Ria D. Desai, MD

Ria D. Desai, MD

5.0 
2076 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Medical Retina

Secondary Specialty

Is your insurance accepted? Select plan

Schedule Appointment

Choose a scheduling option:

New Patient

Appointments limited in the next 6 months. Call for availability.

 RETURNING PATIENT

Schedule online with your MyNM account

 CALL

Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Reasons to Schedule a Visit

This medical professional may be a good choice for you if you are looking for care for any of the following:

  • Central serous retinopathy
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Flashes and floaters
  • Macular degeneration
  • Retina
  • Retinal edema
  • Retinal vein occlusion
  • Retinitis pigmentosa

Education

Medical Education:
MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - 2013
Internship:
Loyola Medicine MacNeal Hospital - 2014
Residency:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 2017
Fellowships:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 2018

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Clinical Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

View Faculty Profile

Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital
Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

Read Ratings FAQs

Overall Rating

5.0
5.0 

2076 Ratings

Sort By Newest

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

Sort By Newest
100 Most Recent Reviews

February 26, 2026

5.0

Very thorough, friendly and great at explaining medical expertise to her patients! Wonderful staff too!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 25, 2026

5.0

Dr. Desai was very helpful explaining my condition. She conducted a very thorough examination and showed me relevant results. She answered my questions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 25, 2026

5.0

Dr was highly recommended and I trust her judgment and medical knowledge.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 24, 2026

5.0

Very good.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 23, 2026

5.0

She is very knowledgeable & patient. Took the time to explain the immediate situation the month prior & then as well in the follow up appointment.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 23, 2026

5.0

She xplaned everything to me and was easy to understand.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 19, 2026

5.0

She told me what to expect.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 18, 2026

5.0

Answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable with the care that is forthcoming.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 15, 2026

5.0

communicates very well, I know what I should know and what will be my future steps. A big thanks to her.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 14, 2026

5.0

Excellent!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 13, 2026

5.0

Again, all the right reasons!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 12, 2026

5.0

Dr Desai is caring and very competent

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 12, 2026

5.0

They take their time to check everything very thoroughly.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 11, 2026

5.0

She explains everything so we understand. She is very friendly.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 09, 2026

5.0

For efficiency and competence

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 07, 2026

5.0

Great doctor loving and compassionate. The best ever. I trust her 100%.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 05, 2026

5.0

Dr. Desai was wonderful!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 04, 2026

5.0

She made me feel very comfortable. She was very thorough &knowledgable

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 02, 2026

5.0

Always incredibly helpful and informative

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 02, 2026

5.0

She is a great doctor. She is intelligent, kind and caring.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 29, 2026

5.0

She takes time and explains what she thinks never felt rushed I have recommend her to friends

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 28, 2026

5.0

Dr Desai explains everything in detail to my understanding g and listens and answers my questions to my satisfaction.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 27, 2026

5.0

Competent, well-informed, clear communicator, personable

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 26, 2026

5.0

She is incredibly educated on so much more than just ophthalmology. She goes the extra mile to inform other treating doctors of issues that might be contributing to my health concerns. She listens and explains very well!!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 26, 2026

5.0

Knowledgeable, explains what will happen, kind

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 26, 2026

5.0

She is a very kind and efficient person.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 21, 2026

5.0

She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 20, 2026

5.0

Human doctor

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 20, 2026

5.0

Professionalism. Extremely concerned about diagnosis and follow up.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 20, 2026

5.0

Because she cares about you and you can see that in the way she interacts with you

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 18, 2026

5.0

effective and friendly

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 13, 2026

5.0

Respectful and kind

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 11, 2026

5.0

I'm Dr.Desai patient for 3 years, I think she is very knowledgeable, nice and caring Dr.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 09, 2026

5.0

Very professional and answered all questions. Very knowledgeable and makes the patient very comfortable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 08, 2026

5.0

Very knowledgable and helpful.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 07, 2026

5.0

Explained things well. Inspires trust. Very intelligent

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 07, 2026

5.0

She's the best

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 07, 2026

5.0

She is warm, outstanding doctor. The best!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 07, 2026

5.0

excellent standard of care and consistently

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2026

5.0

Very great to deal with and very informative and explained everything very well

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2026

5.0

Professional, efficient, explains things clearly, and very kind.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2026

5.0

Same reasons as above plus she is terrific.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2026

5.0

Kind, sweet personality. Very informative. Answered all of our questions in a way that was easy to understand.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2026

5.0

Very experienced doctor and assuraing

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 04, 2026

5.0

Dr. Desai has been treating my macular degeneration. Again, friendly and professional. Easy to communicate with, willing to take the time to answer all questions or concerns. The results of her treatments have been extremely successful.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 02, 2026

5.0

She is very friendly and most professional doctor I ever had experience with in my life.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 31, 2025

5.0

She's a world-class retina specialist who works with an incredible team of other doctors who have successfully treated my rare condition.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 30, 2025

5.0

She's my retina doctor for years and I'm very thankful to have her as my specialist retina doctor, she's very attentive and very responsive to my questions and concerns..

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 30, 2025

5.0

She explained our options and was attentive.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 29, 2025

5.0

Knowledge, skill, and a good bedside manner

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 23, 2025

5.0

She's excellent careful but does not waste time getting the shot finished.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 21, 2025

5.0

Simply the best, I feel i'm in good hands

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 21, 2025

5.0

She immediately took the time to reach out to get me seen by a specialist and she provided me with medication to help with my condition. She is caring and easy to talk to.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 20, 2025

5.0

Efficient, caring staff

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 20, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ria Desai is highly recommended for her exceptional attentiveness and clear explanations during eye exams.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 17, 2025

5.0

She tried her best to answer all my questions

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 16, 2025

5.0

VERY THOROUGH , PATIENT, THE BEST!!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 16, 2025

5.0

She is an extremely kind and knowledgeable person. I am very happy with my results.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 15, 2025

5.0

Dr.Desai is extremely helpful about Macular Degeneration's process and progress. I trust her and I appreciate her compassion for her patients.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 15, 2025

5.0

Very Knowledgeable on macular degeneration. Explains things well

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 15, 2025

5.0

Good doctor

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 14, 2025

5.0

She is smart, communicative, and simply a nice person.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 10, 2025

5.0

I felt as though Dr. Desai was engaging with me as a whole person, not just a set of eyes. She was friendly, thoughtful, logical, and took the time to ensure that I understood the factors affecting my retina. I left the appointment feeling grateful that I would be able to entrust my eyes to such a competent and caring physician.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 10, 2025

5.0

Dr Desai is super skilled!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 09, 2025

5.0

Dr Desai went over everything that she found during my last visit. After the examination she explained the results and was happy to say everything looked great and I don't have to see her till next year.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 06, 2025

5.0

The doctor is extremely good at what she does with our eyes; she has a very steady hand for performing these types of surgeries.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 03, 2025

5.0

See above! An amazing Soc!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 02, 2025

5.0

She was knowledgeable and friendly.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 01, 2025

5.0

She is very good with her patients.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 01, 2025

5.0

Excellent care and communication skills

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 20, 2025

5.0

Professional and very pleasant to talk to.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 20, 2025

5.0

She was amazing! Listened, understood my concern, a thorough exam, explained everything! I would 100% recommend her, and I am a nurse!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 19, 2025

5.0

Dr Desai is knowledgeable, thorough, professional with a very caring approach with her patients. Always on top of her patients needs and goes the extra mile!!!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 19, 2025

5.0

Easy to connect with Dr. Desai = personal attention with a knowledgeable & understandable explanation of medical issue & needed care.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 18, 2025

5.0

Caring physician.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 17, 2025

5.0

She's a nice, friendly, competent and conversant professional. She has served me well.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 17, 2025

5.0

Seemed very knowledgeable and pleasant

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 12, 2025

5.0

She explained everything going on with my eye, supported her finding with data and was very kind, caring and gentle. Dr Desai is a very compassionate and committed Dr who made sure my questions were answered and didn't rush through the exam. She was very gentle as well with examining my eye.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 11, 2025

5.0

Dr. Desai is efficient and caring.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 10, 2025

5.0

She is one of the best Ophthalmologist I know. Dr takes the time to explain how everything is with our eyes. Explains the process of any procedure. I wouldn't change her or her staff Andrea for anything.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 06, 2025

5.0

comprehensive response to my questions

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 03, 2025

5.0

A well trained Doctor and very good. Not only is she good at what she does, she connects with her patients. Would highly recommend her for any one challenged with retina issues.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 02, 2025

5.0

She is absolutely the best at what she does. I would have a hard time trusting any other doctor for my eye care.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 02, 2025

5.0

Very professional

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 30, 2025

5.0

Very professional, experienced and knowledgeable- addressed my concerns and did an exam that was thorough and gave me more insight into my condition. Concerned about my comfort and anxiety

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 30, 2025

5.0

I have one eye. Her compeyent treatment is very comforting.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 30, 2025

5.0

Wonderful care and easy to talk to

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 30, 2025

5.0

She is patient and answered all of my questions without rushing me. She seems very knowledgeable. Patient friendly.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 29, 2025

5.0

She is up to date on the most recent research in her area of expertise (retina) and is aware of how other aspects of my health might impact her clinical decisions_presented to me for me to consider

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 29, 2025

5.0

She explains what is needed and answers questions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 28, 2025

5.0

Thorough exam and very explanatory in her impressions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 26, 2025

5.0

helps in all ways, communicates all issues well, I feel well cared for,,,

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 23, 2025

5.0

Dr Desai is excellent! She takes care and explains everything about the existing condition of the eyes. I am very confidant in her decisions regarding my condition.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 22, 2025

5.0

Eased my fears

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 21, 2025

5.0

She was the first person after many to diagnose my problem. Her care has been excellent

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 19, 2025

5.0

She seems great. Knowledgeable. Answered questions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 17, 2025

5.0

She is awesome

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 16, 2025

5.0

I thought she was very thorough and friendly. She explained everything in great detail and I appreciated that.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 16, 2025

5.0

She is absolutely the best in every way

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 16, 2025

5.0

She is very professional and competent as well as a great communicator.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!
View more reviews

Disclosures

Ria D. Desai, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2024.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

View More Disclosures