John Berdahl

About John Berdahl

John Berdahl

Partner at Vance Thompson VISION, SIOUX FALLS, SD, USA; FOUNDER AND CEO OF EQUINOX, LLC

Berdahl is an ophthalmologist at Vance Thompson Vision specializing in cataract, refractive, corneal and glaucoma surgery. Berdahl has been chosen to take part in the Vision for Mars team, which is working closely with NASA and National Space Biomedical Research Institute to help solve vision problems during long-term space travel. He has a leadership role in EyeCare America, which provides free eye care to the underserved, and is Medical Director of the Dakota Lions Eye Bank. 

A MIGS pioneer, his current research efforts focus on understanding the relationship between intracranial and intraocular pressure in glaucoma, fixing astigmatism after cataract surgery, and sublingual anesthesia for eye surgery. His daily joy comes from wonderful relationships with his team-mates and partners at work, while his greatest joys come from any new water adventure with his wife and two children. 

One nominator said, “He’s a creative thinker about glaucoma and has led the discussion on glaucoma as a two-pressure disease. He’s doing very interesting work with goggles that NASA may adopt as well. He is always coming up with interesting ideas but is very down to earth as well.” Another said, “Best fellow I ever trained, and I have trained many superstars.”