Medical Specialties
WATCH VIDEOThe faculty members of the Department of Ophthalmology have expertise in several medical specialties related to our field. We offer training, conduct research and provide patient care through our affiliated hospitals and care sites related to the following medical specialties:
Cataract Surgery
Headed by a team of nationally recognized surgeons with access to the most cutting-edge technology and supported by an ongoing commitment to advancement through research, Northwestern’s cataract surgery service is a leader in the field. We have significant experience with most recent advances in the field, including femtosecond laser cataract surgery, intraoperative surgical guidance systems, zepto capsulotomy, intraocular lens exchange and Yamane intrascleral fixation techniques.
Corneal/External Disease
The cornea/external disease service at Northwestern Medicine is a highly regarded center of excellence, which provides comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for the full array of corneal conditions. These include keratoconus and other thinning disorders, corneal edema, corneal dystrophies, keratitis, infectious disease, pterygium, scarring and dry eye.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which high pressure in the fluid in the front of the eye causes vision loss. When the drainage mechanisms in the eye are blocked, pressure begins to build and damages the fibers that make up the optic nerve.
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuro-ophthalmology is a discipline at the intersection of ophthalmology and neurology, covering a wide variety of conditions, including optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, papilledema, unequal pupils, double vision, eye movement disorders, drooping eyelids and other unusual and complex visual problems, as well as vision changes from brain tumors, strokes and other systemic diseases.
Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery/Oculoplastics
Our faculty members serve all of the ophthalmic plastic needs of both adult and pediatric patients. This includes the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of eyelid and orbital problems.
Optometric Care
Our doctors of optometry are able to practice in an environment that gives them access to state-of-the-art technology to better diagnose and manage our patients’ ocular health. Our optometrists work alongside some of the top ophthalmologists in the country to provide our patients with the best care possible.
Pediatric Ophthalmology
The Division of Ophthalmology at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine offers comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology patient care treating the most critically ill children while providing the best training possible.
Refractive Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for vision problems. The procedures can help correct refractive errors. The goal of refractive eye surgery is to reduce or remove your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Our experienced surgeons thoroughly evaluate each patient and determine if they are an appropriate candidate for laser vision correction. They use the most advanced technology to plan and deliver a customized treatment with the goal of delivering the optimal visual outcome.
Research & Healthcare Studies
This specialty involves the study of health informatics, pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, access to care, comparative and cost effectiveness.
Retina/Vitreal Disease
Our faculty who specialize in diseases of the retina and vitreous are experts in the diagnosis and management of a wide array of conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment and inherited retinal dystrophies. Our department offers one-year medical and two-year surgical retina fellowships.
Uveitis
Our faculty who specialize in uveitis are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory conditions that affect the eye. Our department offers a one-year surgical and research fellowship in this specialty.