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Rachel Jessica Bishop

Rachel Jessica Bishop, MD, MPH

Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
4.9 of 5 stars122 ratings, 52 reviews

Highlights

Languages

  • German
  • English

Gender

Female

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Rachel Jessica Bishop

Primary Academic Title

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Johns Hopkins Physician

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Background

Rachel Bishop, M.D., M.P.H., is an ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care at the Wilmer Eye Institute’s locations in Frederick and Bethesda, Maryland.

Before studying medicine, Dr. Bishop was an officer in the U.S. Army, serving as a medical evacuation platoon leader and executive officer in South Korea and as a hospital administrator at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco.  

She then pursued her medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania and, as a medical officer in the Army, completed ophthalmology residency training at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Following her residency, Dr. Bishop served as chief of ophthalmology at the Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood in Texas. There she performed refractive surgery for thousands of soldiers before their deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, and provided eye care for active duty military personnel, their families and retirees. 

In 2006, Dr. Bishop transferred to the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and joined the National Eye Institute (NEI), where as chief of the consult service, she cared for people participating in clinical trials throughout the many institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this role, Dr. Bishop monitored medication and treatment side effects, managed eye conditions related to NIH protocols, and provided comprehensive eye care for adults and children treated at NIH.

As a key NEI spokesperson, Dr. Bishop promoted eye health through a variety of media outlets, including TV and radio, print, and internet forums, and she helped produce educational videos and print materials for NEI. Continuing a career-long interest in medical ethics, she served as a member of NIH’s clinical bioethics committee for 12 years. In her final year at NEI, she led a strategic planning panel focused on low vision solutions and quality of life. She is interested in international public health, health economics and optimizing access to eye care through technology. 

In 2019, Dr. Bishop retired from the USPHS, where she had been deputy commander of a 130-member rapid deployment force that provided medical care for people displaced during natural disasters.

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

Research Interests

Cystinosis, Dry Eye Conditions Including Graft-Versus-Host Disease, Ebola Virus Disease

Research Summary

Dr. Bishop’s research interests have included ocular graft-versus-host disease and cystinosis, a rare disease for which she is a recognized international authority. She helped formulate international disease management guidelines regarding cystinosis.

In 2015, as part of the Ebola studies conducted by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Bishop and her research partner, Allen Eghrari, M.D., M.P.H., from the Wilmer Eye Institute, established an eye research and care clinic in Liberia. Over five years, their studies explored the ocular effects of Ebola, viral persistence in the eye and the safety of cataract surgery for survivors. They trained primary care and eye team members to provide triage and basic eye care in outreach locations supported by telemedicine. 

Honors

  • Director's Award (2020, 2016, 2009), National Eye Institute
  • Director's Award (2016, 2013), National Institutes of Health
  • Commendation Medal (2011, 2010), U.S. Public Health Service
  • Commendation Medal (1993, 1991), U.S. Army
  • Outstanding Service Medal, U.S. Public Health Service, 1/1/14
  • Field Medical Readiness Badge, U.S. Public Health Service, 1/1/14
  • Plain Language Award, National Institutes of Health, 1/1/12
  • Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army, 1/1/06
  • Superior Unit Award, U.S. Army, 1/1/03
  • Charles A. Oliver Memorial Prize, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 1/1/99
  • Expert Field Medical Badge, U.S. Army, 1/1/90

Memberships

  • American Board of Ophthalmology,

    Diplomate

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • Washington Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Society of Military Ophthalmologists

Locations

  1. Wilmer Eye Institute - Frederick
    • 161 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 275, Frederick, MD 21702

    Expertise

    Education

    Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

    Graduate School, MPH, 2010

    Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Residency, Ophthalmology, 2003

    University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

    Medical Education, MD, 1999

    Board Certifications

    Ophthalmology

    American Board of Ophthalmology, 2004

    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

    4.9 out of 5

    122 ratings, 52 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 4.9 out of 5 stars
    Provider Explained Things Clearly
    Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 4.9 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 5 out of 5 stars
    Search reviews
      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 4/24/2025

      Excellent visit.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 4/11/2025

      Dr Bishop is extremely good on what she does. I'm so grateful to have her as my doctor. All of my concerns or questions were always clear after the visit!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/21/2025

      Great doctor. She explains everything in a good way and best of all, have my eyes hurting less

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/14/2025

      Dr. Bishop is caring and skilled. She takes time to explain and answers questionable.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/7/2025

      Dr Bishop was very professional, and an excellent Doctor.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/7/2025

      Great been using same for years

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/25/2025

      Great service

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/25/2025

      Very good All

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/25/2025

      Excellent ,courteous and professional

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/18/2025

      Dr. Bishop was very courteous, professional, and caring for my specialty needs.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/18/2025

      This was my first visit with Dr. Bishop and I was very satisfied with her knowledge of my case, her explanation of my condition and her ability to explain it to me in terms I was able to understand. I would recommend her to anyone who needed to see an opthalmologist.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/10/2025

      Rachel was very helpful.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/10/2025

      Dr. Bishop is an outstanding physician. She has monitored an ongoing problem with my eyes and now sees me once a year. Her attention to detail, listening skills, research, and follow up are excellent. She is caring and compassionate. Dr. Bishop is an excellent Opthamologist.

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

      Very nice, friendly, calm, patient, and knowledgeable.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/21/2025

      She is always, careful and mindful of my understanding of my condition as well as ready to clarify any concerns I may have with a great deal of patience.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/7/2025

      She is the Best. Excellent background, manner. A true scientific professional.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/17/2024

      Dr. Bishop is absolutely one of the best care providers I've been treated by. Her knowledge and care for the patient are exceptional. I can't think of another doctor I have as much confidence in. Based on my experience, my wife Is also now a patient of Dr. Bishop and has received the same excellent care.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/17/2024

      Dr. Bishop is a very caring, skilled optical physician with lots of good ideas about eye care.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/17/2024

      Dr Bishop was wonderful.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/10/2024

      Dr. Bishop is patient, kind, and knowledgeable. She asked many questions and showed that cared about my whole person, not just my eye issue.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/10/2024

      Caring, skillful, takes time to explain

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/10/2024

      Dr Bishop is thorough, considerate, looks at "the big picture" when speaking to options moving forward. I trust her.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/3/2024

      Personable and friendly. Knows what she is doing.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/3/2024

      Dr. Bishop is a very knowledgeable and caring doctor.

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

      My doctor and nurse was very good at there job.

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

      She's very nice and I like her. Friendly and approachable.

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

      Dr Bishop is an excellent doctor. She explains everything and does so in such a way as to be easy to understand. She is thorough and she is kind.

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

      She is thorough, cleared and honest

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

      Very good, explained well

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

      Nice people to work with.

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

      Dr. Bishop is best ophthmalogist I"ve seen in Frederick. She shows she cares and is passionate about her work.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/4/2024

      Dr. Bishop was very patient and took time to make sure I understood all the information she provided.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/29/2024

      Outstanding in every way possible

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

      Dr. Bishop is an excellent Physician.

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

      Excellent

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/8/2024

      Great! Excellent care.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/8/2024

      My provider retired, so I needed a new ophthalmologist. I am so glad he did, because Dr. Bishop is the best doctor I have ever seen. She was professional, knowledgeable, listened to my concerns and took the time to make sure, my eyes were in good shape. I have already spoken to friends about her and highly recommended Dr. Bishop.

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

      Really through and eady to talk to

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

      Very knowledgeable and concerned for the patient

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

      Dr Bishop is exemplary and has more empathy and genuineness than most physicians. I have seen this now three yrs in a row as my eye specialist. I've referred patients to her. She could be cloned! Seriously I do appreciate how kind, communicative and helpful she is, particularly when I had shared some challenges I had faced then an update. She's a gem!! Keep her.

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

      Dr. Bishop was extremely knowledgeable and thorough.

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

      Very personable, compationate, thorough, information.

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

      Has to be one of the best in the particular sphere of her interest and expertise ..Qiuite professional with her explanations of different areas of my problem ....Interested in making sure my understanding was complete so no mix up's arose ...All this was quite enlightening because I'm over 90 years of age....My thanks go out to her and I feel I am getting extremely excellent care ....

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/29/2024

      Dr Bishop Is great, very personable, good listener, able to explain medical issues in a way that it's easily understood by the patient.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/29/2024

      I could have seen someone sooner but I waited for Dr Bishop to return from her trip. She is excellent and calmed all my fears. I would recommend her to anyone. I really appreciate her caring and professional attitude. I'm 68 and she is hands down the best medical professional I've ever seen, for any condition.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/29/2024

      Dr Bishop is great!!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/27/2024

      Dr. Bishop pays attention to detail, explains what each test measures and your personal trends, welcomes and answers all questions. I appreciate her dedication to pre-reading each patient's chart prior to the examination and being treating as a unique entity.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/19/2024

      Dr. Bishop is an excellent physician!! She truly cares about the health of her patients.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/19/2024

      Dr Bishop has so improved my dry eye condition I'm so very grateful.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/18/2024

      I just love her bedside manner and wonderful level of professionalism.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/14/2024

      Dr. Bishop is an expert in eye surface diseases. She demonstrates this skill at every visit.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/14/2024

      Dr. Bishop is an outstanding!