Dr. Emily Shepherd

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.