Rutzen Eye Specialists & Laser Center

11/23/2025

My initial visit was August 26, 2024. The front desk staff were welcoming, generous and efficient. (WOW - drinks, snacks and comfortable seating.)

After a career in education and healthcare I can't help but notice the interactions of people and environments. If you see an older woman scanning the room, that just might be me. This is what I saw and felt:

The front desk staff welcomed each person warmly. The furniture was arranged in a way that allowed for group seating, individual privacy, with room for navigating with canes and walkers.

I watched the front desk staff interacting with each other within their central area and leaving and returning from errands. Front desk staff and vision techs crossed paths, almost gliding. Very soothing, friendly and professional.

I wish I could remember the vision tech's name because she was wonderful. She accompanied me from test to test, explaining the "whys and the hows." I really liked her.

When I met Dr. Franco I knew I had come to the right place. She's a force of nature; whip-smart, energetic and passionate about her work. She explained her findings and treatment plan clearly.

After Dr. Franco finished, I was directed to my least favorite place - the Front Desk for check-out. I'm used to standing at the counter of the Front Desk, which is usually tall with glass barriers. I always struggle balancing myself with my cane, while searching my purse for cards and my fat pen, reviewing, and signing documents and scheduling a follow-up.

Imagine my surprise when I saw that the counter had a dedicated opening with a large flat surface of a lower height and nearby desk chairs.

"Please sit down and we'll do the paperwork and schedule your next appointment. Take your time!"

"WOW"

See you in a year,

Grateful patient,

[Patient Name]

11/12/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Rutzen for being recognized as the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year!

10/31/2025

Halloween is in full effect over here! Our staff has transformed themselves (and the office!) into the Mario Kart world.

02/20/2025

WOW. This a letter we recently received from a patient. We called to thank her and she asked to remain anonymous, but was happy to let us share her words:

My Primary Care Physician referred me to Rutzen Eye Specialists. My previous eye care provider was bought-out by a corporation a few years ago and the re-organization process was very rocky. After 4 or 5 office management errors that impacted my care, it was time for a change.

My initial visit was Monday, August 26, 2024. The front desk staff were welcoming, generous and efficient. (WOW – drinks, snacks and comfortable seating.)

After a career in education and healthcare I can’t help but notice the interactions of people and environments. If you see an older woman scanning the room, that just might be me. This is what I saw and felt:

The front desk staff welcomed each person warmly. The furniture was arranged in a way that allowed for group seating, individual privacy, with room for navigating with canes and walkers.

I watched the front desk, staff interacting with each other within their central area and leaving and returning from errands. Front desk, staff and vision techs crossed paths, almost gliding. Very soothing, friendly and professional.

I wish I could remember the vision tech’s name because she was wonderful. She accompanied me from test to test, explaining the “whys and the hows.“ I really liked her.

When I met Dr. Franco I knew I had come to the right place. She’s a force of nature; whip-smart, energetic, and passionate about her work. She explained her findings and treatment plan clearly.

After Dr. Franco finished, I was directed to my least favorite place – the front desk for checkout. I’m used to standing at the counter of the front desk, which is usually tall with glass barriers. I always struggle, balancing myself with my cane, while searching my purse for cards and my fat pen, reviewing, and signing documents and scheduling a follow-up.

Imagine my surprise when I saw that the counter had a dedicated opening with a large flat surface of a lower height and nearby desk chairs.

“Please sit down and we’ll do the paperwork and schedule your next appointment. Take your time!“

“WOW”

See you in a year,
Grateful patient

12/19/2024

From all of us at Rutzen Eye!

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Rutzen Eye, where we have all the decades on display!

03/14/2024

Best of Severna Park 2024 voting is live! Vote for us in the category "Best Eye Care Practice". Thank you for putting your trust in us! Vote here: https://severnaparkvoice.com/stories/best-of-severna-park,65753

02/14/2024

We never miss an opportunity to celebrate behind the scenes! Our staff organized a fabulous potluck for Valentine’s Day because…why not? ❤️🥰

12/20/2023

Happy Holidays from the jolly team at Rutzen Eye!

11/09/2023

Take a look at your eye drops. You may (or may not) have heard of some eye drop recalls. Check out this from the FDA to see if any of yours are on the list. 👀

Eye Drop Recall

10/31/2023

It’s a real ZOO today at Rutzen Eye! Even flamingos have to make copies too 😂 HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone! 🎃

10/26/2023

WE ARE THRILLED to announce the newest addition to our physician team!

Sara Francomacaro, MD (Dr. Franco) attended Bucknell University for her undergraduate degree in neuroscience and studio art, graduating with the highest honors. She attended University of Maryland for her medical degree and graduated with honors and recognition for excellence in ophthalmology.

Born and raised locally, she settled down in Maryland with her husband and daughter, and remained at University of Maryland for ophthalmology residency, where she graduated as chief resident. She was accepted as a glaucoma fellow at University of Maryland and Howard University, where she completed her training to become a glaucoma specialist.

Welcome Dr. Franco! Call us today to book your appointment: 410-975-0090.