Procedure performed on the wrong eye.I had my first LASIK procedure with Dr. Mark Whitten in 2005 for vision correction. Naturally, about 15 years later, I needed another correction and returned to Dr. Whitten for a consultation. During that visit, he recommended monovision, given my age at the time (late 40s). He explained that this approach would allow me to balance both near- and far-sighted vision without needing reading glasses, which many people begin using in their 50s. However, after the procedure I immediately noticed difficulty seeing clearly. Over the following year, I continued to struggle with my vision--particularly problematic in my work as a professional photographer--and sought evaluations from multiple optometrists and ophthalmologists. I then discovered that the LASIK procedure had been performed on the wrong eye. When I returned to see Dr. Whitten, I learned that neither he nor his staff had ever determined my dominant eye prior to surgery. In fact, my old patient notes from 2020 confirm that no such test was performed. Despite this, no apology was offered for the mistake. During that visit, I was seen by John Rogers, a technician and former Senior Surgical Consultant at TLC Vision. His background includes attending Computer Tech of Pittsburgh, but he has no formal education or degree in optometry or ophthalmology. He suggested inappropriate options such as cataract surgery (for which I am not a candidate) and during the same visit Dr. Whitten suggested undergoing yet another LASIK procedure (a third) to correct the issue or resorting to contact lenses--the very reason I had LASIK in the first place. This experience left me with the strong impression that the practice prioritizes business and profit over genuine patient care and vision correction. I regret not doing more thorough research before returning for a second procedure, as I have since learned of multiple malpractice lawsuits filed against Dr. Whitten, including Jamie Domeier vs. Mark Whitten, David Cantalupo vs. Mark Whitten, and Liesl Nichols vs. Mark Whitten. I also couldn't help but notice the promotional posters displayed across his offices, highlighting his LASIK surgery on Tiger Woods in 1999 as a marketing tool to brand himself as a "celebrity" doctor. Unfortunately, beyond the image, his apparent lack of attention and care for patients has led to a troubling number of lawsuits. read more

My recent experience here was incredibly disappointing. I received Lasik surgery when I was an older teenager (college age). At that time, my mom handled most of the paperwork/scheduling etc. The surgery went well, and 10 years later I started experienced some vision changes. I recalled that there was a "Lifetime Guarantee," so recently I followed up and requested a consultation for an enhancement. My mother recently passed away, and I haven't been able to find any paperwork for my procedure (which was 15 years ago). I called the office, and they were able to find my file. They asked me how long I'd been going to the eye doctor, and I said about 5 years (since I had a baby and my vision declined). I arrived at the consultation, and it went well. Friendly office staff, etc. I was excited to find out that I was eligible for an enhancement in both eyes. As I was about to leave the appointment, they sat me down with someone to "review paperwork," which is when she informed me that since I hadn't had a full vision evaluation annually since my surgery, I wasn't eligible for the "Lifetime Guarantee" and that I would be charged $3,000 for the enhancement. I asked why it was expected to go to vision appointments annually when you have perfect vision, and she said "company policy." I understand that they are legally in the right, and I'm sure I was informed of this as a teenager; however, I feel taken advantage of. It felt like an ethically ambiguous money-grabbing situation. The surgery went well and I'm sure Dr. Whitten is very skilled; however, the follow-up experience was poor. Be cautious. read more

Well this is the second visit that I've brought my wife too forgot to check in for the first consultation with Dr Witten. During the first visit he is very thorough in explaining how everything is done and if he thinks your a candidate for the procedure. Well the procedure took just over 22 min for both eyes longer for the right eye Dr W put in a different lens(they call it a rain drop don't know why it's not a drop it's a lens with your prescription in it) in this eye. She came home rested for a few hours eat dinner did her drops now back for some rest. She has to return tomorrow to have the contacts removed. I was able to watch ch the whole procedure being done they have a monitor hung up on the wall that is really to far away it needs to be moved closer to the door there is a small wall that the monitor will fit perfectly on for people to get a better view. read more

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Dr. Marc A. Malouf is competent. However, his demeanor with patients is unprofessional and unacceptable. He does not listen to patient concerns and dismisses patient questions without explanation. When my 88 year-old mother suggested her current course of treatment was not working well (she can no longer see to drive because of excessive tearing), Dr. Malouf said essentially, "It doesn't matter what you think or how you feel." When she started to ask about alternative medications, he interrupted her several times saying, "Show me. Show me. Show me." When I suggested (twice) that Dr. Malouf had berated my mother enough, he ignored me and continued to attack her. My mom is not demented, a whack job, or a difficult person. She asked basic questions like a competent patient should. I have never seen a medical professional treat a patient so unprofessionally and disrespectfully. No one should have to endure such behavior read more

I have been a patient of Dr Whitten for many years. I first selected him to perform my Lasik based on his record of success. It didn't hurt that many famous sports celebrities and TV personalities also chose Dr Whitten. The process was efficient and mostly painless and the LASIK surgery was a success. Years later I came back for the Raindrop procedure to improve my reading vision. Again it was very successful and only required one later tweak to get me back to 20/20 vision. Dr Whitten obviously cares about his patients and likes his job. He also gives military discounts! read more

Whitten Laser Eye - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Charlotte Hall, Maryland

Dr. Whitten came highly recommended by a surplus of local moms. After wearing glasses since first grade, I finally took the plunge and got lasik last week. What a success! 0 pain (I took the suggested 4 hour nap as soon as I got home- which means sleeping through the painful period), and woke up with perfect vision that I've maintained over the past week! read more

I chose Dr. Whitten because of the sheer number of surgeries that he has performed with such a high percentage of success and happy patients. Lasik has been on my 'sight' horizon for many years. After wearing glasses since I was around 10 years old, I was sick of it. The team at Dr. Whitten's office was very professional and efficient during my initial consultation so I felt at ease with them. The procedure was amazingly efficiently laid out. Before I knew it, I was laying under the laser in prep for surgery. The surgical experience was 'trippy'. Watching the change in vision as Dr. Whitten proceeded was quite the ride from watching a green light to seeing nothing to seeing everything! read more

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I couldn't be happier with my choice to get my LASIK completed by Dr. Whitten! It has absolutely changed my life. The staff members are so friendly and helpful. The procedure itself was essentially painless and quick! My appointment was at 11:00 and I was discharged by 11:45!! Dr. Whitten talks you through the whole process while he is doing it. This allows you to focus on what he's saying rather than what he is doing. The only part that I didn't enjoy was the 4 hours after the surgery when you experience the forewarned side effects. Thankfully, they give you extra numbing drops and Advil PM to get you through the 4-5 hours! I spent the night after my surgery watching movies on the couch with no contacts or glasses! It's been two days after the surgery my eyes look great! I've got 20/20 vision for the first time in 15 years. People can't even tell that I've had the surgery! Another aspect of their program is that your post-op care is done through your primary eye care doctor. So my doctor that has been taking care of my eyes my whole life will handle all my post op care for the next year! If you are debating on who to get LASIK from in the Richmond area, go get a consultation from Dr. Whitten! You won't regret it! Thanks to the whole Whitten Laser Eye Center for changing my life!! read more

Had cataract surgery on both eyes. I choose Dr. Whitten due to all of those who used him and raved about their positive experiences. I too had a great experience and would whole heartily recommend him. The entire office staff is professional and Dr. Whitten, himself, is the best. Barbara W. read more

Dr. Whitten is awesome. I've been wearing coke bottle thick glasses since I was in the 3rd grade and did EXTENSIVE research and checked out multiple LASIK options before I settled on Dr. Whitten. 1. Skill: Dr. Whitten came HIGHLY recommended from my opthamalogist who had LASIK with Dr. Whitten and had Dr. Whitten perform LASIK on his family members. 2. Experience: there is no one in this area who has performed as many LASIK procedures as Dr. Whitten. He used to work at the Laser Eye Center in Rockville and has worked on several notable athletes and public figures. 3. Technology: One of the LASIK centers I went to told me that my cornea was too thin to perform the procedures. After talking with Dr. Whitten, he assured me that he used the latest technology and would be able to perform the procedure despite my thin corneas. 4. Friendliness/Bedside manner: After going to the "big name" LASIK centers where the initial consultation isn't with the actual surgeon who will be operating on your eye, I was pleasantly surprised to meet Dr. Whitten on that first visit. Additionally, during the procedure, he was very patient, talking me through the procedure and even taking a break after the first eye when I started to feel queasy and lightheaded. Finally, when it comes to the post-op follow up, he actually gives you his cell phone number so that if an emergency comes up you can contact him directly. Additionally, his entire staff was friendly and courteous. Dr. Whitten and his entire staff make a somewhat nerve-racking and scary experience as enjoyable as possible. 5. Price: although this was the LEAST important factor for me to consider (you really don't want to skimp on something like your eyes), I was pleasantly surprised that despite Dr. Whitten's skill, experience, and technology, he was about 60% of the price of most of his competitors. I can't recommend Dr. Whitten enough. I live in VA but cosider the 1 hour drive to have the procedure performed by Dr. Whitten very good use of my time. Go see Dr. Whitten, you won't be sorry. read more