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Nakul Shekhawat

Nakul Shekhawat, MD, MPH

Cornea and External Diseases

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • Urdu
  • Hindi
  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Nakul Shekhawat

Primary Academic Title

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Johns Hopkins Physician

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Background

Nakul Shekhawat, M.D., M.P.H. is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute and the 2023 Stephen F Raab and Mariellen Brickley-Raab Rising Professor of Ophthalmology. He specializes in cataract surgery, complex cataract and anterior segment surgery, corneal and external diseases, and corneal surgery including both full- and partial-thickness corneal transplantation (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK, PKP).

Dr. Shekhawat received his M.D. degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and his M.P.H. degree in epidemiology and biostatistics from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He completed ophthalmology residency at the renowned Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan where he received the Resident Excellence Award from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

He completed additional subspecialty training in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute where he was awarded the prestigious Claes Dohlman Award from Harvard Medical School recognizing the most outstanding cornea fellow in the country.

Find a Clinical Trial

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Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • Laser cataract surgery now offered in Bethesda- Hopkins Medicine (April 2024)
  • Johns Hopkins, Microsoft Extend Collaboration for Startups as Newest Grant Recipients Named - Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (July 2021)
  • Taking a Wide View with Nakul Shekhawat - Hopkins Medicine (September 2020
  • A Patient’s Guide to Shingles: Prompt treatment is crucial to avoid severe neurological complications - US News & World Report (January 2020) 
  • Shingle White Female: Study finds three-fold increase in number of Americans diagnosed with shingles - The Ophthalmologist (July 2019) 

Research Interests

Cataract Surgery, Corneal Infections, Corneal Surgery, International Ophthalmology, Public Health Ophthalmology

Research Summary

Dr. Shekhawat’s research interests include ocular infectious disease, eye disease epidemiology, international ophthalmology, and improving outcomes for patients undergoing cataract and corneal surgery. He is particularly interested in improving diagnosis and outcomes for infectious keratitis (corneal ulceration), a leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide.

Dr. Shekhawat’s research has been recognized by awards and grants from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Research to Prevent Blindness, Heed Ophthalmic Foundation, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Ophthalmological Society, Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, Eversight Eye Bank. His research has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and the U.S. News and World Report.

Selected Publications

  • Nakul S. Shekhawat, Leslie M. Niziol, Sankalp S. Sharma, Sanil Joseph, Alan L. Robin, Brenda W. Gillespie, David C. Musch, Maria A. Woodward, Rengaraj Venkatesh. The Utility of Routine Fundus Photography Screening for Posterior Segment Disease: A Stepped-wedge, Cluster-randomized Trial in South India. Ophthalmology 2020 Nov 27;S0161-6420(20)31120-9

  • Nakul S. Shekhawat, Michael V. Stock, Elizabeth F. Baze, Mary K. Daly, David E. Vollman, Mary G. Lawrence, Amy S. Chomsky. Impact of First Eye versus Second Eye Cataract Surgery on Visual Function and Quality of Life. Ophthalmology 2017;124:1496-1503

  • Nakul S. Shekhawat, Roni M. Shtein, Taylor S. Blachley, Joshua D. Stein. Antibiotic Prescription Fills for Acute Conjunctivitis among Enrollees in a Large United States Managed Care Network. Ophthalmology 2017; 124(8): 1099-1107

  • Nakul Shekhawat, Harran Mkocha, Beatriz Munoz, Charlotte Gaydos, Laura Dize, Thomas Quinn, Sheila West. Cohort and age effects of mass drug administration on prevalence of trachoma: a longitudinal study in rural Tanzania. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2014;55(4): 2307-2314

  • Joshua D. Stein, Nakul Shekhawat, Nidhi Talwar, Rajesh Balkrishnan. Impact of the Introduction of Generic Latanoprost on Glaucoma Medication Adherence. Ophthalmology 2015;122(4):738-47

Honors

  • Claes Dohlman Society Fellowship Award, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School
  • Heed Fellowship, Heed Ophthalmic Society
  • Resident Excellence Award, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Best Paper Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Ingram Scholarship Program, Vanderbilt University
  • J. Donald M. Gass Award, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
  • National Eye Institute Travel Award, Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • Early Acceptance Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 7/1/09

Memberships

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • Cornea Society
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery
  • Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society
  • Society for Clinical Trials

Locations

  1. The Johns Hopkins Hospital
    • 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Get Directions
  2. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, ASTP - Cornea and Anterior Segment Service, 2020
  • Residency: University of Michigan Medical School, Ophthalmology, 2018
  • Medical Education: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, MD, 2014
  • Graduate School: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MPH, 2013

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 2021

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

124 ratings, 51 reviews

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    Knowledgeable and helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Dr. Shekhawat is a very kind, patient and skilled surgeon. Easy to talk with and very supportive before, on the day of, and following the cataract surgery. I would recommend him to everyone who needs this type of surgery. I was anxious about the prospect of pain following the surgery because of my dry eye. But so far the results have been outstanding. Very little discomfort!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Dr. Shekhawat is very good at work. His treatment gives hope for full recovery from eye problems. He is excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Very personable while being very professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/3/2026

    I have been a patient of Dr. Nakul Singh Shekhawat for many years for shingles affecting my left eye, and the infection is now well under control. Recently, he performed cataract surgery, and my vision has improved to 20/20.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    Excellent professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    He is an expert in his field and also quite easy to chat with

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/25/2026

    The doctor is phenomenal. The wait is always insane. Hour and a half plus.

    2 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    I waits one hour

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    Dr. Shekhawat, a talented and professional Surgeon has provided excellent care despite my complicated medical history. He has certainly provided the support necessary to save my eyes and my vision!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    The Dr and tech completed a thorough exam asking me questions throughout the appointment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    Great doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    Explained my eye condition clearly. Explained how to monitor cataract development.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    I appreciate ld the time the doctor spent to explain his recommendations.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/23/2026

    Professional, personable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    He is a wonderful, knowledgeable, very kind and professional eye doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    The technician I saw first was professional and caring. The doctor spent time to explain possible treatments in the future.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Well done, very professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    The Doctor deals with my issues extremely well. Very focused. Treatment to left eye was successful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Excellent Doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Had a good visit wit Dr. Shekhawat - he took his time to review my keratakonis.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Dr Shekhawat is very respectful and knows his job. He talks to me with respect making sure I understand my eye treatment why and how to administer my eye drops.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Dr. Shekhawat is the very best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Dr Shekhawat is smart, responsuve and approachable. I think he did a very good job with my cataract surgery.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    He is excellent. Very focused on addressing my eye vision issue.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    Excellent and talented doctor who is patient and friendly

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/30/2025

    Really liked the provider. I'm sure he's very skilled and knowlegable. He was easy going and was receptive to my comments as well as easy to listen to.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/30/2025

    Thanks greet servive

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    I am truly pleased with Dr. Shekhawat's analysis and treatment of my issue. I am completely satisfied with the result of the surgery he performed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    Excellent doctor and care

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Great surgeon, great surgery.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Dr. Shekhawat is the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Excellent experience all around. Thank you

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Excellent experience

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/12/2025

    The Doctor is the best for me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/12/2025

    First rate professional=knowledgeable and caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/29/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    He is excellent. Very personable and professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    Very knowledgeable in his specialty. Takes time to explain issues in simple to understand terms.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Excellent, patient, explained options

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    My eye surgery required significant follow-up. Both Dr. Shekhawat and my retina specialist have worked closely to ensure that inflammation was minimal and there was no rejection of new cells.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/27/2025

    Excellent doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    This was the first time I've seen him. He was very professional and peronable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Knowledgeable, highly specialized. I got the best possible care for my condition, with thorough, careful explanation of my treatment and follow up.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/6/2025

    Dr. Shekhawat Has Always been knowledgeable very professional and yet caring. He is a good listener.Thanks to his care and ability to work in conjunction with his colleagues I am able to retain vision despite complex ophthalmic and medical problems.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/6/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/6/2025

    Very good doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/2/2025

    Very courteous and kind

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/23/2025

    Dr. Shekhawat is wonderful. Expert care and very freindly and patient. He's the best and I am blessed to be his patient! Thank you

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/23/2025

    After prescriptions exam technician dmplaced drops in my eyes to dilate my eyes and placed me in another room. Waited approximately 60 minutes before Dr Shekhawat examined me