Dr. Matthew Wessel was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Harvard College, graduating cum laude. He earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and was awarded the Alvin Behrens Memorial Fund Award for outstanding graduate entering ophthalmology. He completed his ophthalmology residency and a two-year surgical vitreoretinal fellowship at Weill Cornell / New York Presbyterian. During his time at Cornell, he was selected as chief resident, was actively involved in training medical students and residents, and was engaged in numerous clinical research efforts.
Dr. Wessel has worked at the Retina Institute of Illinois since completing fellowship in 2013. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. He brings extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating complex retinal conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disorders, macular holes and macular puckers, retinal tears and detachments, and hereditary retinal disorders.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Wessel has contributed to the field through research and publication, co-authoring multiple peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from diabetic retinopathy to pediatric retinal diseases. He is currently on staff at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Ascension Saint Alexius, Endeavor Health / Northshore, and Northwestern Medicine. He serves patients across multiple locations, including Crystal Lake, Niles, Hoffman Estates, and Gurnee.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, both of whom are actively involved in swimming, soccer, and roller coasters. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, running, biking, and cheering for the New Orleans Saints.
Co-authored the following peer-reviewed articles:
