Doctors

Dr. Scott LaBorwit, President and Founder of Select Eye Care, is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. LaBorwit is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. After completing his ophthalmology residency at the Krieger Eye Institute of Sinai Hospital, Dr. LaBorwit completed a fellowship in glaucoma at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. LaBorwit has lectured nationally and has been published in major peer-reviewed journals, including Ophthalmology and American Journal of Ophthalmology. He has also been a contributing author for teaching textbooks on glaucoma and eye injury.

Dr. LaBorwit currently serves as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Part-Time faculty, at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is also the Clinical Advisory Chair for our Vision Innovation Partners network. 

Dr. Samantha Williamson is a board certified and fellowship-trained corneal, cataract and anterior segment surgeon. She has extensive experience in cataract surgery, including complex cataracts, secondary lens implantation, and advanced lens technology such as toric and multifocal lenses. Dr. Williamson clinically and surgically manages a wide range of corneal disease, including Fuchs dystrophy (corneal swelling), corneal infections and scars, Keratoconus, pterygia (growths on the surface of the eye) and ocular surface tumors, and specializes in corneal transplantation (including PKP, DALK, DSAEK and DMEK) as well as corneal cross-linking. She has a particular interest in bringing relief to dry eye patients via numerous treatment modalities. Her peers selected her as a “Top Doctor” in Baltimore Magazine.

Dr. Williamson graduated cum laude from Princeton University, and attended medical school at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Francisco, CA, where she was voted Intern of the Year. Dr. Williamson completed her Ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and served as Chief Resident in her final year. She then underwent additional training in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, one the premier Cornea departments in the country.

She and her husband are Baltimore natives, and love spending time with their families and children Cleo and Homer. Dr. Williamson is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Cornea Society. She has presented at major national meetings and is published in the peer-reviewed literature.

Dr. Williamson also practices from one of our partner practices, Baltimore Eye Physicians, who has a location in Baltimore, MD.

Dr. Olga Shif, MD, is board-certified retina specialist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Select Eye Care who specializes in diseases of the retina, including lasers and injections.

Before joining Select Eye Care, Dr. Shif dedicated her expertise to providing specialized retina care and advancing patient outcomes at The National Retina Institute in several locations throughout Maryland.

Dr. Shif has an expansive educational background, which began with her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and chemistry from Arcadia University's Honors Program, where she graduated magna cum laude. Following her undergraduate degree, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University) in Philadelphia, PA. Her journey continued with a year of performing glaucoma and ERG research at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, followed by a clinical internship at Pennsylvania Hospital, in Philadelphia, PA, and the residency program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. After completing her residency, she proceeded into a vitreoretinal surgical fellowship at Sinai Hospital's Krieger Eye Institute, which led to a fellowship at The National Retina Institute, where she ultimately joined the team full-time and equipped her with the skills to deliver exceptional retinal care.

Dr. Shif is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been recognized with numerous honors and awards throughout her education and training. She has presented at leading ophthalmology conferences, published articles in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed to book chapters, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field.

Outside of work, Dr. Shif likes to spend time with her husband and three children. They especially like to travel and go to hockey and basketball games whenever they get the chance.

In addition to serving retina patients here at Select Eye Care, Dr. Shif also sees patients at two of our partner practices, Baltimore Eye Physicians, which has a location in Baltimore, MD, and Center for Total Eye Care, which has a location in Westminster, MD, and Eldersburg, MD.

Languages

• English
• Russian 
• Spanish

Dr. Erwin Puente received both his medical degree and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis as part of the prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program. He obtained his PhD in molecular cell biology, focusing on the pathophysiology of diabetes. He completed his ophthalmology residency, where he also served as Chief Resident, at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. He then completed a two year vitreo-retinal surgery fellowship at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. He has presented his research at scientific meetings and has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. His areas of expertise are macular degeneration, macular holes and puckers, retinal vascular disorders including diabetic retinopathy and vascular occlusions, and retinal detachments. Dr. Puente is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Joseph Vojtko, DO (known to patients as "Dr. V"), is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist at Select Eye Care in our Elkridge location who specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma management, minor oculoplastics, and corneal procedures. Dr. V is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality eye care, ensuring that each patient receives treatment tailored to their individual needs. Before joining Select Eye Care, Dr. V practiced as a full-time comprehensive ophthalmologist at The Permanente Medical Group in Northern California. 

Beyond his ophthalmology expertise, he takes a unique approach to patient care, focusing on both restoring vision and enhancing overall well-being. His goal is to empower patients to improve their vision, health, and quality of life.

A native of Western Pennsylvania, Dr. V earned his B.A. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Medical Humanities from the University of Delaware. He went on to receive his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014. Following his studies, he completed a transitional residency at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore, MD, before finishing his ophthalmology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2018.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. V is deeply committed to service, education, mentorship, and research. Throughout his career, he has devoted extensive time to volunteer initiatives, providing essential eye care to underserved communities. Dr. V has contributed to the field through publications and presentations, sharing insights that advance ophthalmic care and innovation. His research interests are equally distinguished, particularly in his work with NASA, where he has explored the unique intersection of ophthalmology and aerospace medicine in studying how the eye and central nervous system adapt with long duration exposure to microgravity. 

Dr. V remains committed to pushing the boundaries of vision science while ensuring exceptional patient care and fostering the next generation of leaders in the field.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and energetic Jack Russell Terrier, Cleo. Dr. V and his wife enjoy an active lifestyle of traveling, CrossFit, yoga, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. 

Dr. Rachel Cho, OD, joined Select Eye Care after completing her Doctorate of Optometry from the State University of New York College of Optometry, and graduating with distinction of Beta Sigma Kappa academic honors. She also completed a hospital-based residency at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Dr. Cho is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Maryland Optometric Association.

She is excited to be part of the Select Eye Care team and provide exceptional eye care and serve the needs of her patients. She is conversant in Korean, Spanish, and English. 

Dr. Roma Desai joins the Select Eye Care team after graduating from University of Maryland and Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She also completed her residency in hospital-based optometry at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Baltimore. Dr. Desai has presented lectures to doctors of optometry and has earned numerous accolades and awards for both academic achievement as well as clinical excellence. She is a member of the Maryland Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Trey Haugen arrived at Baltimore Eye Physicians as a Consultative Optometrist after completing a hospital-based residency at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Dr. Haugen completed his optometry degree at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL, where he earned standing in Beta Sigma Kappa Honors Society for academic excellence. Dr. Haugen is a member of The American Optometric Association and Maryland Optometric Association. 

Dr. Haugen also practices from one of our partner practices, Baltimore Eye Physicians, who has a location in Baltimore, MD.