Illinois Retina Associates

10/09/2025

Dr. Mathew MacCumber joins Dr. John W. Kitchens on the latest Eyes On Eyecare Optometry “Retina Mentor Moments” video feature and article to discuss recent studies on retinal diseases and how big data and artificial intelligence (AI) are shaping the future of retina care.

Click the link below to watch and read the full feature!
https://eyesoneyecare.com/resources/harnessing-ai-big-data-to-drive-innovation-in-retina-care/

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10/07/2025

Illinois Retina Associates is proud to recognize Dr. Kourous Rezaei’s distinguished participation as an invited speaker at the 2025 EURETINA Annual Meeting, held in Paris France. This premier global forum, is the largest retina meeting in the world with more than 10,000 health care professionals participating. It brings together leading retina specialists from across the world to share the latest advancements in the world of retina. Dr. Rezaei serves on the Board of EURETINA and his prominent involvement highlights both his leadership in the field and his dedication to innovation in retinal care.

As the lead organizer of the EURETINA Innovation Spotlight (EIS), Dr. Rezaei curated a forward-thinking program that showcased next-generation treatment and imaging technologies currently under clinical evaluation. Presentations from global biotech companies focused on emerging therapies for dry macular degeneration, wet age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and rare inherited retinal diseases.

Dr. Rezaei had the honor of introducing Dr. Jane Moseley, Scientific Officer at the European Medicines Agency, who delivered the keynote address to a global audience of retinal professionals and biotech executives. Beyond innovation, Dr. Rezaei led a dynamic educational initiative aimed at enhancing surgical education for retina specialists. He moderated a high-level panel discussion featuring internationally recognized key opinion leaders, addressing the latest developments in managing macular holes, retinal detachment, diabetic retinal disease, and scleral buckling.

During the highly anticipated Late Breaker session, Dr. Rezaei presented compelling data on a newly developed cutting edge 27-gauge vitrectomy surgery platform Unity VCS, poised to revolutionize retinal surgery and become a valuable tool for retina surgeons. This next-generation surgical system is poised to deliver more efficient surgery, potentially improving outcomes for patients with complex retinal conditions. In another key session, Dr. Rezaei chaired a prestigious international surgical panel featuring leading retina surgeons from Italy, Spain, Germany, France, China, Japan and the United States discussing the cutting edge surgical management of retinal detachment, macular hole, diabetic tractional detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Dr. Rezaei’s active engagement at the EURETINA meeting exemplifies his commitment to advancing the science of retina care. His collaboration with leading global experts reinforces Illinois Retina Associates’ mission to provide state-of-the-art care and remain at the forefront of innovation in the treatment of retinal diseases.

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10/06/2025

We are thrilled to welcome J.D. Wilgucki II, MD to our physician team! Starting October 6th, he will be providing care to our patients at our Glenview office. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome to Illinois Retina!

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https://www.illinoisretina.com/locations/

10/01/2025

We are proud to share that Dr. Ryan Sabherwal has been appointed the new Section Director of Retina/Vitreous at Rush University. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sabherwal on this new position.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vivek Chaturvedi for his dedicated leadership and contributions during his time in this role.

www.illinoisretina.com

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https://www.illinoisretina.com/locations/

09/29/2025

Illinois Retina was proud to partner with Rush Ophthalmology for the 2025 American Foundation for Su***de Prevention Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk. We were honored to be recognized as a top fundraising team, raising over $10,000 in support of su***de prevention and mental health awareness.

A special thank you to Dr. Anne Shepherd and Dr. Ryan Sabherwal for joining us at the event. Thank you to our incredible team, walkers, and donors for your commitment to su***de prevention and mental health awareness. We are truly grateful for your support.

www.illinoisretina.com

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09/26/2025

Congratulations to Carol Williams, celebrating her 20 year work anniversary with Illinois Retina Associates. Since joining Illinois Retina Associates in 2005, Carol consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and unwavering commitment to our team. Carol has moved through four of our offices, finding her home in the Central Billing Office the past six years. Carol has contributed to our practices growth and her consistent dedication to not only her work, but to all her co-workers, has made her stand out over the years. On behalf of the entire Illinois Retina family, we extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations. Way to go Carol!

www.illinoisretina.com

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https://www.illinoisretina.com/locations/

09/23/2025

Tune into live audio sessions with vision experts discussing macular degeneration care, treatment, and patient questions.

09/22/2025

Dr. Veena Raiji joins Dr. Edmund Tsui on the latest Headlight in the Fog: The Uveitis Podcast episode to discuss Multifocal Choroiditis (MFC) and Punctate Inner Choroidopathy (PIC).

Click the link below to listen to the full podcast!
https://ow.ly/74Hp50X0rYo

www.illinoisretina.com

Click here to find locations near you!
https://www.illinoisretina.com/locations/

09/18/2025

We couldn't be more proud that our new physician, Sara Fard, MD, is already hitting the ground running participating in educational events!

Free, informative audio conversations hosted by Macular Degeneration Research, dedicated to providing valuable insights and support for those affected by macular degeneration.

09/18/2025

On Monday, September 15, 2025, Dr. Sohail Hasan, MD, PhD, Chair of OPHTHPAC, Chair of the RCA Advocacy Committee, and partner at Illinois Retina Associates, hosted another installment of the American Academy of Ophthalmology OPHTHPAC Speaker Series. We were honored to welcome Representative Kelly Morrison, MD (D-MN-03), an OB-GYN with more than 20 years in practice and now a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Morrison shared insights from her early experiences in Congress and discussed her legislative priorities.

The program began with introductory remarks by Dr. Hasan, followed by Rep. Morrison’s comments and a robust Q&A session where participants engaged her on key issues including:

- Medicare payment cuts and the need for long-term stability
- Prior authorization reforms and the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act
- Step therapy and the Safe Step Act
- Scope of practice concerns within the VA system
- The proposed NIH restructuring that would affect the National Eye Institute

Rep. Morrison emphasized the importance of physician voices in advocacy and expressed her commitment to working with ophthalmologists to protect patient access and advance pro-physician policies.

The OPHTHPAC Speaker Series continues to provide a forum for our members to connect directly with lawmakers, ensuring ophthalmology maintains a strong voice in Washington. Illinois Retina Associates is proud to support these vital conversations that shape the future of our specialty and patient care. In both his roles as Chair of OPHTHPAC and Chair of the RCA Advocacy Committee, Dr. Hasan works to amplify the voice of ophthalmology nationally and advocate for patients and physicians alike.

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09/16/2025

CASE OF THE MONTH

History: Patient is a 61-year-old female referred for changes in the retinal vasculature. Patient reported occasional floaters OU and denied other symptoms.

Exam: VA was 20/30 PH 20/25 OD and 20/40 PH 20/30 OS. IOP was normal OU and anterior segment exam was remarkable for mild cataracts OU. Posterior segment of the right eye revealed a 0.5 CDR, normal macula, and numerous temporal and nasal peripheral sclerotic vascular seafan configurations and a nasal chorioretinal scar (Fig 1). Left eye showed 0.4 CDR and few peripheral sclerotic neovascular fronds. Fluorescein angiogram showed peripheral neovascularization worse OD (Fig 2) compared to OS (Fig 3) with peripheral nonperfusion.

Differential diagnosis:
-Eales disease
-Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
-Radiation retinopathy
-Retinal vein occlusion
-Sarcoidosis

Discussion: Sickle cell retinopathy is a disorder characterized by misshaped red blood cells obstructing retinal vasculature causing proliferative vascular changes. It is more common in those with sickle cell trait (SC) as opposed to the more systemically severe SS disease. Proliferative changes can result in neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. The disease is diagnosed clinically with fluorescein angiography aiding in assessing the severity. Treatment is typically not indicated for nonproliferative disease, though proliferative disease is often treated with panretinal photocoagulation to nonperfusion and surgery when indicated.

Upon questioning with our concern for sickle cell retinopathy, our patient reported she was sickle cell trait positive. She underwent panretinal photocoagulation areas of peripheral nonperfusion in both eyes.

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Month

09/15/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sarah Syeda to our physician team! Starting September 29th, she will be caring for patients in our Flossmoor, Harvey, and Orland Park offices. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to Illinois Retina!

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https://www.illinoisretina.com/locations/