Our Doctors

David M. Lubeck, MD

Specialist in Cataract, Cornea, Refractive and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery

• Partner Chicago Arbor Eye Institute
• Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

David Lubeck, M.D. is a founder and world-renowned surgeon at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute, specializing in cataract, cornea, refractive and advanced anterior segment surgery. Dr. Lubeck is passionate about surgery, teaching and innovation. Dr. Lubeck teaches cataract and refractive surgery to ophthalmologists all over the world, focusing on new technologies and safe and efficient eye surgery on the front segments of the eye. He is regularly a first to perform complex procedures providing patients with outstanding surgical outcomes. Most recently, Dr. Lubeck is leading the way in refractive cataract surgery with the use of the Alcon refractive cataract suite, presbyopia correcting intraocular lenses, and MIGS (micro invasive glaucoma surgeries) as well as complex cornea and anterior segment procedures. These technologies are giving patients more choice in determining their surgical outcomes and achieving vision restoration.

Dr. Lubeck has practiced in the Chicago area since 1989 and been responsible for the introduction and advancement of many cutting-edge procedures and technologies. He has strived to become an effective teacher to patients and other doctors alike. In addition to a busy clinical practice, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He lectures regularly in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dr. Lubeck has developed curricula that have been integrated into surgical teaching programs across the USA and abroad. He has hosted and participated in live surgery programs in USA, China, India, Vietnam, Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. As a five time host surgeon in Chicago, Dr. Lubeck led the effort in recruiting patients and then operating alongside 2 or 3 guest surgeons while the procedures were broadcast live via satellite to thousands of viewing ophthalmologists. This type of training program allows many to experience the teachings of skilled surgeons, such as Dr. Lubeck, in real time.

Dr. Lubeck specializes in managing conditions involving the front segment of the eye. These include corneal diseases, simple and complex cataracts, malpositioned or poorly tolerated lens implants, tear dysfunction, refractive abnormalities, infections, certain cancers, injuries, and congenital malformations. He employs the latest medical, laser and surgical treatments to restore and preserve the sight of his patients. Over the last decade, he has been most compelled by advanced technology lens implants, MIGS (micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries) alone or in combination with cataract surgery, partial thickness corneal transplants, laser treatment of symptomatic vitreous opacities, ‘all laser’ custom topography guided vision correction and the ICL (implantable contact lens).

With a father as a respected ophthalmologist in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Lubeck grew up appreciating the marvelous things that eye surgeons could accomplish. He developed artistic talent and precise dexterity as a jeweler and metal artist. He furthered these skills working as a silversmith in London, England before starting medical training. “My father’s influence and my love of detailed precise hand work gave me the tools to become an accomplished surgeon. Amazing teachers and patients throughout my career have helped me to continue growing and learning as a surgeon.”

Dr. Lubeck is described by his patients as “remarkable”, “caring”, and “very talented”. His colleagues describe him as “humble”, “an amazing surgeon”, and a “great educator”.

Dr. Lubeck also enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, competitive sailing, videography and photography. He speaks French and a little Spanish and Italian. His wife, Jeanne, is a successful organizational consultant building two programs, one that develops the next generation of civic and business leaders and a second that builds emotional resiliency in family caregivers. His son, Charlie, is an actor, composer and singer. He has two daughters, Zoe, a cinematographer, and Olivia, a writer and entertainment business executive.