Dr. Michael M. Lai, MD | Chevy Chase, MD | Ophthalmology

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Dr. Michael Lai is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has dedicated 25 years to caring for patients with retinal and eye conditions. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the nation's most prestigious medical institutions. His expertise focuses on complex retinal disorders, bringing a quarter-century of specialized knowledge to his practice. Dr. Lai is fluent in Spanish and Chinese, allowing him to communicate directly with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Lai practices at multiple locations throughout the Washington, DC area, including Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Washington, DC, and maintains his hospital affiliation with Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center. He specializes in treating serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment and age-related macular degeneration. His practice also focuses on posterior vitreous detachment, a common condition that can affect vision as people age. Dr. Lai performs …comprehensive eye exams, advanced retinal imaging, and optical coherence tomography to diagnose and monitor eye health. Patients consistently rate him highly, giving him an average rating of 5.0.

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accepting new patients
5

31 Ratings
25 years of experience
speaks Spanish, Chinese
Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine
28 written reviews
1 specialty
10 areas of expertise
1 board certification
1 hospital affiliation
5 office locations
Male

31 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 28 reviews

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Dr Lai is the most wonderful physician - he is smart, caring, gentle, capable, and very knowledgeable on what is going on in the field. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

January 22nd, 2026

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My appointment was set for 3:30. Because it was my first visit I arrived about 15 min early to attend to forms and such. turned out there was no need - I was not ushered back till a few mins after 4. Once the actual workup started (2 different staff members) things improved considerably - the staff who took the history, did the pretesting and administering of eye drops were professional and no nonsense. Dr Lai arrives almost immediately after I was shown into the exam room and I found him easy to talk to and his explanations (of findings) easy to understand. His manner and mannerisms are first rate. One last observation: The suite feels like it was built out 20+ years ago - it may be time for some freshening.

July 9th, 2025

1 person found this helpful

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Dr. Lai is exactly what you wish for in a doctor. He is brilliant, communicates medical issues clearly, and is obviously extremely knowledgeable and competent He is efficient, friendly, and will take the time to address any of my concerns. I have complete trust in him and feel fortunate to be his patient!!

April 26th, 2025

1 person found this helpful

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I’ve been seeing Dr. Lai for over 15 years now to keep track of my tender retinas. When I finally had a tear, he masterfully put me back together and I credit him retaining my vision today. In addition, he was critical in helping get to the bottom of some overlapping challenges other eye docs missed. Steady hands, great practice. Thank you Dr. Lai.

April 19th, 2025

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I have been a patient of Dr. Lai for more than 15 years and he is the Best…thru surgery saved my vision and gave me my life back. Protected exiting vision thru competence and caring .Highly recommend. Alfred Opack

September 26th, 2024

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Dr Lai has always explained everything I need to understand about the process and procedures I undergo at Retina Group of Washington. in addition to his excellent professinalism he has a delightful personality. I would highly. recommend his services to any third party

May 12th, 2024

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Dr. Michael Lai and staff were very friendly and provided me with an exceptional experience. Dr. Lai did a wonderful job treating my AMD. He was able to accurately diagnose the issue and provide professional and wonderful care.

November 2nd, 2023

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A really great doctor!

July 15th, 2023

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Outstanding manner, gives the best injections in the area, up to date on latest medical developments. Listens to patients' concerns. Best in the DC area as far as I'm concerned, and I've have tried others and commute from VA to see him.

April 19th, 2023

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Patient of Dr. Lai for years. Excellent service, highly proficient!

January 7th, 2023

Friendship Ambulatory Surgery Center

5550 Friendship Blvd Ste 270Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Tel: (301) 215-7347

The Retina Group Of Washington Pc

600 Jefferson Plz Ste 320Rockville, MD 20852

Tel: (301) 315-2198

Mon8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Tue8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Wed8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thu8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Fri8:30 am - 5:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

The Retina Group Of Washington Pllc

5454 Wisconsin Ave Ste 650Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Tel: (301) 656-8100

Mon8:00 am - 3:15 pm

Tue8:00 am - 3:15 pm

Wed8:00 am - 3:15 pm

Thu8:00 am - 3:15 pm

Fri8:00 am - 3:15 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

The Retina Group Of Washington Pllc

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE Ste 200Washington, DC 20003

Mon8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Tue8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Wed8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thu8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Fri8:30 am - 5:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Montgomery Surgery Center

46 W Gude DrRockville, MD 20850

Tel: (301) 424-6901

Mon6:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tue6:30 am - 4:30 pm

Wed6:30 am - 4:30 pm

Thu6:30 am - 4:30 pm

Fri6:30 am - 4:30 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed


Dr. Michael Minshyue Lai, MD	Dr. Tayyib Rana, MD	Dr. Pamela D'Souza-David, MD	Dr. Visionworks Washington
Ophthalmology	Ophthalmology	Ophthalmology	Optometry
Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
5 (31 Ratings)	4 (36 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)
25 Years of Experience	28 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks Spanish, Chinese	Speaks English	Speaks English, Spanish
Chevy Chase , MD	Winchester , VA	Laurel , MD	Washington , DC
Med School: Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine	Med School: West Virginia University School Of Medicine	Med School: Loma Linda University in California
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

Search for your insurance and plan

Accepts Medicare
Accepts Medicaid

Ophthalmology

Blindness
Cataract
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Exam
Eye Pain
Glaucoma
Lasik Surgery
Macular Degeneration
Retinal Disorders
Vision Issues

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, Maryland, 2026, Active

Medical Doctor, District Of Columbia, 2026, Expired

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Medical School

Johns Hopkins University School Of MedicineGraduated in 2001

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Does Dr. Michael Lai accept virtual/telehealth appointments?: Dr. Michael Lai has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
What languages does Dr. Michael Lai speak?: Dr. Michael Lai speaks Spanish and Chinese.
Where is Dr. Michael Lai's office located?: Dr. Michael Lai's office is located at 5550 Friendship Blvd Ste 270, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Lai?: You can find contact information for Dr. Michael Lai here on Vitals.
Which hospitals is Dr. Michael Lai affiliated with?: Dr. Michael Lai is affiliated with Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center.

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