Windy City Retina Aims To Treat Patients Like Family
Windy City Retina is one of the premier retina centers devoted to diagnosing and treating diseases of the retina, macula and vitreous. Dr. Ankit Desai was named one of the Top Doctors of 2020 by Chicago Magazine and has received consecutive awards for Patient Appreciation from Vitals.com.
Patch had a chance to talk with Ankit Desai, physician and owner of Windy City Retina.
Patch: How long has Windy City Retina been around in the community?
Desai: We have been in Plainfield since Sept 2020. I grew up in Joliet and now live in Plainfield, so this is and has always been home for me.
Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you are in, and how did you get started?
Desai: I was fascinated by the eye the moment I was able to experience it during clinical rotations in medical school, particularly the retina. I am very artistic and detail orientated, so naturally, the retina was quite engaging.
Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?
Desai: I treat patients like family.
Patch: What is the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you have faced on your job?
Desai: Starting a new business and navigating getting on insurance, getting privileges at hospitals, and building the office; is hard enough to do during normal times, but starting it in the middle of a pandemic was extremely challenging.
Patch: What is the most satisfying part of your job?
Desai: Helping patients see again when their vision is at its worst as it can be one of the scariest moments of their lives. I get the privilege to navigate them through the storm and out the other side.
Patch: How would you say your business distinguishes itself from others?
Desai: I am someone who really wants to know my patients and I want them to know me. The retina is a field where we see our patients monthly at times, which sometimes is more often than their own families. I make sure to take the time to explain what is going on with their eye health and what we are planning to accomplish in our relationship. I have also been told that my procedures are painless — relative to other doctors some of my patients have seen in the past.
Patch: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given when it comes to success?
Desai: Listen and treat others with respect, no matter what.
Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?
Desai: At the moment, I am focusing on providing the best care that I can. But I would like to hopefully get back into teaching the next generation of doctors.
Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them
Desai: We recently had a booth at the Plainfield-Shorewood Expo and I am sponsoring the Wizarding Scavenger Hunt in Plainfield.
Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?
Desai: Please visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for a ton of education and videos on eye health. Or call us to schedule an appointment at 815–714–9115. We are conveniently located where Joilet, Plainfield, Shorewood, Romeoville, and Crest Hill intersect near the corner of Route 59 and Renwick Road at 15905 S. Frederick St., Suite 105, Plainfield, Ill., 60586.
Originally published at https://patch.com on July 19, 2021.
