Dr. Berdahl is most motivated by the trust his patients place in him during their moments of vulnerability.
That patient trust has, first and foremost, driven him to become an accomplished surgeon. However, as he meets patient needs and learns more about the problems they face, he’s had several opportunities to stretch his skills as an inventor and problem-solver.
About John Berdahl
He co-invented the MKO melt, an innovation used in our Sioux Falls clinic that provides sedation during cataract surgery without the use of an IV or opioids. He created astigmatismfix.com, a resource that has helped tens of thousands of surgeons eliminate residual astigmatism after cataract surgery, and he co-founded ExpertOpinion.MD, a site where patients can request medical opinions from authentic world experts. He also is the founder of Equinox, a company developing the first non-surgical, non-pharmacologic way to lower eye pressure for glaucoma treatment.
Interests & Added Expertise
Dr. Berdahl is exceptionally skilled at diagnosing the best treatment for varying stages of glaucoma, corneal diseases, and cataracts. He is also a meticulous refractive surgeon. Should surgery be recommended, Dr. Berdahl will employ the most innovative and tested techniques available to effectively treat most diseases of the anterior segment (front part of the eye).
Credentials
Education & Training
- Hills-Beaver Creek High School, Hills, MN
- Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD
- Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN
- Mayo Clinic Internship, Scottsdale, AZ
- Duke University, Durham, NC
- Minnesota Eye Consultants Fellowship (Minneapolis, MN)
Languages
English
Memberships & Affiliations
American Board of Ophthalmology
Certified in Ophthalmology
IA State Medical License
Active through 2019
MN State Medical License
Active through 2013
ND State Medical License
Active through 2024
IL State Medical License
Active through 2015
SD State Medical License
Active through 2025
NC State Medical License
Active through 2008
MT State Medical License
Active through 2025
Awards & Recognition
- 2020 Lans Distinguished Award, International Society of Refractive Surgery
- 2019 Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- 2019 Best of the Best, Lowering IOP with a Multi-pressure Dial, ASCRS
- 2019 Top 10 Emerging Leaders Worldwide, The Ophthalmologist
- 2018 Top 100 Most Influential People in Ophthalmology Worldwide, The Ophthalmologist
- 2018 Teacher of the Year, Transitional Year Residents, Sanford School of Medicine
- 2018 Speaker of the Day, Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting
- 2017 #3 Ophthalmologist under 50 Worldwide, The Ophthalmologist
- 2016 Invitee 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 Sclerally Fixated Akreos Lens
- 2015 Top 40 Ophthalmologists Under 40, The Ophthalmologist
- 2015 Top 40 Business People Under 40, Dakota Business News
- 2013 #1 Young Outstanding Physician, South Dakota State Medical Association
- 2013 American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award
- 2011 Horizon Award (Most Accomplished Young Alumnus), Augustana College
- 2010 Vanguard Ophthalmology Society, Founding Member & President
- 2008 Claes Dohlman Award (Most Outstanding Cornea Fellow), 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
What patients say
Reviews & ratings
Patient Reviews
No reviews yetReviews for John Berdahl MD
★★★★★4.610 reviewsGoogle reviews from the "John Berdahl MD" Google Business Profile. Reviews describe the practice and may mention other providers at this location.View all Google reviews at this practice
Im a little late but Dr John Berdahl did my lasik eye surgery in fall of 2022. The whole procedure was great, everybody makes you feel calm. I had a lil blood pool under the one eye, he said it can happen w long term contact users, sometimes a vein gets nicked. My primary eye doc said it would go away in time but at my week check up Dr John said lets open that back up and get that cleaned up. He was great! Very sincere. My next door neighbor is an eye doctor too, I told him who was doing my surgery and he was basically fangirling haha. Dr Berdahl is a fantastic, caring doctor who will take care of you! Top of the line. I wish I wouldve done lasik much sooner in life!
- Response from the ownerHi, Bonnie. We’re usually known for our attention to detail, so we’re especially troubled to hear this. If you’re willing, we’d appreciate the chance to discuss this further. Will you contact our director, Kim, at 605-323-9348? We truly look forward to your call and will make time to take it.
Dr. Berdahl and his team are second to none!! You won't find a better eye surgeon anywhere.
Dr. Berdahl recently performed my LASIK surgery and he was awesome! He answered all of my questions during the initial consult and was comforting during the surgery. I was nervous about how I would react during the surgery but Dr. Berdahl was encouraging through the whole procedure. I can honestly say that I had a fun time before, during and after surgery! My vision is fantastic and was seeing 20/15 after one week. I'm so excited that I don't have to worry about glasses anymore when taking photos. I recommend Dr. Berdahl and team to anyone who is considering LASIK surgery.
I have a eye disease called keratoconus. As my keratoconus got worse, many eye doctors told me I would never be able to see very well again, until I meet Dr. Berdahl. He was able to get my vision all the way back to 20/20, something I expected would never happen again. He is now the only Dr. with whom I will trust my eyes.
Dr. Berdahl did my LASIK over two years ago and it has been one of the best choices I have ever made. My vision is still awesome! I felt well informed and relaxed about the entire procedure. The entire team was outstanding and I could not have asked for a better outcome. Highly recommend!
Dr. Berdahl performed my LASIK surgery and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was really nervous and he took time to answer all my questions making sure I was completely relaxed and confident in my choice before surgery. The procedure itself was so quick and the recovery time was less than 3 hours! I was able to drive myself to my appt the next morning and I was already 20/15 in less than 24 hours!
Everything about this experience was easy, I felt very comfortable with everyone from the beginning with my consultation and through my surgery. This is a very top notch place!
