John Pollack, MD, FASRS

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John Pollack, MD, FASRS

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Dr. Pollack has been with Illinois Retina Associates and Rush University Medical Center since 1997. A recognized leader and innovator in the field of retina, he has delivered over 200 scientific presentations across the globe and has published over 60 scientific papers and book chapters. He sees patients in our Joliet and Hinsdale locations.

Dr. Pollack’s passion for ophthalmology was inspired by his father, who was also an ophthalmologist. He received his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis and his M.D. at Georgetown University. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Washington University and his retina fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee.

Dr. Pollack has held a number of national leadership positions and received many honors. He is Past-President of both the American Society of Retina Specialists [ASRS], the largest organization of retina specialists in the world, and the Foundation of the ASRS, which supports patients and the retina community through education, awareness, and fundraising. Dr. Pollack serves on the Board of Directors of multiple non-profit and commercial medical entities, is co-founding Editor of the widely referenced annual ASRS Preferences and Trends Survey and is co-founder of ‘The Winning Pitch Challenge’, a medical competition that accelerates innovation in ophthalmology.

Dr. Pollack is recipient of the ASRS Senior Honor Award, the AAO Achievement Award, and has been identified by Ocular Surgery News as one of “OSN Retina 150,” a select group of retina specialists identified by the publication’s editors and publisher as leading innovators in the field of medical and surgical retina. He has been listed in “Best Doctors in America”, “Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists”, and “IL Top Doctors” for many years. In 2017, Dr. Pollack became a Charter Inductee into the Retina Hall of Fame, in recognition of exceptional lifetime achievements and contributions to the field of retina.

Dr. Pollack’s research interests include retinal cell therapy, retinitis pigmentosa, MacTel, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and epiretinal membranes. He has served as chairman, principle investigator, or co-investigator in over 20 major national research studies, and is an advisor to pharma, biotech and device companies seeking to develop more effective retina therapies.

In their spare time, Dr. Pollack, his wife Susan, and their three children share an enthusiasm for fishing, skiing, and travel.

My passion is providing patients with the very highest quality, cutting edge retina care in a personalized and compassionate manner. My mission is to provide every patient with a clear understanding of their retinal disorder, as well as how current and evolving treatment options can be customized to their particular retina problem and personal needs. My goal is for patients to leave my office with an appropriate level of hope and optimism that ‘help is on the way’. I feel very fortunate to be in a position to help improve the quality of life for so many people.
— Dr. Pollack

Dr. John Pollack’s Patient Testimonial

Dr. Pollack's Credentials

    • President, Foundation of the ASRS
    • Executive Committee, Foundation of the ASRS
    • Co-founding Editor, Annual ASRS Preferences and Trends (PAT) Survey
    • Board of Directors, Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness