James F McDonnell

James F McDonnell, MD

Ophthalmology

Provider Groups

  • Loyola Medicine Physician

  • Loyola Physician Partners

Primary Contact

630-953-6751
Accepting New Patients
Provider Groups
  • Loyola Medicine Physician

  • Loyola Physician Partners

Primary Contact
630-953-6751

Services & Specialties

Areas of Specialization

  • Ophthalmology

Clinical Interests

Conditions Treated

  • strabismus
  • strabismus surgery
  • vision testing and screening in young children

Locations & Contact

Primary Location

Loyola University Medical Center

1 S 260 Summit Ave
2nd Fl
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Loyola University Medical Center

2160 S First Ave
Maywood, IL 60153

View hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours
Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Loyola University Medical Center

About


Dr. McDonnell is Professor and Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus in the Department of Ophthalmology at Loyola University Medical Center since 1994. Dr. McDonnell received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and his MD from Northwestern University Medical School.

He began his medical career in Emergency Medicine at Northwestern University Medical Center in Chicago, but switched specialties completing his residency in Ophthalmology at the Eye Institute in Milwaukee at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He continued his subspecialty training completing a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at the University of Wisconsin in Madison Wisconsin in 1991.

Dr. McDonnell joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin from 1991-1993 and later spent time in private practice then joined the faculty at Loyola University Medical Center in 1994 where he remains on the faculty today.

Academic Title

Professor

Ages Seen

Adolescents - 12 to 17
Children - 0 to 11
Adults - Over 65
Adults - 18 to 64

Additional Resources

Education & Certifications

Education

Education:
Georgetown University (1977)

Education:
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (1985)

Internship:
Northwestern University (1986)

Internship:
Northwestern University (1986)

Internship:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (1986)

Residency:
Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Inc (1990)

Fellowship:
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (1991)

Fellowship:
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (1991)

Board Certifications

Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, American Board of (1991)

Provider Groups

Loyola Medicine Physician

Loyola Physician Partners

Provider Ratings

The following ratings and reviews are based on verified feedback collected from independently administered patient experience surveys. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Learn More >

4.9 out of 5

(117 ratings)

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

31 Reviews

02/12/2026

Best doctor and team!!!

02/11/2026

I could see bonus he cares based on the amount of time he spent with us and how he spoke to my 5yo. I will definitely be recommending him to others!

02/09/2026

He is very good

02/09/2026

I think Dr. McDonnell is a true professional. Someone somewhere might eaual him in some respects, but no one could surpass him.

02/04/2026

Dr. McDonnell has been treating my daughter for about 13-14 years. He is not close to our home but I will continue to take my daughter there because of his attention to detail, being thorough, and his calm demeanor. His bedside manner is one others should take note of.

02/03/2026

a wonderful physician who would be a great role model for younger doctors

01/20/2026

He was very caring and patient with me. He listened to my concerns and took great care of me.

12/22/2025

Dr. McDonnell is a wonderful physician. He cates about his patients, listens well, and provides the best care as his charter. Loyola is truly fortunate to have a clinician such as Dr. James McDonnell.

12/02/2025

The dr is excellent with kids

11/18/2025

Great communication with lots of care and reassurance about the health of my eyes. Took the time to discuss everything with my husband as well as myself at every appointment. He’s the best!

10/23/2025

Dr. Mc.Donnell is always patient and kind with my child, makes us all feel very welcome and comfortable.

10/23/2025

Excellent

10/21/2025

The best doctor I can trust my eyes to

10/14/2025

After my visit, I had additional questions and Dr. McDonnel promptly answered them.

10/09/2025

THE BEST !!!!!

10/09/2025

I just Trust Him!!

09/08/2025

Dr MCDONNELL JAMES F is the best doctor !!!!

08/21/2025

The physician was very good, I would have liked more explanation about the cause of my problem (I understand that he is a pediatric specialist and I'm an adult).

08/19/2025

He’s a wonderful person.

08/18/2025

Dr. McDonnell is a caring doctor. In the current time period, patients need this kind of care.

08/13/2025

We see Dr. McDonnell a few times each year due to my child’s eye condition. Each visit Dr. McDonnell takes the time to go over everything with both my child and I. We always have a great experience.

08/13/2025

Very kind doctor and excellent and kind person when it came to my child’s health

07/15/2025

Words can not describe how amazing his work is but its beyond amazing.

07/02/2025

Very professional Doctor.Thank you

06/27/2025

Dr. McDonnell was very professional and caring. I really liked the way he explained his findings to me.

05/29/2025

Profesional , paciente y sobre todo muy amable

05/27/2025

Very knowledgeable and kind

05/01/2025

He called me on a Sunday which is just truly amazing!

04/22/2025

I wish that I had met him earlier.

03/31/2025

Courteous, personable and approachable. WAs clear with his explanations and thorough with the exam of my vision.

03/20/2025

Great care
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Publications

  • Kaempferol Protects Against Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Light-Induced Retinal Injury. Noguchi, J. L.; Seu, M. Y.; Qiao, J. B.; Tan, I. R.; Swaminathan, S. R.; McDonnell, J. F.; Tan, Z.; Bu, P.; Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Protection of Retinal Function by Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Following Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. Gange, W. S.; Qiao, J. B.; Park, P. J.; McDonnell, J. F.; Tan, Z.; Perlman, J. I.; Bu, P.; Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Effects of corrective strabismus surgery on social anxiety and self-consciousness in adults. Estes, K. J.; Parrish, R. K.; Sinacore, J.; Mumby, P. B.; McDonnell, J. F.; Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • Protection of retinal function by sulforaphane following retinal ischemic injury. Ambrecht, L. A.; Perlman, J. I.; McDonnell, J. F.; Zhai, Y.; Qiao, L.; Bu, P.; Experimental eye research
  • Amniotic band syndrome with significant orofacial clefts and disruptions and distortions of craniofacial structures. Muraskas, J. K.; McDonnell, J. F.; Chudik, R. J.; Salyer, K. E.; Glynn, L.; Journal of pediatric surgery
  • Pediatric Horner's syndrome due to a cervical thymic rest. McDonnell, J. F.; Ramonas, K.; Park, A. H.; Journal of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus
  • Ocular complications of thermal injury: a 3-year retrospective. Bouchard, C. S.; Morno, K.; Perkins, J.; McDonnell, J. F.; Dicken, R.; The Journal of trauma
  • Spontaneous dural cavernous sinus fistula in a child. Skolnick, K. A.; McDonnell, J. F.; Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • Bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis associated with pyoderma gangrenosum. Bouchard, C. S.; Meyer, M. A.; McDonnell, J. F.; Cornea