Florida Eye Specialists is Jacksonville’s leader for comprehensive eye care—from diagnosis, to treatment, to surgery. In line with our mission to provide excellent care and the latest technology to our Jacksonville communities, we are thrilled to add yet another highly-skilled physician to our team. Steven R. Maier, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery. He brings decades of experience to broaden the practice’s expertise.
We sat down with Dr. Maier to learn more about his background, experience, and how he plans to carry out the Florida Eye Specialists mission of providing excellence in eye care.
Q: Good morning, Dr. Maier. To start off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m originally from the Washington, D.C. area, but as part of a Navy family, I’ve lived up and down the East Coast and was lucky enough to be stationed in Hawaii. I completed my undergraduate degree at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and called D.C. my home for many years. But Florida has been home for the last six years.
I spend most of my free time with my two kids, a son who is in his senior year at the University of South Florida and a daughter who is in her senior year at Fleming Island High School. I also love to stay active—tennis is my outlet. I’m always willing to take on another home improvement project and I’ve recently taken up the piano.
Q: Why did you choose to specialize in eye care?
A: I love performing surgical procedures. It gives me profound joy to help improve vision for patients who are struggling with eye issues and to know I was part of that process. In our field, patients often look forward to their eye surgeries, and we look forward to treating them. I also enjoy the engineering and math behind the latest and greatest eye care technology.
Q: Tell us about your career so far.
A: I started in Nuclear Power School and then served as a Naval Submarine Officer for seven years before switching to the medical field. After studying medicine through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, I was a flight surgeon for four years, taking care of active duty military members. I then completed my Ophthalmology residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Most recently, I served as the Ophthalmology Department Head at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville.
Q: What is your approach to patient care?
A: The backbone of all patient care is listening to the patient. Understanding why they came into the office, listening to and recognizing all their concerns and offering solutions based on their desires. My philosophy is to always give the patient my complete attention so I can offer the best care.
Q: What has been your greatest professional achievement so far?
A: It’s a culmination of my time in the Navy. I retired this year, after serving since 1993. Giving back to the Jacksonville community with the service members I’ve worked side by side with is my greatest achievement.
Q: What are you the most excited about coming into your new position?
A: Jacksonville has become my home. I take pride in continuing to help military families, and now, with the Florida Eye Specialists team, I can also help the Jacksonville civilian population at large. It’s my goal to give back to my community and to hopefully make a life-changing difference for my patients.
Book an Appointment With Dr. Maier
Dr. Maier primarily works out of the Florida Eye Specialists Orange Park office. His practice focuses on comprehensive eye care including diagnosis and management of cataracts, diseases of the cornea, glaucoma, dry eye, and diabetic retinopathy. To book an appointment with Dr. Maier, click here or call 904-564-2020.
About Florida Eye Specialists
Florida Eye Specialists is one of the largest multi-specialty ophthalmology private practices in Northeast Florida. We have offices in Fernandina Beach, Gate Parkway/295, Mandarin, Northside, Ponte Vedra Beach, Riverside, San Marco, Southpoint, St. Augustine, and Orange Park.
Florida Eye Specialists is a comprehensive eye care practice that features a complete spectrum of ophthalmology services. Our surgical services include cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery, corneal procedures, glaucoma treatment options, oculoplastic eyelid surgery, dry eye treatment, and even cosmetic and skin care services. Schedule an appointment at one of our ten locations.