Board-Certified Retina Surgeon in Chicago image">Saad Ahmad, MD
Board-Certified Retina Surgeon in Chicago
Meet Dr. Saad Ahmad
Dr. Saad Ahmad is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized expertise in retinal conditions and surgery, serving patients throughout the Chicagoland area. As a vitreoretinal specialist at Kovach Eye Institute, Dr. Ahmad brings nearly two decades of clinical and surgical experience to the management of complex retinal conditions. His commitment to evidence-based medicine, combined with rigorous training and a patient-centered approach, has established him as a trusted retinal specialist for patients seeking expert eye care across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Dr. Ahmad’s clinical expertise encompasses the full spectrum of vitreoretinal disease, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular edema, and retinal dystrophies. His dedication to advancing the field through clinical research and participation in multi-center trials reflects his commitment to bringing the latest therapeutic innovations to his patients.
Education and Professional Credentials
Dr. Ahmad earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Duke University in 1998, with a second major in Asian & African Languages & Literature. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 2002.
Following medical school, Dr. Ahmad completed an internship in the Department of Medicine at The University of Chicago Hospitals in Chicago, Illinois (2002–2003). He then completed a Ophthalmology Residency at Duke University Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina (2003–2006), where he received extensive training in all aspects of ophthalmology, including anterior segment surgery, posterior segment disease management, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and pediatric eye care.
Recognizing his calling, Dr. Ahmad pursued specialized fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery at the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, Michigan (2006–2008), one of the nation’s premier vitreoretinal training programs. This advanced fellowship provided comprehensive training in complex vitreoretinal surgical techniques and the management of advanced retinal pathology.
Dr. Ahmad is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), having achieved certification in June 2008. Board certification demonstrates that Dr. Ahmad has met rigorous standards of knowledge, clinical competency, and ethical practice., as defined by the ABO
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
Dr. Ahmad is an active member of:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): The largest professional organization of eye physicians globally, committed to advancing clinical practice and research
- American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS): An organization dedicated to vitreoretinal disease management, surgical technique advancement, and continuing education
- Chicago Ophthalmological Society: A regional physician body supporting ophthalmologic excellence in the Chicago area
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Nearly 20 Years of Vitreoretinal Practice
Dr. Ahmad has spent nearly two decades providing specialized care to patients with complex retinal conditions. His clinical experience encompasses:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Medical and surgical management of both wet and dry AMD, including treatment with anti-VEGF agents and advanced imaging-guided interventions
- Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema: Comprehensive management of diabetic eye disease, including medical therapy laser treatment, intravitreal injections, and vitrectomy when indicated
- Retinal detachment: Diagnosis and surgical repair of rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative retinal detachments
- Macular disease: Management of epiretinal membranes, macular pucker, and other macular pathology
- Retinal Dystrophy: Treatment and management of intraocular melanoma, including plaque radiotherapy and surgical approaches
- Retinal vein occlusion: Medical and surgical management of central and branch retinal vein occlusions
- Vitreous disease: Comprehensive management of vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous inflammation, and other vitreous pathology
Dr. Ahmad has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing vitreoretinal care through clinical research and participation in multi-center clinical trials. He has served as both Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator on numerous Phase II and Phase III clinical trials evaluating novel therapeutic agents for retinal disease, including:
Principal Investigator:
- Safety and Efficacy of Dextenza Sustained Release Dexamethasone for treatment of pain, inflammation, and cystoid macular edema following vitrectomy
- Safety and Efficacy of Abicipar Pegol (AGN-150998) in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (SEQUOIA) – Phase III
Sub-Investigator:
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for Subfoveal Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (HARBOR) – Phase III
- Bevasiranib Sodium for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (COBALT) – Phase III
- VEGF Trap for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (0605) – Phase III
- VEGF Trap for Diabetic Macular Edema (0706) – Phase II
- Standard Care versus Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlusion (SCORE) – Phase III
- MK0140 in Diabetic Patients With Macular Edema (0140-001) – Phase II
This active involvement in clinical research reflects Dr. Ahmad’s dedication to evaluating and implementing the most effective, evidence-based treatment options for his patients.
Dr. Ahmad has contributed to the advancement of vitreoretinal medicine through peer-reviewed publications in leading ophthalmology journals:
- Khurana RN, Appa SN, McCannel CA, Elman MJ, Wittenberg SE, Parks DJ, Ahmad S, Yeh S. “Dexamethasone implant anterior chamber migration: Risk factors, complications, and management strategies.” Ophthalmology. 2013; 121:67–71.
- Ahmad S, Bearelly S, Stinnett SS, Cooney MJ, Fekrat S. “Photodynamic therapy for predominantly hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization lesions in neovascular age related macular degeneration.” American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2008; 145: 1052–7.
- Ahmad S, Wallace D, Herndon LW. “Phthisis after endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation.” Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers, and Imaging. 2008; 39:407–8.
- Harbour JW, Ahmad S, El-Bash M. “Rate of resolution of exudative retinal detachment after plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma.” Archives of Ophthalmology. 2002; 120(11):1463–9.
- Ahmad S, Teckman JH, Lueder GT. “Corneal deposits associated with NTBC treatment.” American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2002; 134(2):266–8.
- Ahmad S, Rohrbaugh JW, Anokhin AP, Sirevaag EJ, Goebel JA. “Effects of lifetime ethanol consumption on postural control: A computerized dynamic posturography study.” Journal of Vestibular Research. 2002; 12(1):53–64.
Dr. Ahmad has also presented his research at numerous national and international conferences, including the American Society of Retina Specialists Annual Meeting, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting.
Dr. Ahmad’s contributions to ophthalmology and research have been recognized through multiple awards:
- Robert A. Machemer Research Award (2006, 2005): Awarded by the Kresge Eye Institute for outstanding research contributions in vitreoretinal disease
- Research to Prevent Blindness Research Small Grant (2004): Competitive grant supporting clinical research in ophthalmology
- Phi Beta Kappa Society (1998): Inducted at Duke University, recognizing academic excellence
Practice Philosophy and Patient Approach
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Care
Dr. Ahmad believes that optimal retinal care requires a thorough understanding of each patient’s condition, careful consideration of all available treatment options, and a commitment to the latest evidence-based approaches. He works collaboratively with optometrists and general ophthalmologists to ensure seamless, coordinated care for his patients.
Patient-Centered Decision Making
Dr. Ahmad customizes his approach to each patient’s unique circumstances rather than applying standardized protocols. He prioritizes detailed discussions about available treatment pathways, what patients can realistically expect, and the full spectrum of potential outcomes—both favorable and challenging. This individualized methodology empowers patients to make informed choices aligned with their personal priorities and visual needs.
Commitment to Advanced Technology
Dr. Ahmad’s surgical suite features cutting-edge diagnostic platforms and imaging modalities—including high-resolution OCT, advanced angiography systems, and precision vitreoretinal instrumentation. These technological investments support meticulous preoperative assessment and intraoperative precision.
Languages and Patient Communication
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ahmad
- Board Certification & Credentials: Dr. Ahmad holds board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology and maintains active membership in premier professional societies, reflecting his dedication to rigorous clinical standards.
- Clinical Research Involvement: As an Investigator on multiple clinical trials, Dr. Ahmad actively evaluates and implements emerging therapeutic options.
- Individualized Treatment Planning: Dr. Ahmad develops customized care strategies based on each patient’s specific condition, visual goals, and personal circumstances.
- Advanced Diagnostic & Surgical Technology: Investment in state-of-the-art imaging and surgical platforms reflects his dedication to helping patients restore and enhance their vision.
- Integrated Care Coordination: Dr. Ahmad collaborates closely with optometrists and general ophthalmologists to ensure seamless, continuous patient care.
- Multilingual Patient Communication: Fluency in English, basic Spanish, Arabic, Urdu enables Dr. Ahmad to serve a linguistically diverse patient base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Ahmad
Dr. Ahmad is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (certified June 2008). He earned his MD from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at Duke University Eye Center. He completed specialized fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery at the Kresge Eye Institute. He maintains active membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, and Chicago Ophthalmological Society.
Dr. Ahmad has nearly 20 years of clinical and surgical experience in vitreoretinal ophthalmology. He has performed thousands of retinal procedures and surgeries, including complex vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair, and management of advanced macular disease.
Dr. Ahmad specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, retinal detachment, macular pucker, retinal dystrophy, retinal vein occlusion, and other vitreoretinal diseases.
Dr. Ahmad performs a wide range of retina procedures, including vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair, membrane peeling, intravitreal injections, and laser treatment for retinal conditions.
Yes. Dr. Ahmad has served as an Investigator on multiple clinical trials evaluating novel treatments for retinal disease, including trials for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.
To schedule an appointment, contact Kovach Eye Institute at (630) 833-9621 or through our contact form. Our team will help you schedule an appointment at a time that works for your schedule.
Dr. Ahmad combines rigorous, evidence-based clinical decision-making with a deep commitment to understanding each patient’s individual circumstances. He engages in thorough discussions about treatment options so patients understand realistic expectations and potential complications, and tailors care plans to align with each patient’s lifestyle and visual priorities.
About Kovach Eye Institute
Kovach Eye Institute serves the Chicago metropolitan area with a commitment to comprehensive, subspecialty-focused eye care. The practice operates multiple locations in the Chicago area including: Elmhurst, Naperville, South Barrington and Lincolnwood equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical platforms, integrating clinical depth, technological innovation, and individualized patient engagement to help patients with concerns spanning all ophthalmologic disciplines.
The doctors at Kovach Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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