If you have been living with blurry or distorted vision — and feel like you have already tried everything — you are not alone. Most patients who come to us have seen multiple doctors, tried different lenses, and still don’t have the vision they need. Our job is to change that. This page walks you through exactly what happens from your first contact with our office through the day you leave with a lens that works.
Step 1: Your Pre-Consultation Call
Before you ever set foot in our office — and often before an appointment is even scheduled — Dr. Benjamin Azman will speak with you directly by phone. This is not a screening call handled by staff. It is a real conversation with the doctor.
Dr. Azman uses this call to understand your history, what you have already tried, and what is bringing you to us now. For many patients, this is the first time a specialist has taken the time to simply listen. It also allows Dr. Azman to determine the best path forward for your specific situation before your visit, so your in-office time is focused and efficient.
To get started, call us at (410) 469-7111 or submit a request through our online contact form.
No referral needed in most cases.
You can contact us directly. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes — it is worth checking with your insurer beforehand.
Step 2: Your Comprehensive Evaluation
Your first in-office visit runs approximately one hour. It is one of the most thorough keratoconus evaluations available in the region. Dr. Benjamin Azman conducts the examination personally and uses a full suite of advanced diagnostic technology to build a precise picture of your corneal condition:
- Corneal topography — maps the shape and curvature of your cornea in detail
- Pentacam imaging — provides a three-dimensional analysis of corneal structure and thickness
- Corneal OCT — cross-sectional imaging of corneal layers
- Wavefront aberrometry — measures the higher-order optical distortions that standard prescriptions cannot correct
- Slit lamp examination — detailed assessment of the eye’s anterior structures
- Visual acuity testing — establishes your current best-corrected and uncorrected vision
Together, these tests give Dr. Azman a complete and accurate foundation for understanding exactly what your cornea is doing — and what it needs.
Step 3: Reviewing Your Results
Once your diagnostics are complete, Dr. Benjamin Azman sits down with you personally to go through what was found. He explains what your imaging shows, where your condition stands, and what your realistic options are — in plain language, without pressure.
This conversation matters. Many patients arrive having received limited explanations elsewhere. Dr. Azman takes the time to make sure you fully understand your condition and what a successful outcome can look like for you specifically. Questions are encouraged.
“I’ve already seen other doctors and nothing has worked.”
We hear this often. Patients come to us after years of frustration — lenses that never fit right, vision that never quite got there, or doctors who weren’t sure what to try next. Our practice exists specifically for complex corneal cases like yours. The evaluation process is designed to find answers even when previous attempts haven’t.
Step 4: Your Lens Fitting
The right lens for you is determined by your diagnostic results — not by a standard protocol. After reviewing your evaluation, Dr. Azman will recommend the lens technology best suited to your corneal shape, visual demands, and history. Options may include custom scleral lenses, wavefront higher-order aberration correcting scleral lenses, EyePrintPro, PROSE, or other specialty designs. In many cases, options are discussed together and you are part of the decision.
The fitting process itself takes time. Depending on the complexity of your case, reaching the right fit may require two visits or several — particularly for patients with advanced keratoconus or highly irregular corneas. This is normal and expected. We do not consider the fitting complete until you are seeing well and wearing your lenses comfortably.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
Getting to a great fit is the goal — but the relationship does not end there. Our practice schedules follow-up visits to confirm your lenses are performing as intended and that your eyes remain healthy. If something is not quite right between appointments, you have direct access to our team.
For patients whose condition requires monitoring over time, Dr. Azman provides continuity of care so that any changes are caught early and addressed. In the rare cases where a patient’s situation warrants a medical or surgical opinion, our on-site cornea specialist Dr. Richard Adler is available for consultation.
We See Patients from Across the Country
Many patients who come to us have already seen multiple doctors closer to home and are still struggling. If that sounds familiar, distance should not be the reason you don’t get the care you need.
Before you make the trip, Dr. Azman will speak with you by phone to discuss your case and make sure traveling to our office makes sense for your situation. Baltimore is easily accessible — BWI Airport is about 40 minutes away, Amtrak connects directly to Baltimore Penn Station, and several hotels are located close to our office. For detailed travel information, including directions, airports, and nearby hotels, visit our Travel & Directions page.
Call us at (410) 469-7111 to discuss scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No referral is needed in most cases. You can contact us directly by phone or through our online form to schedule. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes, so it is worth checking with your insurer beforehand. If you are unsure, our team can help you sort it out.
How long is the first appointment?
Plan for approximately one hour. This allows Dr. Benjamin Azman enough time to complete a thorough diagnostic workup and personally review the findings with you before you leave.
How many visits does the fitting process take?
It depends on the complexity of your case. Some patients reach an excellent fit in two or three visits; others with more advanced or irregular corneas may require additional appointments. The goal is always the best possible outcome, not the fastest.
What should I do before my first appointment?
Dr. Azman will typically speak with you by phone before your visit and may give you specific instructions based on your situation. If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to leave them out for a period before your evaluation — this is something that will be discussed on your pre-consultation call.
Do you see patients from out of state?
Yes. We regularly see patients who travel from other states who have been unable to find adequate keratoconus care closer to home. Our team is happy to work with you on scheduling and make sure your visit is as efficient as possible.
Will I meet with Dr. Azman personally, or will I see other staff?
Dr. Benjamin Azman personally conducts your evaluation and reviews your results with you directly. The pre-consultation phone call is also with Dr. Azman — not a staff screener. You will not be passed off to technicians for the clinical decisions that matter most.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Call us to speak directly with Dr. Benjamin Azman, or send us a message and we will be in touch to schedule your pre-consultation call.