Started by John E. Gilmore, M.D., an internationally renowned innovator of Ophthalmology, the Santa Monica Eye Medical Group has been providing medical and surgical eye care since 1948. Dr. Gilmore was joined by Donald E. Dickerson, M.D., a well established Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, in 1965.

They started the first course in Cataract and Intra-ocular lens surgery, teaching hundreds of Ophthalmologists from around the country and around the world. Dr. Gilmore eventually retired in 1991 as did Dr. Dickerson in 2007.

Dr. Stelzner joined the Santa Monica Eye Medical Group in 2004 and became Dr. Dickerson’s successor after his retirement in January 2008. Dr. Stelzner continues the tradition of excellence by using cutting edge technology and up-to-date microsurgical procedures. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA/ Jules Stein Eye Institute and is the Director of Eye Care at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Dr. Stelzner trains ophthalmologists both locally and internationally.  Dr. Stelzner has been recognized in "Who's and Who" and in Consumer's Report as one of Americas Best Ophthalmologists. 

Jay Gross, M.D., came to the Santa Monica Eye Group in 1978 for advanced training, and joined the practice. Dr. Gross participated in the surgery courses and teaching Family Medicine residence. Dr. Gross earned a position as Assistant Clinical Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and became the Chief of the Ophthalmology Section at the Santa Monica/ UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Chen and Kappel are UCLA/Jules Stein Eye Institute trained doctors with outstanding credentials that have recently joined the practice.

Insurance Plans

We accept most insurance plans, including:

Our office is conveniently located near Santa Monica Boulevard and 20th Street in Santa Monica. There is free, ground-level parking with easy access to several bus lines. (We offer extended business hours and Saturday hours).

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