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Dr. Randy J. Epstein
Dr. Randy J. Epstein
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Dr. Randy Epstein Obituary
Dr. Epstein has left a profound and indelible mark on his family, his patients, and the medical community. A Chicago native, Dr. Epstein grew up in West Rogers Park, earning his Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana and his Medical Degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago. Following ophthalmology residency at Rush, he completed a coveted 2 year HEED cornea fellowship at Emory University. He then returned to Rush to serve on their faculty, and subsequently founded Chicago Cornea Consultants, an internationally recognized cornea practice.
In addition to being listed numerous times as one of Chicago's "Top Doctors" by Chicago Magazine, he has received the Honor Award, the highly regarded NIH/National Eye Institute National Research Service Award, the Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Emory University Distinguished Alumnus Award. A Professor of Ophthalmology at Rush University, he also served on the Executive Board of the Advisory Council of Eversight Illinois to raise funds for eye research and assist patients in need of corneal transplants.
Though he was an accomplished ophthalmologist who was recognized and celebrated across the industry, Randy's greatest pride and joy came from his family. In Linda, he found his loving companion and travel partner; together they explored the world. A devoted father and grandfather, Randy cherished quality time with his loved ones above all else. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he was an avid golfer, skier, scuba diver, and ran over ten marathons.
Service to be held on Sunday, May 25 at 1PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Shiva will be observed Sunday following the burial until 8PM and Monday from 12 Noon to 8PM at the home of Benita and Mathew LoGiudice 8844 Meade Morton Grove, IL 60053. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rush research fund established in his honor: https://rushgiving.com/epsteinmemorial. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sue Paulson
July 10, 2025
This is sad news! Dr Epstein gave me hope when i had a complication after Lasik. He was a compassionate person. He will be missed by many.
Carlos A. Cabrera
July 9, 2025
I just learned today of the very very sad news of Randy´s passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences. We were most fortunate to be his patients and Friends.
Many will sorely miss him.
I personally held him in very high esteem and admired his many achievements. I remain most grateful for the surgeries he performed on us, and his gentlemanly and professional demeanor.
May your soul rest in peace dear Randy.
Carlos and Cathy Cabrera
Northbrook, Illinois
Esther Emmerman
June 26, 2025
I was one of Randy's first patients in Highland Park and later in Chicago.
One day, I asked him to look at the date I started to see him. My folder was so thick, it was over 40 years old. He looked at the file number and realized I was one of the first! He always took good care of me through just normal examinations and cataract surgeries. We traveled the years together. He also took great care of my husband. We will always be grateful for his watchfulness over our eyes.
May his memory be for a blessing. Esther and Ronald Emmerman
Marie Zuidema
June 11, 2025
As a former patient I will be forever grateful for Dr Epstein´s care. His kindness was just an addition to the BEST care. My condolences to the entire family. May God bless you with wonderful memories and sustaining peace. Sincerely, Marie Zuidema
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Ross and Nancy Friedman
June 10, 2025
Dear Linda, we were traveling and just leaned of Randy's sad passing. Our deepest condolences from our family to you and family. We will deeply miss Randy professionally and our personal friendship.
Barry Saffrin
June 9, 2025
When my eyes started to fail I was in my mid 50´s. I am 86 now. Prior to my eyes beginning to fail Randi was a customer of mine at Highland Park Furs and a nicer person was not to found. It was natural that made an appointment with him for my eye problems. All these years later he remained my doctor until last year when he decided to take easier and made sure I continued to get the best of care with one of his associates. We always talked about our families. I had family working with me and he never more proud than when his daughter followed in his footsteps.
I just lost my brother in law a week ago at age 69. My heart and my sincere condolences goes out to his family. My wife and I will never forget him and I know he will be dearly missed by all whose life he touched.
Barry Saffrin
Denese Smith
June 3, 2025
To Randy´s family. I knew your father for nearly 40 years and it is quite saddening that he has passed through this life. He was a great physician and I felt privileged to have worked with him. He will be missed by many, particularly in the ophthalmic community. I will continue to pray for you. God be with you.
Mary Ann Childers
June 2, 2025
Dear Linda, we are so saddened to learn of your loss. Randy was a wonderful doctor, an extraordinarily skilled surgeon, and just a great guy. Our paths crossed many times over the years, as he gave excellent care to my parents. But I'd never seen him happier than when you came into his life.
With deepest sympathy and concern, Mary Ann Childers.
Laura Sanders MD
June 1, 2025
Randy´s devotion to his career, family and loved ones was exemplary. I´m grateful to have benefited from his profound knowledge, thoughtfulness and kindness. The ophthalmic community has lost a great leader. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Samuel Sorkin
June 1, 2025
I was referred to him by one of my clients Dr. Hassan Najafi. He said Dr. Epstein was the doctor's doctor.
Jackie Stillmaker Johnson
June 1, 2025
My deepest condolences to Dr. Epstein´s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed by his skilled expertise and dedication to his life´s work. Dr. Randy Epstein and I had a uniquely rare doctor/client relationship, when I was only in high school, as he fought for four brutal long years to save my left eye from AK. With my deepest appreciation, thank you to his family for sharing their husband, father, son, uncle, sibling, friend, etc. during those years. I can´t even begin to explain the feeling of gratitude, and sadness, for Dr. Epstein, his family, and his practice. I hope he is happy and free from pain up there. Thank you, Dr. Randy Epstein for saving my vision and thank you Dr. Rachel Epstein for following in your father´s footsteps so his legacy of great care continues.
Sincerely,
Jackie Stillmaker Johnson
Steven kooperman
May 31, 2025
I went to school with Randee at Rush and at University of Illinois. We both grew up in Rogers Park. Randee was a good friend and an amazing big brother to me when I was in medical school. We ran several times together and 10k races. Randee will always have a place in my heart for the kindness that he always gave to me along the way
Kevin Cady
May 31, 2025
I´ve no Randy my entire career in ophthalmology, always passionate to talk about the science specifically regarding lens base type procedures. I always felt welcome in his practice and many times he would stop by while touring the floor of Academy meetings to say hello. My heart is so sad and my thoughts are with her entire Epstein family.
Lisa Leger
May 28, 2025
Memories of Randy and all the Epstein´s are cherished moments. From backyard BBQs to eye surgeries to the Olympics in Greece, we have enjoyed his wonderful family on many memorable occasions. Our heartfelt wishes go out to his entire family. He will be missed by our entire family. Take care of each other. Love, Lisa, Jim, Casey and Jordan
LaWanda Blackshear
May 27, 2025
Heartfelt Condolences To The Family Of My Corneal Specialist Randy J Epstein.
Patient at Chicago Corneal
Rush Location For 15yrs.
*Heartfelt Memories
Carole S. Rubens
May 27, 2025
I have been a client of Dr. Randy Epstein´s since Dr. Sternberg retired in the 1980´s when I had a severe accident in the Grand Canyon involving chemical burns to my eyes.
I could not ask for a more knowledgeable doctor. I have continued to be a client of his throughout all these years. Dr. Randy will be truly missed.
Carole S. Rubens
Claire Wright, MD
May 26, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Epstein´s passing! Dr. Epstein was so kind to me when I was a medical student at Rush - one of the many Rush attending physicians who shaped my medical training (and eventual decision to pursue ophthalmology). Sending much love to his family. Sincerely, Claire Wright (nee Kiernan)
Vance Thompson, MD
May 26, 2025
I will miss Randy a lot. We had many conversations over the years on running our practices, interesting cases, incorporating new technology, friend stuff, and more. He had such a special way about him and was such a gentleman and great thinker. I loved his common sense, curiosity, how progressive he was, and his striving for excellence. I will miss him a lot and my heart goes out to his family, work family, and friends.
With great sincerity and respect,
Vance Thompson, MD
Tamara Wyse
May 26, 2025
Randy was a wise and gracious mentor. When I had a challenging or unusual case, I was grateful for his thoughtful input. He was always available and generous with his advice. He was a brilliant clinician and will be deeply missed.
Diane Hornstein
May 25, 2025
Dr. Randi J Epstein not only protected my eyes, but he also saved my life, thanks to his extraordinary skill and care in identifying tangential health issues. He will never be forgotten; his life will forever be a blessing to all those who were privileged to be his patient, friend, or family. With sincerest gratitude and profound sympathy. Diane Hornstein
Sharon Rosman
May 25, 2025
My name is Sharon Rosman. I met Randy when I was 15 years old, and he was my FIRST boyfriend. He was the best first boyfriend a girl could ever ask for! Even at age 15, Randy was very mature, sensitive, intelligent, and just really nice. And let´s not forget handsome! All my girlfriends were jealous! After a while we both realized we were meant to be friends, and we have been ever since. I treasure the lifelong friendship we have shared. I will miss Randy terribly, but I will always have the best memories.
I want to extend my deepest condolences to Bonita and Ilene, as well as his lovely wife Linda and his three beautiful children. We are all so lucky to have had him in our lives.
Jeffrey Robin, MD
May 25, 2025
I first met Randy when I moved to Chicago to start working at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary in 1987. As a fellow cornea surgeon, we struck up an immediate professional and personal friendship. He was always impeccably collegial, always willing to help and lend guidance. Eventually, I left the Infirmary and started a cornea and refractive practice in Hoffman Estates, the Illinois Cornea Center. At that time, Randy was instrumental in personally getting me involved with the Rush Department of Ophthalmology. When I took an offered position at the Cleveland Clinic, I was fortunate to have Randy incorporate my practice into his Chicago Cornea Consultants. Not surprisingly, he (and eventually Dr. Majmudar) made my little practice wildly successful. As our geographic paths eventually diverged, Randy and I managed to maintain a good professional and personal relationship. My wife and I were shocked and saddened to learn of his passing and he will be truly missed by his family, friends, patients, the Rush medical community, and the wider ophthalmology world.
Martha Wiedman
May 25, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to attend Randy´s funeral service. The eulogies given by his children, Rachel, Sarah and Josh were beautiful tributes that humanized their father and helped inform my impression of the dapper, smiling, organized and well-coiffed person I remember.
Demetra K. Soter MD
May 25, 2025
I have known Randy since Sullivan High School and then we were classmates at Rush Medical School. When we wanted the best ophtho to do my husband's eye surgery, it was Randy.
Always smiling. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Demetra K Soter MD
Helen Mwlnixk
May 25, 2025
Sending deepest condolences may his name be a blessing
Helen and Michael Melnick
Sheraz and Marcela Daya
May 25, 2025
So sorry to hear. As a corneal colleague, I often interacted with Randy. He was an absolute gentleman, a great listener and always offered great pearls of advice. Deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family. Sheraz and Marcela Daya
Russell Vitaliano
May 25, 2025
My condolences to the Epstein family and many friends and employees of the Chicago Cornea Consultants. Russell Vitaliano
Sari Mintz and Gary Morrison
May 25, 2025
Randy Epstein was a wonderful doctor and my husbands frat brother....who I trusted with a complicated lasic followed by two "unusual" cataract surgeries. His steady hands and quiet nature were so reassuring. He was a fine doctor and will be missed.
Gary Friedman
May 25, 2025
So sorry to hear about Randy´s passing. He was always such a pleasant guy to talk to back in the day and at the health club. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Noreen and Gary Friedman
Andrew Caster
May 25, 2025
I am an ophthalmologist in Los Angeles, and I have enjoyed a 30+ year professional relationship with Randy. We would discuss new technologies and difficult patients. If I needed to refer someone who lived in Chicago, I knew exactly who to send them to. Randy was always a gentleman and a pleasure to interact with.
Theresa Strizak
May 25, 2025
Dr. Epstein performed cataract surgery November 21, 2024 for my left eye and informed me he would be opting out of Medicare. Needless to say I was disappointed. At my post op visit December 23rd he then informed me he was extending Medicare in 2025 for a few patients including myself. I was so happy, however a few days later I received a call
Dr. Epstein would be out of the office with no return date. I so hoped he would be OK and was devastated when I learned of his passing.
He was a great doctor and kind and caring person.
Our condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.
Theresa and Stewart Strizak
David Orth MD
May 25, 2025
Randy was a good friend. An excellent surgeon and a very caring physician. May his memory be a blessing.
David Orth MD
Rita Kats
May 25, 2025
I had a privilege working with Dr.Epstein at Highland Park Hospital OR for over 15 years assisting during surgeries. He was an excellent surgeon and will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Carol and Brian Brownstein
May 25, 2025
Linda, so sorry to hear about Randy. We will miss him as a friend and neighbor. Our condolences to you and your family.
Carol and Brian Brownstein
seth kaplan
May 25, 2025
Randy was always a kind and gracious colleague . He always returned my calls enthusiastically when I needed help with a patient, He will be missed,
Seth Kaplan MD
Lisa McGuirt
May 25, 2025
Linda, my sincerest condolences to you and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lisa McGuirt
Kim Lerner Frankel
May 25, 2025
To Linda Katz, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Love
Kim Frankel
Marjorie Mintz Rosenbaum
May 24, 2025
Randy was my classmate at Rush.
I am so sorry for your loss Linda and family.
I will always remember his smile and his upbeat energy. May his memory be a blessing.
Margie Rosenbaum
Cynthia Brown
May 24, 2025
Dr. Epstein was an excellent doctor. He was my doctor for 15 years. He performed my cornea transplants. He was always compassionate, patient, understanding and professional at all visits. The cornea medical specialty has loss a remarkable doctor. Prayers and deepest condolences to the family.
Andrew Zolot
May 24, 2025
Honoring a mentor whose steady hands and thoughtful words shaped the surgeon I strive to be. His influence endures in every physician he trained and the hundreds of thousands of patients we now serve. May his memory be a blessing.
Martha Wiedman, M.D., FACR
May 24, 2025
I was a classmate of Randy´s at Rush Medical College. I remember him as a brilliant student and resident who was both popular and energetic. He always seemed to be in good humor and inspired those around him. His achievements since graduation are impressive but not surprising to those who knew him.
He has contributed greatly to ophthalmology
and to Rush and has gone too soon. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
Martha Wiedman, M.D., Rush `80
Dr. Jay Pepose
May 24, 2025
I was deeply saddened to learn of Randy´s passing. He was a gifted ophthalmologist, a thoughtful and generous colleague, and a devoted family man. His dedication to his patients and his willingness to share knowledge touched so many of us. May his memory be a blessing.
Marcia Tuckman Hargreaves
May 24, 2025
I went to high school with Randy and we both worked at Rush. My deepest condolences to the family.
Barbara R
May 24, 2025
Excellent surgeon. The ultimate professional. Very kind man. My vision is perfect because of his skill. How sad to lose such a valuable presence.
Rhonda Stein
May 24, 2025
One of my classmates, Rush class of 1980. So sad to hear this. May his memory be a blessing.
Linda Shirrell (Shact)
May 24, 2025
Randy was a wonderful neighbor and a kind, compassionate, and brilliant doctor. My sincere condolences to his family. He leaves a outstanding legacy. May his memory be a blessing.
suzy kogen
May 23, 2025
Dear Linda, I´m sorry & sending my deepest condolences
Alan and Diane Frohlichstein
May 23, 2025
There are no words to express our feelings of loss. We loved Dr. Epstein, and will always remember him as not only brilliant, but as a kind, compassionate soul who changed so many lives. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved.
brandon l medow
May 23, 2025
I sat next to Randy in division 213 at Sullivan high for 4 years.
I heard that he was an outstanding eye doctor
May he rest in peace
Neal Strom
May 23, 2025
What a shock. Randy was a wonderful man. Warm, passionate and empathetic. He was a mensch and I will miss him. Rest in peace my friend. Sincerely, Neal Strom
Joyce Wolter
May 23, 2025
I´ve had the pleasure of knowing Randy for the last 30 years, both as an employer and a friend.
I can say without hesitation I would not be where I am in my career today without an incredible mentor like him.
Randy was an amazing surgeon, but his authenticity and tenacity is what stands out the most. To say he was a driven individual would be an understatement. He always appreciated what others did for him , and he would go out of his way to let others know. A rare quality.
I will always have the utmost respect ,and a great deal of admiration for him. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Heaven gained a beautiful soul.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time.
Sending prayers
Sincerely
Joyce Wolter
Beth & Kevin Roth
May 23, 2025
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8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
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