Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Derek Horkey Named Among America's Leading Glaucoma Specialists
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Derek S. Horkey of St. Paul Eye Clinic has been named as one of America's leading glaucoma specialists in Newsweek's prestigious "America's Leading Doctors 2025" ranking. This extraordinary achievement places Dr. Horkey among the nation's elite glaucoma surgeons, a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
A Recognition Built on Excellence
Newsweek's America's Leading Doctors awards recognize the top doctors across 15 medical specialties, with the rankings based on rigorous evaluation criteria that truly matter to patients.
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is its foundation in real-world outcomes. Dr. Horkey's inclusion in this elite group reflects not just his technical expertise but also his consistent delivery of superior patient outcomes.
A Fellowship-Trained Specialist with Impressive Credentials
Dr. Horkey earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago and completed his fellowship training in glaucoma at Ohio State University's prestigious Havener Eye Institute. His educational journey also included his ophthalmology residency at the University of Kansas from 2014 to 2017, where he was also involved in teaching residents.
As a leader in his field, Dr. Horkey is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. His commitment to advancing the field extends beyond patient care, as he has authored a book chapter on Ocular Pharmacology and serves as a speaker at local medical meetings.
The Patient-Centered Approach That Sets Him Apart
What truly distinguishes Dr. Horkey is his philosophy of care that prioritizes lasting relationships with his patients. "My favorite part about helping patients at SPEC is the ability to forge lasting relationships with my patients," Dr. Horkey explains. This approach is particularly valuable in glaucoma care, where "glaucoma is a lifelong condition which requires ongoing treatment, I'm afforded the opportunity to really get to know each of my patients."
Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," represents one of the most challenging areas in ophthalmology. As a progressive condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss, glaucoma requires not only technical surgical expertise but also the ability to build trust with patients who may need lifelong monitoring and treatment. Dr. Horkey's recognition reflects his mastery of both the clinical and relational aspects of glaucoma care.
His expertise encompasses the full spectrum of glaucoma management, from early detection and medical management to the most advanced surgical interventions. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive exactly the right level of care at every stage of their condition.
Dr. Horkey's forward-thinking approach is evident in his enthusiasm for emerging treatments. "Currently, I am very excited about the field of Interventional Glaucoma," he explains. "This is an emerging branch of glaucoma that is very focused on being proactive and trying to help patients before they have any significant damage from glaucoma."
Empowering Patients with Knowledge and Hope
Dr. Horkey's patient-centered philosophy extends to his approach with newly diagnosed patients. His advice reflects both clinical expertise and genuine compassion: "For newly diagnosed patients, I would tell them to forget about any stereotypes or preconceived notions they have about glaucoma. Come to your appointment prepared to listen and ask questions."
Dr. Horkey's inclusion among America's leading glaucoma specialists represents not just technical excellence but a holistic approach to patient care that combines cutting-edge treatments with compassionate communication. His commitment to both advancing the field through interventional techniques and empowering patients with knowledge and hope exemplifies the very best in modern medicine.
We congratulate Dr. Derek Horkey on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to his continued leadership in both treating patients and advancing the field of glaucoma care.