Our Physicians

Dimitri Azar, MD, MBA

Dr. Azar is an internationally recognized ophthalmic surgeon. He joined the faculty in 2006 as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Previously he was a tenured Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Cornea Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Senior Scientist at Schepens Eye Institute and a faculty member at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He earned an executive MBA from University of Chicago. Dr. Azar is board certified in ophthalmology.

He is a leader in basic science and clinically related vision research, making significant contributions to the treatment of corneal diseases and to advances in refractive surgery through mathematical analyses and applications of advanced optics. His basic science research on matrix metalloproteinases in corneal wound healing and angiogenesis has been continually funded by the National Eye Institute R01 award since 1993.

Dr. Azar is the author of more than 400 scientific articles and book chapters. He is the editor of 14 books in ophthalmology and holds 15 patents. He has been named one of The Best Doctors in America or recognized among Castle Connolly’s Regional Top Doctors in America annually since 1994. He serves as a trustee for the Chicago Ophthalmological Society and for the Association of Research and Vision in Ophthalmology. Dr. Azar has received multiple leadership awards, including the 2009 Lans Distinguished Award and the University of Illinois at Chicago Scholar Award.
SEE DR. DIMITRI AZAR'S ACADEMIC PROFILE

Nathalie Azar, MD

Dr. Azar is recognized as an outstanding surgeon who is highly regarded by her peers in ophthalmology. She is known for her expertise in amblyopia and eye movement disorders, Graves’ disease and paralytic and restrictive strabismus. She frequently lectures at national meetings, including  the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and organizes the pediatric and adult strabismus course for the Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology. Dr. Azar came to the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in 2006 from Harvard’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, where she also directed the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Service. She is a board-certified ophthalmologist.
SEE DR. NATHALIE AZAR'S ACADEMIC PROFILE

Jose de la Cruz, MD

Dr. de la Cruz specializes in refractive surgery, advanced technology intraocular lens implantation, laser-assisted cataract and cornea surgery and complex corneal transplant surgery. He is certified in the use of the LenSx Femtosecond Laser for cataract surgery. Dr. de la Cruz has been focusing his skills in the field of ophthalmology for more than a decade. He was the chief resident of ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and trained at Harvard Medical School in the subspecialty of cornea and refractive surgery (LASIK); both among the top ophthalmology institutions in the United States. Later, he came to the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago where he completed his advanced refractive surgery clinical fellowship. As a trusted authority in the field, Dr. de la Cruz has co-authored several papers and book chapters comprising topics such as keratoprosthesis surgery (KPro), refractive surgery in presbyopic age group, infections in refractive surgery and of outcomes of laser assisted cataract surgery. At the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Dr. de la Cruz developed the k-pro program, considered the top artificial cornea service in the Midwest. He has been selected by his peers as one of The Best Doctors in America each year since 2009. He joined the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary faculty in 2007.
SEE DR. DE LA CRUZ'S ACADEMIC PROFILE

Neelam Patadia, OD, FAAO

Dr. Patadia is a comprehensive optometrist who provides full-scope eye care, including the management of a wide range of eye conditions. Her clinical areas of focus include diabetic eye care, glaucoma management, and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). She also provides routine and preventative eye exams and supports the early detection of ocular and systemic conditions. She plays an active role in patient care within a multidisciplinary setting and works closely with the ophthalmology team to co-manage complex cases. Dr. Patadia is committed to delivering personalized and compassionate care.

Languages: English, Gujarati

Pete Setabutr, MD

Dr. Setabutr is a fellowship-trained, board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive oculofacial surgery. He is one of only 500 surgeons worldwide to have completed an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) approved fellowship. He has lectured throughout the U.S. and has a strong interest in clinical research and teaching. His clinical research focuses on disease of the eyelids and orbit. He is exploring innovative procedures to guide surgeons in rejuvenating the eyelids. Dr. Setabutr joined the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary faculty in 2009.
SEE DR. SETABUTR'S ACADEMIC PROFILE

Van Ann Tran, MD

Dr. Van Ann Tran (Ann) is an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in ophthalmic plastic, orbital, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. Her areas of expertise include droopy eyelid surgery; eyelid malposition; brow and forehead lifts; thyroid eye disease; cancers of the eyelid and orbit; facial nerve palsy; anophthalmic sockets; lacrimal/tearing surgery; and non;surgical facial rejuvenation with neurotoxin and soft-tissue fillers. Dr. Trans is a dedicated educator and is a part of the Ophthalmology Residency and ASOPRS Oculoplastics Fellowship at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. She is an avid researcher with over 60 peer-review publications and 15 book chapters, and she has presented her work nationally. Most importantly, Dr. Tran's primary goal is to provide the highest level of individualized care for each patient. She strives to make sure her patients feel confident and comfortable and works together with them regarding their clinical care. Dr. Tran sees patients at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Millennium Park Eye Center.
SEE DR. TRAN'S ACADEMIC PROFILE

Hannah Yoon, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS

Dr. Yoon specializes in optimizing vision and ocular health in patients with keratoconus, dry eye, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Sjogren's syndrome, aphakia, and post-surgical corneas. She is fellowship-trained in fitting medically necessary contact lenses (soft, corneal rigid gas permeable, hybrid, scleral). In addition to contact lens fittings, Dr. Yoon offers comprehensive and acute eye care. Dr. Yoon is passionate about delivering individualized eye care and catering to each of her patients’ needs, and she sincerely enjoys working alongside patients to enhance their quality of life through sight.