Robert William Panton M.D., 64, died after a valiant 10-month struggle with pancreatic cancer on Feb. 22, 2026. Born on March 20, 1961, he grew up in the Chicago metropolitan area and graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School as the class valedictorian. He attended Brown University, graduating in 1983 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and a combined B.A./B.S., then continued his studies at the Brown University School of Medicine, graduating in 1986 with an M.S. in pharmacology and an M.D. He served his internship in internal medicine at the University of Chicago (1986-1987) and his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary (1987-1990). He completed his professional education with a corneal transplantation fellowship at the Wilmer Institute of Johns Hopkins University (1990-1991).
He joined his late father (John Panton M.D.), his brother (Peter Panton M.D.), and his sister (Elizabeth Panton Karkazis O.D.) in practice in 1991 and was affiliated with the Panton Eye Center for the next 35 years. He was certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was a Fellow of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons. He was a member of the medical staffs of Rush Oak Park Hospital, Gottlieb-Loyola Hospital, West Suburban Hospital, and Westlake Community Hospital.
He was active in multiple professional societies, including the Chicago Ophthalmological Society, the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Chicago Medical Society (CMS), the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and the American Medical Association. He served as president of both CMS (2012-2013) and ISMS (2020-2021), the latter intersecting with the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. He assisted Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in formulating the state’s pandemic strategy and his monthly columns in the ISMS Journal kept Illinois doctors informed with the rapidly evolving science and the constantly changing health policy response.
A strong supporter of youth sports, Panton Eye Center was a longtime sponsor of River Forest Youth Baseball and Softball. He also coached youth baseball and basketball.
Bob is survived by his wife, Marika; his three children, Jonathan, James, and Zoe; his brothers, Peter (Estelle) and Evans (Laura); and his sister, Elizabeth (Frank) Karkazis.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Salerno Galewood Chapel, 1857 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago. The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Feb. 26 at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S. Wolf Road, Westchester, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, Westchester IL, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago IL, and St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (Rockford, IL) are appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by Nicholas M. Pishos Funeral Director (Hellenic Funeral Service).
