
Nakul Shekhawat, MD, MPH
Cornea and External Diseases
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Urdu
- Hindi
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Nakul Shekhawat
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins Physician
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.
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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.
PubMed - Publications
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
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-5080
- fax: 410-955-0468
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6430 Rockledge Drive, Building 6, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Get Directions
- phone: 240-482-1100
- fax: 240-482-1105
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
- 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 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
Knowledgeable and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Very personable while being very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Excellent professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
He is an expert in his field and also quite easy to chat with
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
The doctor is phenomenal. The wait is always insane. Hour and a half plus.
- 2 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
I waits one hour
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
The Dr and tech completed a thorough exam asking me questions throughout the appointment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Explained my eye condition clearly. Explained how to monitor cataract development.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
I appreciate ld the time the doctor spent to explain his recommendations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Professional, personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
He is a wonderful, knowledgeable, very kind and professional eye doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Well done, very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
The Doctor deals with my issues extremely well. Very focused. Treatment to left eye was successful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Excellent Doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Had a good visit wit Dr. Shekhawat - he took his time to review my keratakonis.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr. Shekhawat is the very best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
He is excellent. Very focused on addressing my eye vision issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
Excellent and talented doctor who is patient and friendly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Thanks greet servive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
Excellent doctor and care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Great surgeon, great surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Dr. Shekhawat is the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Excellent experience all around. Thank you
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Excellent experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
The Doctor is the best for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
First rate professional=knowledgeable and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
He is excellent. Very personable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
Very knowledgeable in his specialty. Takes time to explain issues in simple to understand terms.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2025
Excellent, patient, explained options
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
This was the first time I've seen him. He was very professional and peronable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
Very good doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/2/2025
Very courteous and kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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