Lekha K. Desai, MD
“I was drawn to ophthalmology in medical school by the ability to help save a precious sense and have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. As a retina specialist, I have the opportunity to help patients with often complex conditions, while building long-term relationships, which I truly enjoy.”
Dr. Desai completed the seven-year BS/MD Program at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her medical degree from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), formerly the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, in Newark, where she also completed both her internship in internal affairs medicine and her residency in ophthalmology. Dr. Desai completed her fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the UC Davis Eye Center at the University of California where she received excellent clinical training and the opportunity to mentor students in ophthalmology. She joins us from a well- reputed retina practice in New Jersey.
Dr. Desai has received numerous honors and awards including the Father O’Reilly Resident Award for Compassion, awarded to a resident who provides excellent patient-centered care, and the Women in Retina Travel Grant. She is a member of many professional societies such as the American Society of Retina Specialists, Women in Retina, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Dr. Desai enjoys volunteering to help provide underserved patients with necessary eye exams, and spent several weeks in southern India providing vitreoretinal service at a charity hospital after her fellowship.
In addition to authoring several book chapters and being published in journals including Ophthalmology Retina, Dr. Desai has also conducted research on diabetic retinopathy.
She is proficient in Spanish and Telugu. In her free time, Dr Desai enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two young kids, staying in shape, and exploring the local area.
Education:
- Vitreoretinal fellowship, UC Davis Eye Center at the University of California, Sacramento, CA
- Ophthalmology residency, Internship, DO, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), formerly the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
- BS/MD, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Memberships & Affiliations:
- American Society of Retina Specialists
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Gold Humanism Honor Society
- Women in Retina