RIA D. DESAI, M.D.; ALEX B. LABBY, M.D. – NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE LAKE FOREST HOSPITAL AND GRAYSLAKE OUTPATIENT CENTER

SPECIALTY:
Dr. Ria D. Desai: Medical Retina
Dr. Alex B. Labby: Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery; Subspecialty: Rhinology, Advanced Sinus and Skull Base Surgery

EDUCATION:
Dr. Desai: B.S., Magna Cum Laude, Duke University; M.D., Distinction in Research, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine; residency and fellowship, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
Dr. Labby: B.A., Pitzer College (Honors); M.D., Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine; residency, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago; fellowship, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

AWARDS/HONORS:
Dr. Desai: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Resident Teaching Award; American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Society of Retina Specialists
Dr. Labby: University of Illinois – Chicago Otolaryngology Resident Teaching Award

Dr. Ria Desai is breaking ground as the first Northwestern Medicine retinal specialist in the Northern Suburbs. Offering state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care for patients with vitreoretinal diseases, she diagnoses and treats macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular occlusions. With many retinal conditions impairing vision permanently, she emphasizes the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and patient education—alongside trust and communication. “Vision care is an essential component of quality of life, and retinal health is key,” she says. “My goal for every patient is to feel my commitment to providing them with the absolute best retina care.”

Dr. Alex Labby, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Northwestern Medicine, is the first in the Northern Suburbs group with fellowship training in advanced sinus and skull base surgery. His own experience with severe sinus issues gives him unique empathy and understanding with patients. “I know what it’s like to recover from these types of surgeries, and understanding how helpful they can be for increasing one’s quality of life provides me with insight that patients find valuable,” he says. “Every patient is unique in their individual case, and being a physician offers endless challenges and learning opportunities that make for a rewarding career.”