{"id":7722,"date":"2026-09-19T10:10:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T15:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/?p=7722"},"modified":"2026-09-19T18:40:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T23:40:11","slug":"best-retina-specialists-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/es\/best-retina-specialists-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Retina Specialists in Chicago Compared"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"meta\">By <a href=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/author\/austin-kennedy\/\" rel=\"author\">Austin Kennedy<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"fep-top-cta\" style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:12px 24px;background:#02ACE31A;border-left:4px solid #02ACE3;padding:16px 20px;margin:0 0 24px;font-family:Poppins,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;flex:1 1 260px;color:#1D1D1D;font-size:17px;line-height:1.4;\"><strong>See a Family Eye Physicians eye doctor.<\/strong> Offices in Buffalo Grove, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Schaumburg, Oakbrook Terrace and Chicago (Albany Park).<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px;\"><a href=\"\/book\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#02ACE3;color:#FFFFFF;border:3px solid #02ACE3;padding:10px 22px;font-size:17px;line-height:1.3;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap;\">Request an Appointment<\/a><a href=\"tel:708-636-9393\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#FFFFFF;color:#1D1D1D;border:3px solid #02ACE3;padding:10px 22px;font-size:17px;line-height:1.3;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap;\">Call (708) 636-9393<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The best retina specialist in Chicago depends on the diagnosis, urgency, location, insurance network and whether a patient needs medical, surgical or pediatric retina care. Five options with substantial public information are Family Eye Physicians, Illinois Retina Associates, Retina Consultants Ltd., Retina Center of Chicago and University Retina.<\/p>\n<section class=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Choose a retina practice that treats your specific condition and can see urgent symptoms quickly.<\/li>\n<li>Illinois Retina Associates publishes 13 locations and a large physician roster.<\/li>\n<li>Retina Consultants Ltd. covers adult, pediatric, inherited and ocular-oncology conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Retina Center of Chicago is a single-physician practice led by Brian Larsen, MD, in Lombard.<\/li>\n<li>University Retina publishes five physician names and six Chicagoland locations.<\/li>\n<li>Family Eye Physicians offers retina evaluation and treatment across its ophthalmology network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<h2>How did we compare Chicago retina specialists?<\/h2>\n<p>We compared each practice using information published on its own website as of September 19, 2026. The factors were physician depth, stated subspecialty scope, diagnostic and treatment services, geographic access and appointment information. We excluded star ratings because a rating without a current review count gives patients an incomplete comparison.<\/p>\n<p>Family Eye Physicians appears in this list and published this article, so readers should account for that interest. No practice can be called universally best from a website review. A patient&#8217;s diagnosis, surgeon match, insurance and appointment timing decide which option fits. The list uses public facts and does not rank treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Comparison\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Practice<\/th>\n<th>Publicly stated strength<\/th>\n<th>Published local access<\/th>\n<th>Possible fit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Family Eye Physicians<\/td>\n<td>Retina care inside a multispecialty ophthalmology group<\/td>\n<td>Six Chicagoland offices<\/td>\n<td>Patients coordinating retina care with other eye services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Illinois Retina Associates<\/td>\n<td>Large retina-only physician roster and clinical trials<\/td>\n<td>13 locations listed<\/td>\n<td>Patients seeking broad physician and location choice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Retina Consultants Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Adult, pediatric, inherited retina and ocular oncology<\/td>\n<td>Seven Chicago-area cities listed<\/td>\n<td>Complex or less common retinal diagnoses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Retina Center of Chicago<\/td>\n<td>Single-physician model led by Brian Larsen, MD<\/td>\n<td>Lombard<\/td>\n<td>Patients who prefer continuity with one named specialist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>University Retina<\/td>\n<td>Five named retina physicians and clinical trials<\/td>\n<td>Six locations listed<\/td>\n<td>Patients in the southwest, west or north suburbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Which Chicago retina practices made the list?<\/h2>\n<p>These five practices publish enough detail for patients to compare physician access, services and locations before calling. The entries are alphabetical by practice type and are not an outcome ranking. Confirm the assigned doctor, plan participation and appointment urgency directly because practice websites and schedules can change.<\/p>\n<h3>Family Eye Physicians<\/h3>\n<p>Family Eye Physicians publishes retina evaluation and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachment, vein occlusion, macular edema, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, floaters, vitreous bleeding and uveitis. Its retina page describes dilated examination, retinal imaging and treatment planning within a broader ophthalmology practice.<\/p>\n<p>This setup may fit patients who also need cataract, glaucoma, diabetic eye or general ophthalmology care. The group has offices in Oak Lawn, Oakbrook Terrace, Orland Park, Albany Park, Buffalo Grove and Schaumburg. Patients can review the <a href=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/retina-specialists\/\">Family Eye Physicians retina service<\/a> and use the <a href=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/book\/oak-lawn\/\">Oak Lawn booking page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Ask which retina physician will handle the visit and whether the selected office provides the needed treatment or only the evaluation. Family Eye Physicians did not name an individual retina doctor on the service page we reviewed, so this article does not assign one.<\/p>\n<h3>Illinois Retina Associates<\/h3>\n<p>Illinois Retina Associates publishes 16 retina specialists plus two fellows and says it has served Chicagoland since 1975. Its physician page lists 13 locations, including the Loop, Lincoln Park, Rush, Orland Park, Hinsdale, Skokie and Oak Park. That scale gives patients several geographic and physician choices.<\/p>\n<p>The practice lists age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, retinal tears and detachments, macular conditions, uveitis and ocular oncology. Published diagnostics include retinal examination, OCT, angiography and ultrasound. Listed treatments include injections, vitrectomy, scleral buckle and retinal laser, along with clinical-trial participation.<\/p>\n<p>This practice may fit patients who want a large retina-only group, research access or a location near downtown or several suburbs. Ask which physician treats the diagnosis and at which office because a large roster does not mean every doctor is available at every site.<\/p>\n<h3>Retina Consultants Ltd.<\/h3>\n<p>Retina Consultants Ltd. says it has served the Chicago area for more than 35 years and publishes offices in Des Plaines, Libertyville, Elgin, Lisle, Hickory Hills, Skokie and Chicago. Its stated scope includes adult, pediatric and inherited retinal disease, ocular oncology and uveitis.<\/p>\n<p>The practice lists Charles Vygantas, MD, among its providers and publishes extensive services for retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inherited disease, retinopathy of prematurity and ocular tumors. Diagnostic pages cover OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein and ICG angiography, ultrasound and electrophysiologic testing.<\/p>\n<p>This practice may fit a patient with a pediatric, inherited, inflammatory or tumor-related retinal concern that needs a narrower subspecialty. Its insurance page warns that every physician does not accept every plan, so patients should confirm the exact doctor and plan before the visit.<\/p>\n<h3>Retina Center of Chicago<\/h3>\n<p>Retina Center of Chicago is a single-physician practice founded by Brian Larsen, MD, at 477 East Butterfield Road in Lombard. The practice says Dr. Larsen completed ophthalmology residency at Rush University Medical Center and vitreoretinal fellowship training at the Medical College of Wisconsin.<\/p>\n<p>The site lists care for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, flashes, floaters and posterior vitreous detachment. A smaller model may appeal to patients who want to know which specialist they will see before scheduling and prefer one office for ongoing care.<\/p>\n<p>Patients should ask about emergency coverage when the doctor is unavailable, hospital affiliations, accepted insurance and where surgery takes place if an operation is recommended. Those operational details were not stated on the homepage we reviewed.<\/p>\n<h3>University Retina<\/h3>\n<p>University Retina publishes five physicians: Harit K. Bhatt, MD; Meena S. George, MD, PhD; Rama D. Jager, MD; Veeral S. Sheth, MD; and Saagar A. Pandit, MD. The practice states that its doctors are board-certified ophthalmologists with additional retina, vitreous and macula training.<\/p>\n<p>Its listed locations include Lincolnwood, Oak Forest, Lemont, Bedford Park, Lombard and an EyeSouth Partners Surgery Center in Oak Lawn. The practice also publishes clinical-trial programs in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.<\/p>\n<p>This practice may fit patients who want several named physicians and offices across the southwest, west and north suburbs. The Oak Lawn surgical center is at 6311 West 95th Street. Confirm which office provides clinic visits, imaging, injections or surgery for your diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2>What should patients compare before booking?<\/h2>\n<p>Patients should compare the assigned doctor&#8217;s retina training, experience with the specific diagnosis, office and surgical location, insurance participation, urgent-call process and follow-up schedule. Ask the same questions at each practice. Clear answers make a website list useful and expose differences that brand language can hide.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Who will examine me, and is that doctor fellowship-trained in vitreoretinal care?<\/li>\n<li>How often does the doctor treat my diagnosis?<\/li>\n<li>Can this office perform the imaging or treatment I may need?<\/li>\n<li>Where would surgery take place?<\/li>\n<li>Does this doctor accept my exact plan?<\/li>\n<li>Who handles urgent symptoms after hours?<\/li>\n<li>How soon is follow-up after an injection or operation?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Patients with diabetes may also need coordinated systemic care. The National Eye Institute says early diabetic retinopathy can have no symptoms and later disease may require injections, laser treatment or vitrectomy. Family Eye Physicians offers a separate <a href=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/diabetic-eye-disease-chicago\/\">diabetic eye disease service<\/a> for patients comparing care paths.<\/p>\n<h2>When is a retina appointment urgent?<\/h2>\n<p>New flashes, a sudden shower of floaters, a curtain or shadow in vision, sudden vision loss, or new dark floating spots with diabetes need prompt evaluation. Family Eye Physicians advises that sudden flashes, floaters, a curtain or loss of sight should be assessed as soon as possible. Call an eye doctor immediately for triage.<\/p>\n<p>The National Eye Institute says bleeding from diabetic retinopathy can cause dark floating spots or cobweb-like streaks and calls for treatment right away. A list of clinics cannot diagnose an emergency. Patients unable to reach an eye specialist should seek urgent medical evaluation, especially when vision changes are sudden.<\/p>\n<p>Family Eye Physicians also has an <a href=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/urgent-eye-care-visits\/\">urgent eye care service<\/a>. Call before traveling so the practice can direct you to the appropriate office or emergency setting.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Best retina specialist in Chicago or the southwest suburbs?<\/h3>\n<p>Family Eye Physicians, Illinois Retina Associates, Retina Consultants Ltd. and University Retina all publish southwest-suburban access. The best fit depends on the diagnosis, assigned doctor, urgency and insurance. Confirm the exact physician and treatment location before booking.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need a referral to see a retina specialist?<\/h3>\n<p>The medical need for a referral and the insurance requirement are separate questions. Some plans require a primary-care or eye-doctor referral even when a practice allows direct scheduling. Call the insurer and practice with the exact plan name.<\/p>\n<h3>What does a retina specialist treat?<\/h3>\n<p>A retina specialist treats disease affecting the retina, macula and vitreous, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or detachment, vascular occlusions and macular conditions. Some specialists also focus on pediatric, inherited, inflammatory or tumor-related disease.<\/p>\n<h3>How do I verify a retina doctor&#8217;s qualifications?<\/h3>\n<p>Read the physician&#8217;s official biography, verify the Illinois medical license, and ask about ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal fellowship training. For a specific disease, ask how often the doctor treats it and where any surgery would occur.<\/p>\n<h3>Which Chicago retina practice has the most locations?<\/h3>\n<p>Among the five practices reviewed, Illinois Retina Associates published the largest number at 13 locations. Location count does not show which physician or service is available at each office, so confirm those details when scheduling.<\/p>\n<h3>Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?<\/h3>\n<p>The National Eye Institute lists anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroids, laser treatment and vitrectomy among treatments used at different stages. The right plan depends on examination and imaging. Some early cases are monitored closely before treatment begins.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/retina-specialists\/\">Family Eye Physicians retina specialists<\/a>, accessed September 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoisretina.com\/retina-specialists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Retina Associates physicians and locations<\/a>, accessed September 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.retinaconsultantsltd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Retina Consultants Ltd.<\/a>, accessed September 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.retinacenterchicago.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Retina Center of Chicago<\/a>, accessed September 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uretina.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University Retina<\/a>, accessed September 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/eye-health-information\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/diabetic-retinopathy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Eye Institute diabetic retinopathy guidance<\/a>, accessed September 19, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<style>#fep-appt-modal{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:2147483000;display:none;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:rgba(29,29,29,.55);padding:16px;font-family:Poppins,sans-serif}#fep-appt-modal.fep-open{display:flex}#fep-appt-modal .fep-card{position:relative;background:#fff;max-width:440px;width:100%;padding:32px 28px 28px;border-top:6px solid #02ACE3;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.3);text-align:center}#fep-appt-modal .fep-h{margin:0 0 10px;font-size:26px;line-height:1.25;font-weight:600;color:#1D1D1D}#fep-appt-modal .fep-p{margin:0 0 22px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5;color:#464648}#fep-appt-modal a.fep-b{display:block;margin:0 0 10px;padding:13px 20px;font-size:18px;line-height:1.3;text-decoration:none;border:3px solid #02ACE3}#fep-appt-modal a.fep-b1{background:#02ACE3;color:#fff}#fep-appt-modal a.fep-b2{background:#fff;color:#1D1D1D}#fep-appt-modal .fep-x{position:absolute;top:6px;right:8px;width:40px;height:40px;border:0;background:transparent;font-size:28px;line-height:1;color:#464648;cursor:pointer}#fep-appt-modal .fep-no{background:none;border:0;padding:6px;font-size:14px;color:#707070;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer}#fep-appt-modal .fep-face{margin:0 0 14px;padding:0}#fep-appt-modal .fep-face img{display:block;width:104px;height:104px;margin:0 auto 8px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 10%;border:3px solid #02ACE3;background:#e6e6e6}#fep-appt-modal .fep-face span{display:block;font-size:14px;line-height:1.35;color:#464648}<\/style>\n<div id=\"fep-appt-modal\" role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" aria-labelledby=\"fep-appt-h\">\n<div class=\"fep-card\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"fep-x\" aria-label=\"Close\" data-fep-close=\"1\">&times;<\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"fep-face\"><img data-fep-src=\"https:\/\/familyeyephysicians.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/al-khudari.webp\" alt=\"Dr. Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD, Family Eye Physicians\" width=\"104\" height=\"104\"><span><strong>Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD<\/strong> \u00b7 Family Eye Physicians<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"fep-h\" id=\"fep-appt-h\">Request an Appointment<\/p>\n<p class=\"fep-p\">Our eye doctors see patients at six Chicagoland offices. 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