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Michelle Hessen

Michelle Hessen, OD

Optometry

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
5.0 of 5 stars268 ratings, 120 reviews

Highlights

Languages

  • English

Gender

Female

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Michelle Hessen

Professional Titles

  • Optometrist

Primary Academic Title

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Background

Michelle M. Hessen, O.D., is an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute and is a member of the Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye Team. Dr. Hessen specializes in ocular surface diseases. In addition to providing general ophthalmic care and managing pre- and post-operative care of cataract surgery patients, she treats patients with dry eye associated with various conditions, including Sjogren's Syndrome, Graft vs. Host Disease and other autoimmune conditions. She also evaluates patients with blepharitis and allergic conjunctivitis.

Dr. Hessen received her optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She completed her optometry residency in ocular disease at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and has also completed a nine-week PROSE Clinical Fellowship at Boston Foundation for Sight, adding Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) device fitting to her clinical interests and skills.

Centers and Institutes

Wilmer Eye Institute Research

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

Locations

  1. The Johns Hopkins Hospital
    • 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
      • 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II STE 455, Lutherville, MD 21093

      Expertise

      Education

      Boston Foundation for Sight

      Fellowship, PROSE treatment, medical contact lenses, 2011

      VA Maryland Healthcare System

      Residency, Optometry, 2009

      Nova Southeastern University

      Medical Education, OD, 2008

      Insurance

      Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.
      Search plans
      • Aetna
      • CareFirst
      • Cigna
      • First Health
      • Geisinger Health Plan
      • HealthSmart/Accel
      • Humana
      • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
      • MultiPlan
      • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
      • Point Comfort Underwriters
      • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
      • UnitedHealthcare
      • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

      Ratings & Reviews

      5 out of 5

      268 ratings, 120 reviews

      The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

      Overall Rating by Patient
      Average provider Overall Rating by Patient rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Listened Carefully
      Average provider Provider Listened Carefully rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Provider Explained Things Clearly
      Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Provider Knew Medical History
      Average provider Provider Knew Medical History rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Showed Respect
      Average provider Provider Showed Respect rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Provider Spent Enough Time
      Average provider Provider Spent Enough Time rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Search reviews
        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/18/2025

        Extremely Knowledgeable, compassionate, understanding, easy to talk to, willingly provides extensive info for any questions asked, very likeable, professional

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/17/2025

        I like my doctor

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/12/2025

        Good excellent good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/11/2025

        The doctor that took care of me I met her over a year ago and she is excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/11/2025

        Dr. Hessen provided excellent care and was very thorough in her explanations. Took her time and covered all bases during eye examination.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/5/2025

        Dr. Hessen is fantastic. Very caring and dedicated and looks out for my health and wellness. I feel blessed to have found her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/5/2025

        Dr. Hessen is friendly. Easy to talk to. Explains everything clearlyHighly recommend her

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/4/2025

        I'm lucky to have Dr. Hessen for my care. She's both competent and caring.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/24/2025

        Dr Hessen is an excellent, kind, extremely knowledgeable, dry eye doctor

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/24/2025

        Best optical exam I have ever received. Dr. Hessen was patient, thorough, and concise in her explanations and directions. I felt confident in my treatment by her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/23/2025

        Dr. Hessen is an amazing doctor who I believe genuinely cares for her patients and their health

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/15/2025

        She is knowledgeable, a good listener and a big help to me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/14/2025

        Dr Hessen is at the top of her field and I am grateful for her attention to my eye care

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/13/2025

        Excellent, informed, and friendly doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/3/2025

        Dr. Hessen is a true professional and an exceptional doctor. I appreciate everything she does as it relates to my care.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/27/2024

        Dr. Hessen is fantastic.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Dr Hessen is fabulous. She is truly interested in doing everything possible to find a solution to your condition. She spends a lot of time with you, explains things very well, gives a thorough examination and ensures all questions are answered. I could not recommend her more.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Dr Hessen is fabulous but she is over booked and it is hard to get a timely appointment.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Dr is fantastic

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/13/2024

        Dr. Hessen is very conscientious about reviewing my online medical records during the visit. She asks questions and gives advice accordingly. Very professional but personable as well.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/4/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/2/2024

        Dr. Hessen, Is Great. On top of every aspect of your problem. Very respectful. And professional.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/2/2024

        Dr.Hessen is the absolute best at her profession and recommend her highly.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/27/2024

        She was excellent Dr Hessen and [staff] are both

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/26/2024

        Dr Hessen is awesome. She has cared for my eyes since I had graft vs host disease 5 years ago.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/22/2024

        She is kind, professional, and knowledgeable.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/22/2024

        She was very knowledgeable and game all the information that I asked

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/20/2024

        Superb

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/19/2024

        Doctor is always pleasant and she care is wonderful

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/18/2024

        Very good provider.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/18/2024

        Dr Hessen is very well informed about my issues. I felt very comfortable with her doing my procedures.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/14/2024

        Dr. Hessen is the utmost skilled eye physician I see. She has controlled my dry eye for years and without her care I think I would be partially blind.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/13/2024

        Dr. Hessen is absolutely amazing. She explains everything carefully and thoroughly.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/13/2024

        Dr. Hessen is excellent. I highly recommend.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/12/2024

        Dr. Hessen always completes a thorough exam during my yearly visits.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/12/2024

        I have been a patient of Dr. Hessen for years. She has always been on top of my eye care keeping me informed on the status of my cataracts.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/12/2024

        I have been a patient of Dr. Hessen's for years. I make the trip to her office because of the great care she provides.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/11/2024

        Dr Hessen is the best

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/11/2024

        Dr Hessen is a knowledgeable regarding Prosthetic Lens. She listens and gives clear information and make sure as a patient there is an understanding for what she's doing. ABSOLUTELY AWESOME DOCTOR.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/8/2024

        Dr Hessen is friendly and has a patient relaxed. My visits with Dr. Hessen is like visiting a friend.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/8/2024

        Very thorough and very reassuring

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/7/2024

        Michelle Hessen is the best possible doctor!!! She cares about me! She gives me the best medical care. We need more doctors like as a disabled asian veteran like myself. Please keep her! Give her a pay raise too!! She is the best! I am grateful!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/28/2024

        Dr. Hessen is an excellent provider with a great team.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/23/2024

        I am very pleased that Dr Hessen is my doctor, that she understand my medical concern and is very knowledgeable of how to treat the condition. I am very pleased she is now my physician.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/22/2024

        Very thorough and answers any concerns I may have

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/21/2024

        Best physician I see at Hopkins.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/18/2024

        Truly enjoy having Dr Hessen as part of my care provider team. She is friendly and engaged. Answers questions clearly and provides a plan of care.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/17/2024

        Dr. Majorie Hessen is simply the best

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/16/2024

        Dr Hessen is the best eye Dr. I drive 120 miles round trip to see her

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/16/2024

        Dr. Michelle Hessen is an absolutely superb Doctor!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/14/2024

        Dr. Hessen is a consummate professional that cares for the wellbeing of her patients. She is methodical, patient, and kind.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/9/2024

        Dr. Hessen was very informative about my condition. She was kind, pleasant, and easy to talk to. She listened attentively to my concerns and questions.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/1/2024

        She cares like a true professional

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/27/2024

        Thorough, considerate, professional, personable, nice.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/26/2024

        Dr. Hessen was friendly, caring, and thorough

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/24/2024

        Dr Hessen is tremendous-professional, very capable, easy to talk with, great manner/interaction with patient

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/20/2024

        Michele Hessen has helped me maintain my eyes very well. I am very satisfied.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/20/2024

        I have been a patient of Dr. Hessen for several years and look forward to an ongoing association. She is an outstanding physician.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/19/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        She was as knowledgeable as I hoped she would be

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/16/2024

        I had not met Dr. Hessen before. She was very thorough, pleasant, explained the results of my examination and gave me clear instructions moving forward. She was also very helpful in finding me ways to afford the the Xiidra medication that was prescribed.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/3/2024

        The provider is very excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/30/2024

        Very professional and knowledgeable. Helpful care suggestions. Mindful of the long view.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/28/2024

        Dr Hessen is excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/28/2024

        Always great care

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/21/2024

        I rely on Dr Hessen's expertise for my quality of life. Without my PROSE lenses I am in so much pain such that I am unable to perform many of the activities of daily living. She is always kind, accessible and knowledgeable about my condition. She also works well with my regular eye doctor at PENN Medicine. I can't praise her enough.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/9/2024

        MIchelle M. Hessen, O.D. Is excellent ! When she is seeing you, you have her full attention with your issues. She makes you feel at ease and always tells you what she is doing, as putting drops in your eyes, etc.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/8/2024

        Dr Hessen is excellent: intelligent, thorough, and a very caring provider.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/7/2024

        Friendly, informative

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/6/2024

        Dr. Hessen is an outstanding eye doctor. She has provided me with world-class care for more than a decade. I am very lucky to have her for my eye doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/5/2024

        After 10 years of seeking treatments for my severe dry eye, Dr. Hessen finally came up with a treatment plan to improve the quality of my life. I'm so grateful for her.

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/2/2024

        It was the first time I went to see Dr. Hessen. She was courteous and professional. For the most part she explained things well.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/30/2024

        Dr Hessen was excellent, knowledgeable and kind to discuss my medical concern with.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/30/2024

        De. Hessen is very thorough, caring and kind. I'm grateful to have her as my doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/26/2024

        Dr Hessen is excellent. She listens carefully, takes the required time to fit the speciality lens carefully, and explains any changes that might be required to improve vision. She is the best!! Hopkins is lucky to have this talented professional.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        Dr. Hessen listens carefully to my concerns and to my answers to the questions she asks. All those who are involved in patient care provided by her are also courteous, concerned and competent.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/23/2024

        Dr. Hessen was excellent . It was my first time seeing her. She was very through with her examination. She looked at my chart to see what my visit was for. I was able to ask her questions and she was very good answering so I could understand. She advised me what I should do after my visit. I was very pleased with Dr Hessen and I asked if she could see on my next visit.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/22/2024

        Dr Hessen is an exceptional, caring and knowledgeable doctor. She was attentive to my care and concerns. Thank you so much.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/22/2024

        Dr. Hessen provided excellent care. She was professional, knowledgable, courteous and friendly. Addressed all of my questions and concerns. Made every effort to achieve a well fitting lens.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/16/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/11/2024

        She is an excellent clinician

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/8/2024

        The Dr has stopped the pain in my eyes, she is very good.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/28/2024

        Helpful and professional.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/28/2024

        Excellent. Patient focused.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/18/2024

        Superior!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/17/2024

        Dr. Hessen has closely monitored the condition and growth of the keratization on my left eye.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/12/2024

        Dr Hessen is great, you are lucky to have her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/12/2024

        My provider is extremely professional.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/12/2024

        Dr. Hessen was very professional and informative. She took great care of what lenses worked or did not work for my eyes. She was pleasant to talk to and patient with me. She possesses extraordinary skills for the type of service she provides.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/12/2024

        Dr. Hessen is the BEST!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/10/2024

        Great person

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/28/2024

        A family treatment atmosphere

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/24/2024

        Dr. Hessen is an outstanding doctor. She is genuinely concerned for my well being and always willing to adjust her schedule if needed. She is also very responsive when sent a question in between visits.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/24/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/24/2024

        She was well informed, obviously knew her field, was pleasant. She suggested things I needed to do at home to support her care.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/20/2024

        She is very approachable & explains things clearly. Listens to questions with real interest & replies in sufficient detail.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/17/2024

        Dr. Hessen is one of two top Physician I am lucky enough the have for providers

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/14/2024

        I am very impressed with the excellent level of care and service Johns Hopkins offered me. They are the best of the best!!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/13/2024

        Dr. Michelle Hessen is the absolute best. She is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and caring. She is my most trusted care provider.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/10/2024

        Liked her and her professionalism

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/8/2024

        Dr. Hessen takes time with me and is very easy to talk to. I feel that she is up to date with treatments available at this time.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/7/2024

        Dr. Hessen is a wonderful, caring doctor. She truly cares about her patients. I would highly recommend her to my family and friends.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/7/2024

        Very empathetic

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/3/2024

        She is great. Straight forward, interested in me as a person, helped me with my issue.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/1/2024

        Great provider!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/29/2024

        Dr Hessen was very thorough as she addressed my eye issues and helpful answering concerns/ questions during the visit.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/23/2024

        FriendlyKnowledgeable

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/16/2024

        Very professional and extremely knowledgable about my case and "next steps.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/15/2024

        Dr Hessen was wonderful. She seems very knowledgeable and a good listener

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/15/2024

        Sge is theGREASTEST!!!!!!!!!!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/10/2024

        Dr Hessen is excellent; personally, and professionally

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/9/2024

        Really appreciate Dr Hessen's care and patience in treating my eye condition.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/9/2024

        The best there is

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/8/2024

        Dr Hessen in my opinion is the best most caring and on hands Dr there. She is well educated and bright in her field

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/5/2024

        She is highly skilled and caring

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/3/2024

        All went very well

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/29/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/29/2024

        The provider is very kind, I m very happy to be her patient.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/27/2024

        I feel very confident in Dr Hessen and the care she provides