Your Retinal Care Specialist

Where Compassion

Meets Excellence

We’re Here to Help You Thrive.

We are committed to delivering exceptional retina care and personalized attention. Founded by Dr. Ingrid Zimmer-Galler, our practice is built on a commitment to individualized patient care.

At Retina First, we pride ourselves on a patient-centered approach. We believe that the foundation of excellent care is getting to know each patient as a unique individual. Our team ensures that every patient receives comprehensive, tailored treatment plans designed to address their specific needs and conditions. Here, you’re more than just a case — you’re a valued member of our Retina First family.

Experience the difference of personalized care at Retina First, where your vision, and your well-being, come first.

See Clearly, Live Fully

Trusted Care for Your Retinal Health

Meet Dr. Ingrid E. Zimmer-Galler MD

Dr. Zimmer-Galler founded Retina First with a vision to go beyond standard care—creating a practice where patients not only benefit from the latest advancements in retinal treatment but also receive the time, attention, and compassion they deserve. Known for her thoughtful, patient-centered approach, she ensures each individual is treated with empathy and personalized care.

Before launching Retina First, Dr. Zimmer-Galler held faculty and leadership positions at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, with expertise in retinal vascular diseases, surgery, and telemedicine. A longtime resident of Frederick County, she now serves her community through two Retina First locations—in Mount Airy and Frederick.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zimmer-Galler is a passionate aviator. A licensed pilot, she has contributed significantly to flight safety as a consultant for the Federal Aviation Administration and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Civil Aviation Medical Association. Her love of aviation is even reflected in the design of Retina First’s offices.

Our Services

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  • Compassionate, Skilled, and Truly Caring

    A really great team. All are very kind, patient and efficient. Dr Zimmer- Galler is very knowledgeable, she listens, explains procedures, and is very kind to her patients.

    — Lucie

  • Grateful for a Life-Changing Diagnosis

    I am so fortunate to have found Dr. Zimmer-Galler. I had left my previous ophthalmologist due to dissatisfaction and initially visited her for prescription glasses. To my surprise, we discovered that my macular degeneration required immediate attention. No one had ever fully explained the seriousness of my condition—I was vaguely told I ‘might go blind in ten years’ and not to worry.

    If I hadn’t crossed paths with Dr. Zimmer-Galler when I did, things could have taken a much worse turn. Thank you, Dr. Zimmer-Galler—along with Melissa and Galen—for your care and dedication.”

    — Elanor

  • Trusted Care That Stood the Test of Time

    Dr. Zimmer-Galler treated me for several years starting in 1999 for BRVO in my left eye. Thankfully, after 22 years, my condition has remained stable—though I still experience some blurriness and distortion due to macular damage. I now live in California, and after cataract surgery in 2013, my vision is 20/35 in the left eye and 20/20 in the right.

    — Vivkek