NP
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Ponakala, Ophthalmologist in Chicago, IL?
Dr. Narayan Ponakala, MD is an Ophthalmologist, who primarily practices in Chicago, IL with 2 additional practice locations. Dr. Ponakala completed his residency at Cook County Hosp, Ophthalmology; Cook County Hosp, Flexible Or Transitional Year. Dr. Ponakala is fluent in English, German, and Spanish, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Ponakala’s practice accepts Medicare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Ponakala’s office at (630) 964-9800.
Where did Dr. Ponakala go to medical school and complete their residency?
Residency: Cook County Hosp, Ophthalmology; Cook County Hosp, Flexible Or Transitional Year
Medical School: Bangalore Med Coll, Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India | Saint Johns Medical College
What languages does Dr. Ponakala speak?
Dr. Ponakala and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
German
Spanish
What conditions does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ponakala typically treat?
As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Ponakala diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Ponakala. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Cataract
- Combined Age-Related Cataract
- Cloudy lens
- Lens clouding
- Eye cloudiness
- Mixed Type Cataract
- Multiple Cataract Types
ICD-10 Codes:
- H2511: Age-related nuclear cataract, right eye
- H2512: Age-related nuclear cataract, left eye
- H2513: Age-related nuclear cataract, bilateral
- H25811: Combined forms of age-related cataract, right eye
Also known as:
- Borderline Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Glaucoma
- Early Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma suspect
- Risk of Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Wide-Angle Glaucoma
- POAG
ICD-10 Codes:
- H40013: Open angle with borderline findings, low risk, bilateral
- H401131: Primary open-angle glaucoma, bilateral, mild stage
Also known as:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Diabetes Type 2
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Adult-Onset Diabetes
- Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
ICD-10 Codes:
- E119: Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
What procedures does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ponakala typically perform?
As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Ponakala performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Ponakala. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Cataract Removal with Lens Implant
- Extracapsular cataract extraction
- Phacoemulsification
- IOL implantation
CPT Codes:
- 66984: Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1 stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification); without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Also known as:
- Laser Surgery for Secondary Cataract
- Laser Eye Surgery for Glaucoma
- Cataract Surgery with Glaucoma Drainage Device
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy
- Posterior Capsulotomy
- Secondary Cataract Removal
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Iridotomy
- Iridectomy
- Laser Glaucoma Treatment
- Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery
- Phacoemulsification with Aqueous Drainage Device
- IOL Insertion with Glaucoma Stent
CPT Codes:
- 66821: Discission of secondary membranous cataract (opacified posterior lens capsule and/or anterior hyaloid); laser surgery (eg, YAG laser) (1 or more stages)
- 66761: Iridotomy/iridectomy by laser surgery (eg, for glaucoma) (per session)
- 66991: Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1 stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification); with insertion of intraocular (eg, trabecular meshwork, supraciliary, suprachoroidal) anterior segment aqueous drainage device, without extraocular reservoir, internal approach, one or more
Also known as:
- Goniotomy (Glaucoma Surgery)
- Goniotomy Procedure
- Angle-Opening Glaucoma Surgery
- Congenital Glaucoma Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 65820: Goniotomy
Also known as:
- Complex Cataract Removal with Lens Implant
- Advanced Cataract Surgery
- Phacoemulsification with IOL
- Complex Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
CPT Codes:
- 66982: Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification), complex, requiring devices or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery (eg, iris expansion device, suture support for intraocular lens, or primary posterior capsulorrhexis) or performed on patients in the amblyogenic developmental stage; without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Also known as:
- Eyelid Lesion Removal
- Eyelid growth removal
- Eyelid bump excision
- Eyelid skin lesion surgery
CPT Codes:
- 67840: Excision of lesion of eyelid (except chalazion) without closure or with simple direct closure
Also known as:
- Intraocular Lens Exchange
- IOL Exchange
- Cataract Lens Replacement (Secondary)
- Replacement of Eye Implant
CPT Codes:
- 66986: Exchange of intraocular lens
Does Dr. Ponakala accept my insurance?
Dr. Ponakala accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (630) 964-9800 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Ponakala accept in Chicago, IL?
Dr. Ponakala in Chicago, IL accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
Centene Corporation
Cigna Group
Cook County Health & Hospitals System
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Health Care Service Corporation
Humana
Medicare
Molina Healthcare
State of Illinois
UnitedHealth Group
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Ponakala's office located?
Dr. Narayan Ponakala's Primary Practice
645 S Central Ave
Chicago, IL 60644
(630) 964-9800
What hospitals are Dr. Ponakala affiliated with?
Castle Connolly Top Hospital
This doctor is affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital.
Dr. Ponakala has admitting privileges at the following hospitals:
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital,Palos Heights, IL
Ranked in 2 Specialties

Ranked in 4 Procedures

Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital,Palos Heights, IL
Ranked in 2 Specialties
Ranked in 4 Procedures
Loretto Hospital,Chicago, IL
Loretto Hospital,Chicago, IL
What is Dr. Ponakala's NPI number?A National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Ponakala's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1457432742.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Ponakala?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Ponakala
What is Dr. Narayan Ponakala's specialty?
Dr. Ponakala is an Ophthalmologist near Chicago, IL.
What does an Ophthalmologist do?
An ophthalmologist possesses the knowledge and professional skills required to deliver comprehensive eye and vision care. These medical doctors are trained to diagnose, monitor, and treat all ocular and visual disorders, whether through medical or surgical interventions. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of issues affecting the eye and its structures, including the eyelids, orbit, and visual pathways. Additionally, ophthalmologists prescribe vision services, such as glasses and contact lenses, to help patients achieve optimal visual health.
Is Dr. Narayan Ponakala affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Ponakala is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see an Ophthalmologist?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see an Ophthalmologist. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Dr. Narayan Ponakala accepting new patients in Chicago, IL?
Yes, Dr. Narayan Ponakala is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Narayan Ponakala offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Ponakala's office at (630) 964-9800 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Narayan Ponakala?
Please contact Dr. Ponakala's office at (630) 964-9800 to schedule an appointment.
Where is Dr. Ponakala's office located?
Dr. Ponakala's offices are located in Chicago, IL and Palos Heights, IL.
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