Aakriti (Aaki) Shukla

About Aakriti (Aaki) Shukla

Aakriti (Aaki) Shukla completed her medical school and ophthalmology residency at Columbia University, followed by a glaucoma fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute. She serves on the American Glaucoma Society Board of Directors and the editorial boards of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Glaucoma. She is currently an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and an Attending Ophthalmologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Aakriti has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles – articles with such notable titles as “An Analysis of Solicitations From Predatory Journals in Ophthalmology” (American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2024), “A Flattened Curve: National Trends of Women Physicians and Residents in Surgery Over the Last Decade” (Journal of Surgical Research, 2024), and “Climate‐Conscious Glaucoma Care: Strategies to Minimize the Environmental Impact in the Operating Room and in the Clinic” (Journal of Ophthalmology, 2025).

She has presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Glaucoma Subspecialty Day in 2024 and served as chair of the “Leveraging New Technologies to Detect Glaucoma in 4 States” session in 2025, as well as at the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) 2025 Meeting in Washington, DC (where she spoke about environmental sustainability in glaucoma surgery).

An award-winning clinician-investigator, Aakriti is committed to advancing outcomes for patients with glaucoma by merging science with clinical care. Her research focuses on structure-function relationships, surgical outcomes, and sustainability in glaucoma, and she currently leads a clinical trial studying nicotinamide and pyruvate as potential neuroprotective agents.

“As a cataract and glaucoma specialist, one of the most exciting developments in the cataract and refractive space right now is the increasing integration of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) with cataract surgery,” Aakriti explains. “This combination not only improves vision but also allows for better control of glaucoma with reduced medication burden – an enormous win for glaucoma patients.”

During the next five years, Aakriti wants to concentrate on continuing to build a translational research program in precision glaucoma care, including access to clinical trials that bring bench-to-bedside innovations to patients. “I also plan to contribute to national policy and guideline development through leadership roles in professional societies and to innovate in surgical care at the intersection of cataract and glaucoma management. Mentorship is a key priority, and I plan to continue to formally guide trainees and junior faculty, while establishing a robust pipeline for the development of the next generation.”

Outside of work, Aakriti likes to spend quality time with her family, especially exploring the world through the eyes of her young son. She also enjoys running and hiking – “ways to recharge and stay grounded” – and is an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. “Whenever possible,” she adds, “I like to travel to experience new cultures, cuisines, and perspectives, which continually enrich both my personal and professional life.”