We are delighted to welcome Dr Meghan Berkenstock as a touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leader 2026.
Meghan Berkenstock, MD, is an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, specialising in ocular inflammatory and infectious diseases, cataract surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology. Since 2016, her research has focused on risk reduction in uveitis care and on identifying ocular immune-related adverse events linked to cancer immunotherapy; she is the only ophthalmologist on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network panel developing guidelines for managing these events.
In this Q&A, Dr Berkenstock discusses her decision to pursue ophthalmology, the mentor who shaped her path, and the innovations that excite her most about the future.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?
My Aunt Dorothy suffered from degenerative myopia, which led her to stop working due to low vision. As a child, I accompanied her to many ophthalmology visits. When I realized that I wanted to go into medicine, I immediately gravitated to ophthalmology. Seeing her undergo multiple surgeries and the impact each had on her ability to accomplish her everyday tasks inspired me to try to restore sight in others experiencing vision loss.
Peer perspective
“Dr Berkenstock has a national and international reputation in immune-mediate ocular toxicities due to drugs like check-point inhibitors. She is an excellent clinican and surgeon and has mentored more than 30 medical students, gaining awards for her mentoring.”
Jennifer E Thorne, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, MD, USA
Q: Who has been the most significant mentor or role model for you, and what did you learn from them?
Jessica Ackert MD was my program director in residency who taught me that grit and determination will allow you to succeed through challenges. She provided guidance and positivity when I needed it the most.
Q: What current innovations in ophthalmology excite you the most?
The landscape of targeted cancer agents and immunotherapies is always changing with new drug approvals. Each novel mechanism of action has the potential to improve survival outcomes but also may cause on- or off-target delivery to the ocular structures. Constant learning is required to understand the cause of ocular adverse events, which is the basis of my research. Participating in clinical trials and treating these adverse events keeps me at the cutting edge of where pharmacology and medical science intersect with ophthalmology.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Berkenstock. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Citation: Dr Meghan Berkenstock on managing ocular adverse events in cancer immunotherapy: touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchOPHTHALMOLOGY. 11 March 2026.
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