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Dr. Ria Dirghayu Desai is a medical retina specialist who treats conditions that affect the retina and can lead to permanent vision loss without timely care. Her practice focus includes age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and she provides treatments such as intravitreal injections and retinal laser procedures. She also evaluates retinal holes, tears, and vascular occlusions, helping patients understand their diagnosis and the steps needed to protect vision. Dr. Desai earned her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency and fellowship training at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She emphasizes clear explanations, careful monitoring, and treatment plans that match each patient’s condition and goals.

Dr. Safa Rahmani is a retina specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She cares for infants, children, and teens with complex retinal conditions, including pediatric retinal disease, retinal detachments, inherited retinal degenerations, and retinopathy of prematurity. She focuses on clear explanations and family-centered decisions, using careful examination and retinal imaging to understand what is happening and what to expect. Dr. Rahmani earned her MD from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed an ophthalmology residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and pursued fellowship training in vitreoretinal diseases at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. She also contributes to clinical research, with publications in journals such as Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, and the Journal of AAPOS.

Dr. Daniel Balikov is a vitreoretinal surgeon who treats medical and surgical diseases of the macula, retina, and vitreous. He combines thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making with modern microsurgical techniques to restore and preserve sight in conditions ranging from diabetic eye disease to complex retinal detachments. Patients value his calm, step-by-step explanations and close coordination with referring optometrists and ophthalmologists. Dr. Balikov earned his MD and PhD at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, completed internship and an ophthalmology residency at the University of Michigan, and pursued advanced fellowship training at the University of Miami/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, where he is involved in resident and fellow education. In clinic, he emphasizes personalized care plans and thoughtful follow-up, aiming to help patients return safely to work, reading, and the activities they enjoy.

Dr. Saira Khanna is a board-certified medical and surgical retina specialist with Retina Consultants, Ltd. She completed her undergraduate studies in neurobiology (with minors in Spanish and Economics) at Harvard University and earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Khanna trained in ophthalmology at the University of Chicago and advanced her subspecialty expertise through a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at The Retina Institute in St. Louis. Dr. Khanna cares for adults with a wide range of retinal diseases and is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Her areas of expertise include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular diseases, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and uveitis. She offers modern in-office treatments and collaborates closely with referring providers to coordinate timely diagnostics and procedures that help preserve vision.

Dr. John D. Wilgucki II is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in medical and surgical retina at Loyola Medicine. He evaluates and treats the full range of retinal disease, from age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to epiretinal membrane, macular hole, and retinal tears and detachments. He welcomes urgent referrals for sudden vision changes, flashes, or floaters and emphasizes same-day triage when retinal detachment is a concern. Patients value his calm communication style, thoughtful surgical planning, and collaborative approach with their primary eye doctors. Dr. Wilgucki completed ophthalmology residency at Emory University School of Medicine and advanced fellowship training at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. At Loyola, he offers in-office injection and laser therapies as well as small-gauge vitrectomy when surgery is needed, with a focus on safety, comfort, and durable visual outcomes.

A board-certified ophthalmologist with vitreoretinal fellowship training, this physician cares for patients with complex retinal and vitreous conditions using both medical and surgical approaches. Areas of expertise include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal tears and detachments, and retinal vascular disease, as well as select complications such as dislocated intraocular lenses, ocular trauma, and ocular inflammation. Training began in an accelerated BA/MD program at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, followed by ophthalmology residency at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, including service as Chief Resident and receipt of the Merrill Grayson Leadership Award. Two additional fellowships—ophthalmic pathology and vitreoretinal surgery—were completed at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Professional work includes national presentations and authorship in journals and textbooks related to ophthalmology and retinal disease, and care may be provided in English or Spanish.

Dr. Sara Fard is a board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon caring for patients with medical and surgical retinal disease. Born in Iran and raised in Toronto, she brings a global perspective and a strong academic foundation to her practice. Dr. Fard completed undergraduate studies in Physiology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, earned her MD at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and discovered a passion for retina during clinical training. She completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a rigorous two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the University of Louisville, serving as the sole fellow in a high-volume program. Patients describe her as steady, detailed, and empathetic. She treats complex conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment and believes in prevention, precision, and clear communication at every visit. Dr. Fard joined Illinois Retina Associates in 2025 and sees patients in the Harvey and Rush locations.

Dr. Omar M. Hassan is a vitreoretinal surgeon and the founder of Great Lakes Retina. He completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, ophthalmology residency at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He also completed his internship in internal medicine at West Suburban Hospital. Dr. Hassan values education and mentorship and remains involved in teaching future vitreoretinal surgeons through the Northwestern fellowship program. In clinic, Dr. Hassan provides thorough evaluations, clear explanations, and individualized treatment plans for diseases of the retina and vitreous. He treats macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, retinal tears and detachments, and other macular and vitreoretinal disorders. His goal is to ensure every patient understands their diagnosis and the rationale behind recommended laser therapy, injections, or surgery, so they feel confident and supported throughout care.

Dr. Hudson Stern is a retina surgeon at Retina Associates who cares for patients with disorders of the retina and vitreous. He treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and vein occlusions, and repairs retinal detachments using advanced medical and surgical techniques. Patients value his clear explanations and collaborative approach to complex decisions, from intravitreal therapies to outpatient vitrectomy. Dr. Stern grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and studied computer science at Wheaton College, graduating summa cum laude. He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha as a junior and graduated with honors. After an internal medicine internship at Rush University Medical Center, he completed an ophthalmology residency at Cook County Health, followed by a two-year surgical retina fellowship with Cook County and Retina Associates. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, serves on staff at Cook County Health, and speaks Spanish.

Dr. Sarah Syeda is a vitreoretinal surgeon with a global perspective on patient care. Trained across the U.K. and U.S., she brings a thoughtful, whole-person approach to conditions that threaten central vision. In visits she explains imaging clearly, sets expectations for recovery, and partners with patients and families on decisions about injections, laser, or surgery. She also has focused training in ocular inflammation and welcomes collaborative care for complex uveitis. Dr. Syeda completed ophthalmology residency at the Kresge Eye Institute in Michigan, where she served as Chief Resident, and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Illinois Retina Associates before joining the practice. She began her medical education at the University of Glasgow and previously completed clinical and research work in ocular immunology and uveitis. Outside the clinic she enjoys the outdoors with her family and exploring Chicagoland.

Dr. Manthan Shah is a retina specialist and surgeon who focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the retina and vitreous. He cares for patients with conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, uveitis, and retinal disease related to infection or eye trauma. Dr. Shah completed a surgical retina fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis after an ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. In addition to clinical care, he has served in academic ophthalmology and has been involved in education and research. Dr. Shah is affiliated with major professional ophthalmology societies and brings a careful, step-by-step approach to helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

Dr. Tony Y. Chen is a board-certified ophthalmologist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases. He sees adults with symptoms such as flashes, floaters, blurred or distorted vision, and sudden vision loss, and tailors care using evidence-based medical and laser therapies. His clinical approach emphasizes careful examination, clear communication about treatment options, and timely follow-up to safeguard vision. Dr. Chen earned his MD in 2017 and completed ophthalmology residency in 2021, followed by a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery. He enjoys collaborating with referring optometrists and primary-care clinicians to coordinate care for conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions. His background includes peer-reviewed publications and recognition for humanitarian service and clinical excellence. Patients value his calm manner and the way he explains findings in understandable terms.

Dr. Kyle C. Blair is an ophthalmologist with a focus on medical and surgical retina at Retina Consultants, Ltd. He treats the full spectrum of retinal disease, from urgent issues like retinal detachment to chronic conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Patients appreciate his calm, clear explanations and the way he personalizes care plans—whether that involves office-based injections, laser, or surgery. Dr. Blair completed medical school at Western University of Health Sciences (College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest) and ophthalmology residency at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital. He subsequently completed focused medical retina training at Retina Consultants, Ltd. Before medicine he studied at Grinnell College and served two years in the Peace Corps in Peru. He is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Saaquib R. Bakhsh is a board-certified vitreoretinal surgeon who treats the full range of medical and surgical retina conditions. He provides office-based injection and laser therapies as well as complex operating-room procedures, caring for patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, ocular inflammation, and retinal detachment. He also manages dislocated intraocular lenses and other challenging complications, and he strives to deliver careful counsel and clear expectations at every visit. Dr. Bakhsh earned his MD at Rush University after graduating cum laude from Northwestern University. He completed ophthalmology residency at the Beaumont Eye Institute and a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and disease at Indiana University. His academic work includes publications and presentations on advanced retina topics, with a recent focus on reducing health-care disparities and improving access for vulnerable populations. He sees patients at multiple Wheaton Eye Clinic locations throughout the western suburbs.

Dr. Meena S. George is a vitreoretinal surgeon who diagnoses and treats complex retina and macula conditions that can threaten sight. He cares for patients with problems such as diabetic eye disease, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and inflammatory retinal disease, using advanced imaging and modern surgical techniques. He takes a careful, step-by-step approach to help patients understand what is happening in their eyes and what treatment can realistically achieve. Dr. George completed medical and graduate training at Columbia University, followed by ophthalmology residency at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute and a vitreoretinal fellowship at the USC Eye Institute. His background in research and education supports an evidence-based style of care focused on preserving vision and supporting patients over time.

Dr. Emily Anne ("Annie") Shepherd is a vitreoretinal surgeon with Illinois Retina Associates. A Nashville native and Notre Dame graduate, she earned her medical degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, completed ophthalmology residency at Rush University, and finished a surgical retina fellowship with Illinois Retina Associates/Rush. Dr. Shepherd treats medical and surgical retina conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and macular holes/epiretinal membranes. She uses advanced imaging, office-based treatments including intravitreal injections and laser, and state-of-the-art surgery to protect and restore sight—tailoring each plan to the person behind the eye.

Dr. Andrew W. Francis is a vitreoretinal surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the retina and macula. He cares for patients with conditions that can affect central and peripheral vision, and he offers both in-office treatments and advanced surgical care when needed. His goal is to make complex retina problems easier to understand, so patients feel informed and supported throughout treatment. Dr. Francis earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, and pursued fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. He brings a detail-oriented approach to retinal care, emphasizing careful monitoring, timely intervention, and clear communication.

Dr. Robert Garoon is a vitreoretinal specialist who treats diseases of the retina and vitreous with a calm, collaborative style. He cares for patients with retinal tears and detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, macular holes and epiretinal membranes, and complex cases that may require vitrectomy or secondary intraocular lens placement. Patients appreciate his clear explanations, attention to detail, and focus on restoring and protecting vision.Dr. Garoon earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Spanish at Emory University and his medical degree at the Chicago Medical School, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed ophthalmology residency at Baylor College of Medicine’s Cullen Eye Institute and a two-year surgical retina fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. He remains active in clinical interests spanning retinal detachment repair, macular surgery, and advanced lens-related reconstruction.

Dr. Kevin Elwood is a vitreoretinal surgeon in training at Illinois Retina Associates who cares for adults with medical and surgical diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. He enjoys partnering with patients to explain diagnoses clearly, review treatment options, and map out step-by-step plans that fit their goals and schedules. Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago in Orland Park, IL, Dr. Elwood attended The University of Texas for his undergraduate studies, graduating summa cum laude. He then began medical school as one of the fifty inaugural students at The University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas, where he found his passion in ophthalmology and retina. His medical school research focused on teleretinal screening for diabetic retinopathy in Central Texas, for which he graduated with a distinction in research. Dr. Elwood returned to the Midwest to complete his ophthalmology residency at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he furthered his skills in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases. During residency, he traveled to the Philippines to work with colleagues in ophthalmology and conducted research on advanced ophthalmic imaging in macular degeneration and outcomes of neovascular glaucoma. He is now advancing his skills in vitreoretinal surgery with the team at Illinois Retina Associates and Rush University Medical Center. Outside clinic, Dr. Elwood avidly cheers for the Texas Longhorns football team on Saturdays and the Chicago Bears on Sundays. He enjoys going on walks with his wife, daughter, and dog, and practicing his golf game.

Dr. Paul De Bustros is a retina specialist in fellowship training who cares for patients with medical and surgical diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. He evaluates and treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, macular holes and epiretinal membranes, and retinal vein occlusions. During fellowship he performs procedures such as intravitreal injections, retinal laser, and vitreoretinal surgery under the guidance of experienced faculty, with a focus on safety, vision, and comfort. Raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Dr. De Bustros completed ophthalmology residency as chief resident and has pursued research in non-invasive imaging for diabetic retinopathy and the ocular surface microbiome. He aims to deliver clear, evidence-based care and to help patients understand each step of their treatment.

Dr. Henry Feng is a retina specialist who provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the retina, vitreous, and macula. He is an expert in managing a wide range of vitreoretinal diseases, including retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and complex retinal disorders. He joined Illinois Retina Associates in 2022 and also serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Feng's journey into ophthalmology began with a global health volunteer experience in India. He graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and earned his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed his ophthalmology residency, chief residency, and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the prestigious Duke University Eye Center. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Feng combines clinical and research expertise to deliver personalized, high-quality retinal care. He has authored over 20 scientific publications and participates in multiple clinical trials. He is also an editor of a patient education book to help individuals better understand their eye conditions. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, swimming, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Olga German is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in retina care at Geneva Eye Clinic. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Loyola University Chicago and her Doctor of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Her medical training includes a residency in ophthalmology at Cook County Hospital and a fellowship in Diseases of the Retina at Northwestern University. Her clinical interests encompass macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein and arterial occlusions, intravitreal injections, retinal laser surgery, cataract surgery, and general ophthalmology. Dr. German is a medical staff member at NM Delnor Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and she holds memberships in several professional societies including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retinal Specialists. Bilingual in Russian and Spanish, she is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with clear communication. Dr. German volunteers with Tri-City Health Partnerships and has earned a 5.0 rating from 100 patient reviews, reflecting her commitment to excellent care.

Dr. Saagar A. Pandit is a vitreoretinal surgeon who treats the full range of retinal disease with a steady, education-first approach. He makes complex topics understandable, reviews imaging together with patients, and discusses choices—from observation to injections, laser, or surgery—so people can participate fully in their care. His goal is to maximize vision while minimizing treatment burden whenever possible. Dr. Pandit received his MD from the University of Connecticut and completed ophthalmology residency at New York University, followed by a two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. He also earned an MPH at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. In practice he manages age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and tears, macular holes and puckers, and other complex vitreoretinal conditions.

Mohammad A. Sadiq, MD, is a vitreoretinal surgeon with Springfield Clinic’s Eye Institute. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for diseases of the retina and vitreous, and he strives to involve patients in every decision so they feel informed, empowered, and supported. Dr. Sadiq earned his medical degree from Aga Khan University in Karachi, followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University. He then completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and a fellowship in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. His clinical practice includes the management of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and other complex retinal conditions. Before joining Springfield Clinic, Dr. Sadiq cared for patients in Kentucky. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family and pets, stays active as a cyclist and skier, and appreciates good music—balance that complements his patient-centered approach in clinic and the operating room.