February 14, 2012Patricia S.Verified patient
Friendly, well organized, excellent explanation, clean office - look forward to my next appointment!
September 2, 2011AR
The staff was wonderful and very efficient. The Doctor was excellent on my condition.
September 2, 2011RL
Very clean office, the staff was great and Dr. Lai was informative and very nice.
September 2, 2011KJ
Very smart. Go to the point. Know exactly what needs to be done and how. Explain problem clearly and in details. No waisting time.
April 12, 2012Madeleine H.Verified patient
Dr. Lai is very professional and very caring. He gave a great suggestion and explanation.all of the crews are very efficient with great team work.
April 25, 2012Manli C.Verified patient
He is very nice, very professional.
February 9, 2012Rui L.Verified patient
May 2, 2012Initials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
March 15, 2012Lisa W.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Which hospital is Dr. Michael M. Lai affiliated with?
Dr. Michael M. Lai is affiliated with Suburban Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
What practice does Dr. Michael M. Lai work with?
Dr. Michael M. Lai works with The Retina Group of Washington.
Where is Dr. Michael M. Lai's office located?
Dr. Michael M. Lai has 2 office locations, including in Chevy Chase and Rockville, view full addresses on Dr. Lai's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Michael M. Lai have?
Dr. Michael M. Lai is certified by American Board of Ophthalmology.
What languages does Dr. Michael M. Lai speak?
Dr. Michael M. Lai speaks English and Chinese (Mandarin).
How do patients rate Dr. Michael M. Lai in reviews?
13 patients have reviewed Dr. Michael M. Lai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.77/5. They have a 4.75/5 rating for bedside manner and a 3.92/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.