September 2023
Northwestern Medicine Women in Ophthalmology
Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology is proud to highlight the women ophthalmologists who are transforming the field of ophthalmology.
Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology is home to a robust team of female leaders shaping the future of ophthalmology patient care, scientific research and medical education, including:
Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology is home to a robust team of female leaders shaping the future of ophthalmology patient care, scientific research and medical education, including:
- 42 physicians with expertise in all ophthalmologic subspecialities
- Seven professors and three endowed chairs
- Five clinical chiefs and directors
- Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Chief of Retina
- Chief of Uveitis
- Clinical Director, Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology North Region
- Five residents and five fellows directed by seven leaders in medical education
- Assistant Program Director, Northwestern Ophthalmology Residency Program
- Program Director, Medical Diseases of Retina Fellowship
- Program Director, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship
- Program Director, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship
- Associate Director, Medical Diseases of Retina Fellowship
- Associate Director, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship
- Director, Undergraduate Medical Education in Ophthalmology
- Director, Clinical Skills in Ophthalmology
- Co-Director, Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology
- Co-Director Ophthalmologic Education for Allied Health Professionals
- Faculty Director, Northwestern University, Master of Science Healthcare Administration
- Three Chicago Ophthalmology Society Board Members
- Annual Meeting Co-Chair
- Quarterly Meeting Chair
- Young Ophthalmologist Committee Chair
Meet a Few of the Women Leading the Way
Andrea Diane Birnbaum, MD, PhD
Andrea Diane Birnbaum, MD, PhD, professor of Ophthalmology, specializes in the treatment of uveitis. In addition to her role at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Birnbaum practices at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and is Director of Oversight and Compliance for the Office of Academic Affiliations at the VA Central Office. She is cofounder of the Midwest Uveitis Society for Science and Education and has served on the Uveitis ONE Committee and Practicing Ophthalmologist Curriculum Panel for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Andrea Diane Birnbaum, MD, PhD, professor of Ophthalmology, specializes in the treatment of uveitis. In addition to her role at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Birnbaum practices at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and is Director of Oversight and Compliance for the Office of Academic Affiliations at the VA Central Office. She is cofounder of the Midwest Uveitis Society for Science and Education and has served on the Uveitis ONE Committee and Practicing Ophthalmologist Curriculum Panel for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Brenda L. Bohnsack, MD, PhD
Brenda L. Bohnsack, MD, PhD, is chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and the Lillian Sherman Cowen Reiger and Harold L.S. Cowen Research Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Bohnsack is an academic pediatric ophthalmologist who specializes in medical and surgical management of pediatric glaucoma patients. She is also a developmental biologist focusing on congenital eye diseases. Dr. Bohnsack conducts clinical research to uncover new disease-associated genes and outcomes.
Brenda L. Bohnsack, MD, PhD, is chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and the Lillian Sherman Cowen Reiger and Harold L.S. Cowen Research Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Bohnsack is an academic pediatric ophthalmologist who specializes in medical and surgical management of pediatric glaucoma patients. She is also a developmental biologist focusing on congenital eye diseases. Dr. Bohnsack conducts clinical research to uncover new disease-associated genes and outcomes.
Liza M. Cohen, MD
Liza M. Cohen, MD, assistant professor of Ophthalmology, is an orbital and oculoplastic surgeon. She currently serves as Young Ophthalmologist Committee Chair at the Chicago Ophthalmological Society. She is also Co-Director of the Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology (CCO), which is a lecture series with faculty from all six Chicago area residency programs participating. Clinically, Dr. Cohen’s areas of interest include orbital vascular malformations, thyroid eye disease, orbital trauma, orbital tumors, lacrimal surgery, reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic eyelid and facial surgery. Dr. Cohen’s academic focus is on discovering novel ways to improve the care of patients with orbital and periocular conditions. Her clinical research delves into risk factors, imaging, and outcomes, with a primary focus on enhancing the diagnosis and management of orbital disorders including thyroid eye disease, tumors, vascular malformations, and trauma.
Liza M. Cohen, MD, assistant professor of Ophthalmology, is an orbital and oculoplastic surgeon. She currently serves as Young Ophthalmologist Committee Chair at the Chicago Ophthalmological Society. She is also Co-Director of the Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology (CCO), which is a lecture series with faculty from all six Chicago area residency programs participating. Clinically, Dr. Cohen’s areas of interest include orbital vascular malformations, thyroid eye disease, orbital trauma, orbital tumors, lacrimal surgery, reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic eyelid and facial surgery. Dr. Cohen’s academic focus is on discovering novel ways to improve the care of patients with orbital and periocular conditions. Her clinical research delves into risk factors, imaging, and outcomes, with a primary focus on enhancing the diagnosis and management of orbital disorders including thyroid eye disease, tumors, vascular malformations, and trauma.
Ria Desai, MD
Ria D. Desai, MD, is the director of the Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology North Region. She completed a medical retina fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and specializes in diabetic retinopathy treatment, hereditary retinal disorders, retinal hole and tears, retinal laser surgery and retinal vascular disease.
Ria D. Desai, MD, is the director of the Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology North Region. She completed a medical retina fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and specializes in diabetic retinopathy treatment, hereditary retinal disorders, retinal hole and tears, retinal laser surgery and retinal vascular disease.
Amani A. Fawzi, MD
Amani A. Fawzi, MD, is the Cyrus Tang and Lee Jampol Professor of Ophthalmology. Her clinical focus is on retinal conditions, including surgical retinal diseases as well as medical diagnostic dilemmas. Dr. Fawzi serves on the Editorial Boards of Scientific Reports (Nature), Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, as well as on several NIH study sections. She has received the Honor Award of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the Achievement Award from the AAO. She has authored over 180 publications and is currently the primary investigator on two grants from that National Eye Institute.
Amani A. Fawzi, MD, is the Cyrus Tang and Lee Jampol Professor of Ophthalmology. Her clinical focus is on retinal conditions, including surgical retinal diseases as well as medical diagnostic dilemmas. Dr. Fawzi serves on the Editorial Boards of Scientific Reports (Nature), Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, as well as on several NIH study sections. She has received the Honor Award of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the Achievement Award from the AAO. She has authored over 180 publications and is currently the primary investigator on two grants from that National Eye Institute.
Manjot K. Gill, MD
Manjot K. Gill, MD, professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Education, specializes in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. She is interested in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, retinal detachment repair, epiretinal membranes and macular holes. She is program director for the Medical Diseases of Retina Fellowship and the Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She serves on several professional committees, including the American Society of Retinal Specialists Retina Technician Education and the American Board of Ophthalmology Retina Content Outline committees. Most recently, she was named Annual Meeting co-chair, 2024 – 2025, for the Chicago Ophthalmological Society.
Manjot K. Gill, MD, professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Education, specializes in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. She is interested in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, retinal detachment repair, epiretinal membranes and macular holes. She is program director for the Medical Diseases of Retina Fellowship and the Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She serves on several professional committees, including the American Society of Retinal Specialists Retina Technician Education and the American Board of Ophthalmology Retina Content Outline committees. Most recently, she was named Annual Meeting co-chair, 2024 – 2025, for the Chicago Ophthalmological Society.
Debra Anne Goldstein, MD
Debra Anne Goldstein, MD, the Magerstadt Professor of Ophthalmology, is chief of Uveitis in the Department of Ophthalmology. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of ocular inflammatory disorders. Among many honors and awards recognizing her contributions to ophthalmology, Dr. Goldstein received the Fichman Award at the 2021 Israeli Chapter of ARVO Meeting and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s Silver Fellow Award in 2021.
Debra Anne Goldstein, MD, the Magerstadt Professor of Ophthalmology, is chief of Uveitis in the Department of Ophthalmology. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of ocular inflammatory disorders. Among many honors and awards recognizing her contributions to ophthalmology, Dr. Goldstein received the Fichman Award at the 2021 Israeli Chapter of ARVO Meeting and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s Silver Fellow Award in 2021.
J. Minjy Kang, MD
J. Minjy Kang, MD, is the associate program director of the Northwestern University Ophthalmology Residency Program. She is also Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology with expertise in cataract and glaucoma treatment. Dr. Kang is an editorial board member of the American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports, officer of the Chicago Glaucoma Society and member of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society Membership Committee.
J. Minjy Kang, MD, is the associate program director of the Northwestern University Ophthalmology Residency Program. She is also Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology with expertise in cataract and glaucoma treatment. Dr. Kang is an editorial board member of the American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports, officer of the Chicago Glaucoma Society and member of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society Membership Committee.
Alice T. Lyon, MD
Alice T. Lyon, MD, the Leonard and Bernice Lavin Endowed Ophthalmology Research Professor, is chief of retina service in the Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Lyon is the director of the Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology and chair emeritus of Women in Retina. She is also a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the National Eye Institute. An author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Lyon studies age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and surgical retina conditions.
Alice T. Lyon, MD, the Leonard and Bernice Lavin Endowed Ophthalmology Research Professor, is chief of retina service in the Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Lyon is the director of the Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology and chair emeritus of Women in Retina. She is also a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the National Eye Institute. An author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Lyon studies age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and surgical retina conditions.
Rukhsana G. Mirza, MD
Rukhsana G. Mirza, MD, is the Ryan-Pusateri Professor of Ophthalmology and professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Education. She is also associate director of the Medical Diseases of Retina Fellowship and the Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. Dr. Mirza is also Director of Undergraduate Medical Education in Ophthalmology at Northwestern. She has been recognized for her contributions to faculty development and to medical education with the Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education by the AAO and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. She also serves as Quarterly Meeting chair, 2023 – 2024, for the Chicago Ophthalmological Society.
Rukhsana G. Mirza, MD, is the Ryan-Pusateri Professor of Ophthalmology and professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Education. She is also associate director of the Medical Diseases of Retina Fellowship and the Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. Dr. Mirza is also Director of Undergraduate Medical Education in Ophthalmology at Northwestern. She has been recognized for her contributions to faculty development and to medical education with the Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education by the AAO and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. She also serves as Quarterly Meeting chair, 2023 – 2024, for the Chicago Ophthalmological Society.
Shira S. Simon, MD
Shira S. Simon, MD, is chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology and assistant professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology. Dr. Simon specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of double vision, abnormal eye movements, optic nerve disorders, and other causes of visual changes and vision loss. In addition, she serves as site director for Ophthalmology at the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center and faculty director of Northwestern's Master of Science Healthcare Administration degree.
Shira S. Simon, MD, is chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology and assistant professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology. Dr. Simon specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of double vision, abnormal eye movements, optic nerve disorders, and other causes of visual changes and vision loss. In addition, she serves as site director for Ophthalmology at the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center and faculty director of Northwestern's Master of Science Healthcare Administration degree.
Preeti J. Thyparampil, MD
Preeti J. Thyparampil, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology, specializes in ophthalmic plastic, orbital and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Thyparampil currently serves as Director of Clinical Skills in Ophthalmology and Co-Director of Ophthalmologic Education for Allied Health Professionals. She was recognized for her contributions to medical education when she was awarded the 2020 Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Medical Student Teaching Award.
Preeti J. Thyparampil, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology, specializes in ophthalmic plastic, orbital and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Thyparampil currently serves as Director of Clinical Skills in Ophthalmology and Co-Director of Ophthalmologic Education for Allied Health Professionals. She was recognized for her contributions to medical education when she was awarded the 2020 Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Medical Student Teaching Award.
Janice Lasky Zeid, MD
Janice Lasky Zeid, MD, is program director of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and associate professor of Ophthalmology. Dr. Lasky Zeid is a pediatric ophthalmologist with expertise in strabismus and eye muscle disorders. Her research interests are corneal histopathology and retinoblastoma. In addition to her role at Northwestern Medicine, she is medical director of ocular tumors and co-director of the Neurofibromatosis Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Janice Lasky Zeid, MD, is program director of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and associate professor of Ophthalmology. Dr. Lasky Zeid is a pediatric ophthalmologist with expertise in strabismus and eye muscle disorders. Her research interests are corneal histopathology and retinoblastoma. In addition to her role at Northwestern Medicine, she is medical director of ocular tumors and co-director of the Neurofibromatosis Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
