We are delighted to welcome Esen K. Akpek, MD to Duke Eye Center as Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of the Frances and C. Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, and Chief of the newly established Division of Ocular Immunology.
Akpek is a globally recognized authority in advanced corneal transplantation, stem cell transplantation, and ocular surface reconstruction. She joins us from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she held the distinguished Bendann Professorship in Ophthalmology and Rheumatology.
A prominent leader in her field, Akpek has held numerous impactful roles, including:
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Director of the Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye Clinic at Wilmer
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Associate Director of the Jerome L. Greene Sjögren’s Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview
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President of the Foster Ocular Immunology Society
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Founder and President of Keratoplasty Alliance International
She also serves on the Clinical Trials Consortium for the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation and the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS)
Akpek contributes extensively to academic publishing, serving on the editorial boards of six scientific journals. Her innovative work includes a patent in keratoprosthesis device and leadership in high-impact global initiatives such as TFOS Dry Eye Workshops II & III and the International Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Workshop. Her clinical trial leadership spans funding from industry, the Department of Defense, and the National Eye Institute, driving progress in dry eye diagnostics and treatment.
A passionate educator and mentor, Akpek has trained many ophthalmologists who now lead in academia and practice worldwide. She has delivered lectures at many meetings across the globe and has been instrumental in organizing internationally recognized educational programs such as:
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Sonoma Eye
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The World Ophthalmology Congress
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The International Ocular Inflammation Society
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The International Society of Sjögren’s Disease
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The Wilmer Mid-Atlantic Dry Eye Symposium
She has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications, many book chapters, editorials, and reviews. Her previous leadership roles include Director of the Cornea and External Disease Fellowship and Ophthalmology Clerkship at Wilmer, and Board Member of the Cornea Society. She is also a recipient of the Cora Verhagen Immunology Prize, Research to Prevent Blindness scholarship and Recognition by American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Akpek to Duke Eye Center as she brings her extraordinary expertise, leadership, and vision to our community.