About
Rachel H. Epstein, MD, grew up in Chicago and earned her BA from the University of California Santa Barbara, graduating magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors. She returned to Illinois for medical school at Chicago Medical School and completed her ophthalmology residency at Rush University Medical Center. She then pursued an advanced fellowship in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery with Chicago Cornea Consultants before joining the practice as a full-time associate in the summer of 2019.
Dr. Epstein focuses on challenging corneal cases, refractive surgery, and long-term patient relationships. Her research centers on optimizing endothelial keratoplasty surgical technique. She has contributed to the peer-reviewed literature as a published author in her specialty.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of California Santa Barbara, BA, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Medical School
Chicago Medical School, MD
Residency
Rush University Medical Center, Ophthalmology
Fellowship
Advanced Fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases, and Refractive Surgery, Chicago Cornea Consultants
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Epstein right for?
Dr. Epstein is a strong fit for patients facing complex corneal conditions or considering refractive surgery. Those dealing with keratoconus, corneal disease, or irregular corneas benefit from her surgical focus. Patients who value a doctor invested in long-term relationships will find her approach rewarding. She also serves patients exploring LASIK and advanced surface ablation procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Epstein focuses on challenging corneal cases and refractive surgery. She has specific research expertise in endothelial keratoplasty surgical technique. Patients with corneal disease, keratoconus, and irregular corneas frequently seek her care.
Dr. Epstein completed her ophthalmology residency at Rush University Medical Center. She then pursued an advanced fellowship in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery with Chicago Cornea Consultants. That fellowship training prepared her for the complex corneal and refractive cases she manages today.
Yes, Dr. Epstein has contributed to the peer-reviewed literature as a published author in ophthalmology. Her research focuses on optimizing endothelial keratoplasty surgical technique.
Dr. Epstein joined the practice as a full-time associate in the summer of 2019. She had previously completed her advanced fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery with the same group.
Yes, refractive surgery is a core part of Dr. Epstein's clinical focus. She evaluates and performs procedures including LASIK and advanced surface ablation for appropriate candidates.
Endothelial keratoplasty is a corneal transplant technique that replaces only the innermost layers of the cornea. Dr. Epstein performs this procedure and conducts research specifically aimed at improving its surgical outcomes.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026