Dr. John Berdahl – Ophthalmologist Surgeon

Meet Dr. John Berdahl

Practicing in Sioux Falls, SD is our board-certified ophthalmologist, John Berdahl, MD. He is widely regarded as one of the leading international cataract surgeons. He is one of the very few surgeons in the United States who is also fellowship trained in cornea, glaucoma, and refractive surgery. Dr. Berdahl has already performed more than 35,000 eye surgeries around the globe. His published work has primarily focused on the fundamental causes of Glaucoma, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, and Astigmatism Management, during and after cataract surgery.

He has been involved in numerous FDA monitored clinical trials on some of the most exciting technologies in ophthalmology. He also founded Equinox, which is developing the first non-surgical, non-pharmacologic way to lower eye pressure for glaucoma treatment. He co-invented the MKO melt, which provides sedation during cataract surgery without the use of an IV. Additionally, he created astigmatismfix.com which helps thousands of surgeons per month fix residual astigmatism after cataract surgery. Finally, in an effort to improve access to care, he co-founded ExpertOpinion.MD which provides online opinions to patients from top doctors around the world.

Although Dr. Berdahl has many accomplishments, his primary driver is the trust that people place in him, particularly meeting his patients in their moments of vulnerability and putting their needs first. His commitment to the underserved is demonstrated by his leadership in EyeCare America, as well as in the Mission Vision program at Vance Thompson Vision, where he performs dozens of free surgeries every year. Dr. Berdahl also continues to serve the impoverished on mission trips world-wide.

His CV can be accessed here:

View CV

Education & Training

High School - Hills-Beaver Creek High School, Hills, MN
College - Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD (Major - Physics; Minors - Chemistry and Biology)
Medical School - Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN
Internship - Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
Residency - Duke University, Durham, NC
Fellowship - Minnesota Eye Consultants, Minneapolis, MN

Selected Honors & Awards

In addition to over 45 peer-reviewed articles, over 35 book chapters, hundreds of presentations at national and international meetings and participation in 37 FDA clinical trials, some of Dr. Berdahl's notable accomplishments are listed below:

2018 Top 100 Most Influential People in Ophthalmology Worldwide – The Ophthalmologist
2018 Teacher of the Year – Sanford School of Medicine – Transitional Year Residents
2018 Speaker of the Day – Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting
2017 #3 Ophthalmologist under 50 Worldwide – The Ophthalmologist
2016 One of 100 Entrepreneurs invited to The US President’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit – Stanford University
2016 NASA/NSBRI Grant – Safety of Pressure Manipulation around Eye
2016 ASCRS Innovators Lecture
2015 Member of the Vision for Mars Team NASA/NSBRI
2015 Best of Best Papers ASCRS 2015 ASCRS Sclerally Fixated Akreos Lens
2015 Top 40 Ophthalmologists under 40, The Ophthalmologist, World Wide Award
2015 Top 40 Business People under 40, Dakota Business News, Midwest Award
2013 American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award
2013 #1 Young Outstanding Physician South Dakota State Medical Association
2011 Horizon Award (Most Accomplished Young Alumnus) Augustana College
2010 Vanguard Ophthalmology Society Founding Member & President
2008 Claes Dohlman Award (Most Outstanding Cornea Fellow), National Award – Harvard University
2008 Robert Machemer Research Award, Duke University
2008 Resident Teacher of the Year, Duke University
2008 Edward Isbey III, Resident of the Year Award, Duke University
2007 Ophthalmology Times Resident Writer’s Award First Place, Ophthalmology Times

Skills & Expertise

At Vance Thompson Vision, Dr. Berdahl is exceptionally skilled at diagnosing and deciphering a proper treatment for varying stages of glaucoma, corneal diseases, and cataracts. He is also a meticulous refractive surgeon. Should surgery be recommended, Dr. Berdahl is equipped to employ the most innovative and tested techniques available to effectively treat most diseases of the anterior segment (front part of the eye).

Hobbies & Personal Interests

Dr. Berdahl lives in Sioux Falls, SD and is a devoted husband to wife Tamme and is a dedicated father to his son Tommy and his daughter Anabel. As a family, their interests range from outdoor activities such as watersports, hunting, scuba diving, astronomy, and athletics to playing the guitar, cooking, and community involvement. Dr. Berdahl is an avid reader and writer, and enjoys doing both during his free time.

The Clear Answers Series: John Berdahl, MD from Vance Thompson Vision on Vimeo.

Reviews

"Vance Thompson Vision: COMFORTIBLE and PROFESSIONAL. I had eye surgery done at Vance Thompson Vision. It did exactly what they said it would and it eliminated my need for glasses. It was very comfortable and professional from the waiting areas to the finished product. I would definitely recommend them. Feel free to contact me. DEL JOHNKE"

D.J.

Yelp

"I am absolutely amazed with my vision after LASIK surgery at Vance Thompson Vision. Until I no longer had to wear them, I didn't realize how much contact lenses were irritating my eyes and making them feel dry. I had surgery in the late afternoon on a Thursday and was at work at 7am Friday morning with 20/15 vision. I cannot say enough about how wonderful my experience has been. I would recommend Dr. Berdahl and Vance Thompson Vision over and over again, it truly is a world class establishment!"

K.H.

Google

"I don't even know what to say. From initial contact with the office my experience has been top-notch. Everyone has gone out of their way to help me in any way that they can. When I arrived for my appointment this morning the receptionist was super and offered to help however she could. Everyone was so polite to both me and my mom, who was with me because I don't drive [I'm in a wheelchair]. Sarah, the tech who was helping Dr. Berdahl, was so sweet and tried to make things as ...easy as possible. Both Dr. Berdahl and Dr. Schweitzer had the best bedside manners. They understood my frustrations, they didn't treat me like an invalid because of the wheelchair, they explained everything thoroughly and they made sure that I was comfortable with the plan before we proceeded with anything. Dr Schweitzer came up with a possible issue that nobody else had ever thought of before and, as a result, we were able to attempt laser surgery that we had never even considered as a possibility previously. And Dr. Berdahl asked me more than once if everyone was being nice and treating me with respect. I have never in my life been treated with as much compassion and care and I received in your office today. I will DEFINITELY refer any of my friends and family to your office and I will be telling my primary care provider and my regular optometrist that if they ever need to refer to an ophthalmologist, Dr Berdahl and his team are the best in my opinion. Thanks for a great appointment!!"

B.R.

Facebook

D.J.

Google

"I had a fantastic experience getting PRK at Vance Thompson Vision. Dr. Ibach did a great job of explaining how everything was going to go and Dr. Berdahl was awesome when it came to the actual procedure. Everyone I came across at the office was pleasant and professional. All things considered it was the best medical experience I've ever had."