Derek S. Horkey, M.D.

My favorite part about helping patients at SPEC is the ability to forge lasting relationships with my patients. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition which requires years of treatment which gives me the ability to really get to know my patients. I also really enjoy how great of impact cataract surgery can have on my patients. In my opinion there is no other procedure in medicine that can have as big of an impact in such a short amount of time. My goal is to be able to help as many people as I can optimize their eye health and provide them with the best vision they can have for many years to come. 

I decided to become an ophthalmologist during my 1st year of medical school. I was lucky enough to have a shadowing experience with one of the ophthalmologists at my school. I watched him perform a morning of cataract surgery and was absolutely amazed by the impact of this 10-15 minute procedure. The precision and technique  required to perform the surgery was like artistry in motion.

My wife and I love to travel together and our three kids keep us very busy. I have been a very big Minnesota sports fan from what seems like my first memories. I also enjoy getting in a round of golf from time to time.