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Ankit Desai, MD
"I treat my patients like family."
Ankit Desai, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of vitreoretinal and macular diseases. He joined Spectrum Eye Institute in 2017. Prior to joining Spectrum Eye, Dr. Desai was in practice in Southern Illinois. In addition, he was an associate professor of ophthalmology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan and Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri training future eye physicians.
Dr. Desai is a native Chicagoan, growing up in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Illinois Institute of Technology where he studied molecular biochemisty and biophysics. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School and graduated with honors. After completing his ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University, he went on to complete at two-year surgical fellowship in Vitreoretinal disease at Henry Ford Hospital. He is on several editorial boards and has published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at numerous meetings.
When not working, Dr. Desai is an avid tennis player, movie aficionado and is a die hard Chicago sports fan. Dr. Desai is excited to return to the Chicagoland area and provide exceptional care for our patients.
Dr. Desai is currently seeing patients at our Joliet, Morris, and New Lenox locations and is on staff at Silver Cross Hospital
Societies and Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology
American Society of Retina Specialists
Illinois Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Fellowship
Surgical Retina, Henry Ford Hospital – Detroit, Michigan
Residency
Ophthalmology, Saint Louis University – St. Louis, Missouri
Medical School
M.D., Chicago Medical School – North Chicago, Illinois
Academic Affiliations
Associate professor, Saint Louis University – St. Louis, Missouri
Associate staff, Henry Ford Hospital – Detroit, Michigan
Our Staff
Paula Ihnat, COO
Samra Hashmi, MD
Eligius Lelis, MD
Majid Rassouli, DO
Ankit Desai, MD
How often should I visit my ophthalmologist?
If you have a history of eye disease, we recommend making regular appointments and following up as your ophthalmologist advises. Call now for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Can I bring a friend with me to my ophthalmologist appointment?
You are always welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments. An extra set of ears is always helpful so you don’t forget any important information your ophthalmologist goes over with you during your appointment.
How do I know if I should schedule an ophthalmologist appointment?
If you are having eye discomfort or trouble with your vision, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, increase your risk for certain diseases. If you have questions or think you might need to see an ophthalmologist, call for more information.
Do your ophthalmologists have tips on how I can protect my eyes?
Don’t forget to wear protective eyewear during activities like mowing the grass, doing construction work, or playing sports. If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections. Wash your hands before handling your contacts or touching your eyes, and be sure to replace them regularly.
When should I arrive at my ophthalmologist appointment?
We ask that you arrive at your eye appointment fifteen minutes early. That gives you time to fill out any necessary paperwork before your appointment with your doctor.
What should I bring for my ophthalmologist appointment?
You will need to bring your insurance information. If you have a referral from your primary care physician, please have that with you if you haven’t already sent it to us. And lastly, bring a list of all medications you are taking.
Can your ophthalmologists perform LASIK? What can I expect?
One of our most popular procedures at Spectrum Eye Institute is LASIK surgery. An outpatient procedure, LASIK surgery corrects the vision of patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. Call now for more information or to see if LASIK might be right for you.
Does your ophthalmologist office offer cosmetic services?
Though ophthalmologists are known for medically necessary services, we also offer cosmetic procedures and services to help you look and feel your best. We offer Botox Cosmetic treatments that smooth deep wrinkles and crows’ feet around your eyes. Call our offices for more information and to schedule a consultation.