Rahul Singh Tonk, MD, MBA Curriculum Vitae

CURRICULUM VITAE

Last Updated: 12/10/25

RAHUL SINGH TONK, MD, MBA

Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon Princeton Eye Group | Wills Eye Hospital

419 N. Harrison Street, Suite 104; Princeton NJ 08540

(609) 921-9437 | princetoneyegroup.com | @RahulTonkMD

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2025-present: Princeton Eye Group | Wills Laser Vision (Princeton, NJ): Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon
2025–present: Wills Eye Hospital / Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA): Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

2025–present: Penn Medicine Princeton Health (Princeton, NJ): Medical Staff
2016–2025: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (Miami, FL)

Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology (2024–2025)
Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology (2017–2024)
Associate Medical Director (2020–2025)
Fellowship Co-Director, Cornea & Refractive Surgery (2019–2025)
Clinical Instructor (2016–2017)

2016–2018: Jackson Health System (Miami, FL): Medical Staff

EDUCATION & TRAINING

2016–2017: Fellowship: Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery, University of Miami - Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL
2013–2016: Residency: Ophthalmology (Chief Resident, 2015–2016), Albany Medical College - Lions Eye Institute, Albany, NY
2012–2013: Internship: Internal Medicine, Northwell Health - Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY
2007–2012: Doctor of Medicine, Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Medicine), Piscataway, NJ
2009–2011: Master of Business Administration, Rutgers Business School (Healthcare Management), Newark, NJ
2003–2007: Bachelor of Science, Cornell University (Applied Economics & Management, magna cum laude), Ithaca, NY

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP & BOARD SERVICE

Treasurer, New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology (2026–present)
Second Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases (Panelist; Directors: José Alvaro P. Gomes, Farhad Hafezi, Renato Ambrósio Jr) (2025–present)
Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (2025–present)
Sustainability Committee, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (2025–present)
Young Cornea Surgeon Committee, Cornea Society (2024–present)
Young Eye Surgeons Clinical Committee, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (2023–present)
Executive Board, Keratoplasty Alliance International (2023–present)
Co-founder and President, Medical Society of New Jersey - Medical Student Section (2008–2010)
American Medical Association (RWJ Medical School Chapter Vice President, 2008–2009)
Keratoplasty Alliance International (Executive Board, 2023–present)

HONORS & AWARDS

2025: Inductee, CEDARS/ASPENS Society (Selected for membership in this invitation-only society of anterior segment surgeon-educators dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in patient care)
2023: Power List: Rising Star, The Ophthalmologist (Selected as one of the ten most influential young people in ophthalmology following a worldwide search and peer-nomination process)
2023: Best Paper of Session: “Intracameral Enoxaparin for Complex Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Pilot Safety Study,” American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (Scientific merit award)
2022: Ophthalmology Management “40 Under 40” (National award highlighting 40 ophthalmologists under 40 selected from 100+ nominations)

2022: MillennialEYE “One to Watch” (Semi-annual national early-career award recognizing the next generation of ophthalmology)
2022: Best Poster of Session: “Impact of Total Keratometry Measurements on IOL Power Calculation Accuracy in Patients with Keratoconus,” ASCRS Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (Scientific merit award)
2022: Rising Star in Ophthalmology, Rising Eye Stars Lecture Series (Early-career distinction)
2021: Inductee, American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (Inducted into this prestigious international society dedicated to advancing vision care through innovation, education, and advocacy)
2016: Travel Award, MillennialEYE Live Miami (Competitive travel grant)
2016: Chief Resident, Albany Medical College, Department of Ophthalmology (Residency leadership honor)
2015: Travel Award, World Cornea Congress VII (Competitive travel grant)
2014: EyeWiki Resident and Fellows Contest Winner (National educational competition)
2014: Travel Award & Advocacy Ambassador, American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum (Advocacy leadership selection)
2011: Full Academic Scholarship, Rutgers Business School (Merit-based scholarship)
2009: Travel Award, Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting (Competitive travel grant)
2008: Middlesex County Medical Society Foundation Scholarship (Merit-based medical scholarship)
2007: Magna cum laude graduate, Cornell University (Academic distinction)
2006: Richard M. Kossoff Business Plan Award, Entrepreneurship@Cornell (Innovation award)

EDITORIAL POSITIONS

2024–present: Section Editor, Cataract & Refractive Surgery, EyeNet Magazine, American Academy of Ophthalmology
2024–present: Medical Advisory Board, SELF Magazine
2023–present: Editorial Advisory Board, Cornea & External Disease, EyeNet Magazine, American Academy of Ophthalmology
2023: Guest Editor, April 2023 Issue on Dry Eye Disease, Ophthalmology Management

COURSE DIRECTION & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

2022–present: Microsurgical Suturing Techniques Skills Transfer Course, American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, Director — Responsible for designing, organizing, and leading hands-on microsurgical suturing instruction for ophthalmology trainees and attendees
2024–present: Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK/DMEK) Wet Labs, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting, Young Eye Surgeons Session, Co-Director: Responsible for co-developing curriculum, overseeing wet lab instruction, and guiding early-career surgeons through advanced EK techniques
2024–present: “IOL Calculations in 10 Types of Atypical Eyes” Course, American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, Co-Instructor — Responsible for teaching principles and methods of complex IOL calculations, including case-based instruction for atypical or challenging biometry scenarios
2017–2022: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Cornea Conference Series, Director — Responsible for directing weekly cornea subspecialty education, selecting topics, coordinating speakers, and ensuring high-quality academic and clinical content
2019: SightLife Course for Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation, Curriculum Editor — Responsible for editing, refining, and standardizing instructional content for SLET training materials

INVITED LECTURES & PRESENTATIONS

International

March 22, 2025 “Intracameral Enoxaparin for Keratoplasty” – World Cornea Congress IX: CSU What's Hot Today, Washington, DC
October 26, 2024 “Refractive Surgery Challenges: What Would You Do?” – XLVI Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
October 26, 2024 “IOL Power Calculations in Irregular Corneas” – XLVI Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
October 26, 2024 “Update on Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments for Keratoconus”–XLVIInter-AmericanCourseinClinicalOphthalmology(Curso), Miami, FL
November 15, 2023 “IOL Power Calculations: What's New in 2023?” – XLV Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
November 15, 2023 “Pinhole Intraocular Lenses for Aberrated Corneas” – XLV Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
July 28, 2023 “Refractive Surgery Nomograms” – Curso Tecnoftalmo 2023, Querétaro, Mexico
July 28, 2023 “Intraocular Lens Power Calculations: What's New?” – Curso Tecnoftalmo 2023, Querétaro, Mexico
July 28, 2023 “Optical Quality Analysis” – Curso Tecnoftalmo 2023, Querétaro, Mexico
October 18, 2022 “Management of Dysphotopsia” – XLIV Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
October 18, 2022 “Tricky problems after LASIK and how to fix them” – XLIV Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
October 16, 2022 “Fine tuning the cataract evaluation” – XLIV Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
February 17, 2022 “Emerging Trends in Ophthalmology” – Rising Stars in Ophthalmology, Virtual
November 20, 2021 “Surgical Management of Irregular Astigmatism” – XLIII Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
November 6, 2018 “Secondary Intraocular Lenses: A Roundup of Techniques” – XL Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
November 4, 2018 “Fungal Keratitis – Cases & Updates” – XL Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
November 21, 2017 “LASIK, PRK or SMILE?” – XXXIX Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
November 21, 2017 “Presbyopia Correcting IOLs – How Do We Choose?” – XXXIX Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
November 20, 2017 “Chronic & Recurrent Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus” – XXXIX Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL

National

December16,2025"RefractiveDecisionMaking:SelectingtheRightModality(LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, RLE)" – ASCRS Live! Virtual Roundtable Series, Virtual
December 5, 2025 "Intrastromal Keratoplasty (CAIRS and CTAK)" - CEDARS/ASPENS National Meeting, St. Petersburg, FL
October 17, 2025 “Intrastromal Keratoplasty for Corneal Ectasia” – AAO Refractive Subspecialty Day, Chicago, IL
April 26, 2025 “Getting Involved with Industry” – ASCRS Young Eye Surgeons Program, Los Angeles, CA
April 26, 2025 “Get H.I.P. Refractive Surgery Symposium” – ASCRS Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA
March 6, 2025 “ASCRS Live! Focus on Refractive Cataract Surgery” – ASCRS, Miami, FL
February 23, 2025 “Grand Rounds – Difficult Choices (Panelist)” – AECOS Winter Symposium, Aspen, CO
February 14, 2025 “CAIRS and CTAK for Keratoconus” – EnVision Summit, San Juan, Puerto Rico
February 14, 2025 “Expanding Horizons with Toric IOLs” – EnVision Summit, San Juan, Puerto Rico
January 14, 2025 “Professional Networking & Wellness (Panelist)” – Cornea Society University Webinar, Virtual
October 19, 2024 “Cornea Cafe – Losartan for Corneal Scars, CAIRS for Keratoconus, and More” – AAO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL
October 19, 2024 “Emerging Treatment for Corneal Scarring and Neovascularization” – AAO Cornea Subspecialty Day, Chicago, IL
August 27, 2024 “Corneal Perforations and Autoimmune Melts” – Cornea Society University Webinar, Virtual
February 9, 2024 “Balancing Work & Life” – ASCRS YES Connect Webinar, Virtual
November 21, 2023 “Learning New Surgical Skills” – ASCRS YES Connect Webinar, Virtual
July 16, 2023 “LASIK Flap Amputation” – AECOS Summer Symposium, Deer Valley, UT
July 16, 2023 “Making DMEK Simple with Intracameral Enoxaparin” – AECOS Summer Symposium, Deer Valley, UT
July 14, 2023 “Paired Artificial Iris and Secondary IOL Implantation” – AECOS Summer Symposium, Deer Valley, UT
July8,2022“ATotalAnteriorSegmentReconstruction”–ACOS Summer Symposium , Deer Valley, UT

May 24, 2022 “What you don't know about research” – YoungMD Connect Mentorship Session, Virtual
April 9, 2022 “Diagnosis and Treatment for the Keratoconic Patient” – Glaukos iEducation Residents & Fellows Course, Aliso Viejo, CA
April 9, 2022 “Cornea Cross-Linking – An Introduction” – Glaukos iEducation Residents & Fellows Course, Aliso Viejo, CA
December 15, 2021 “Ocular Surface Disease” – YoungMD Connect Workshop, Virtual
July 15, 2021 “Hypodermic Needle Guided Iris Suturing” – AECOS Summer Symposium, Deer Valley, UT
July 15, 2021 “Complicated DMEK – Rescuing your graft from a fibrin dragnet!” – AECOS Summer Symposium, Deer Valley, UT
April 28, 2021 “Management of Bilateral Lipid Keratopathy” – ASCRS Grand Rounds, Virtual
January 14, 2020 “Your Eyes and Chronic Graft vs Host Disease” – BMT Infonet Webinar, Virtual
May 5, 2019 “Your Eyes and Chronic Graft vs Host Disease” – BMT Infonet Survivorship Symposium, Orlando, FL
August 14, 2018 “Update on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction” – National Medical Association Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL

Regional

December 18, 2025 “CAIRS and CTAK: Implementation and Surgical Pearls” – University of Toronto Dept of Ophthalmology (Virtual)
November 22, 2025 “IOL Power Calculations in Irregular Corneas” – Wills Eye Hospital 25th Biennial Cornea Conference, Philadelphia, PA
November 21, 2025 “Intracameral Enoxaparin for DMEK” – Wills Eye Hospital 25th Biennial Cornea Conference, Philadelphia, PA
November 9, 2025 “Corneal Health Roundtable (Panelist)” – OSN New York, New York, NY
November 8, 2025 “IOL Power Calculations in Irregular Corneas” – OSN New York, New York, NY
September26,2025“FeaturedSymposium–Refractive/Cataract(IOL)”–EyeCon, Hollywood, FL
September 26, 2025 “Featured Symposium – Ocular Surface/Cornea” – EyeCon, Hollywood, FL
February 21, 2025 “IOL Power Calculations in Irregular Corneas” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 21, 2025 “Corneal Tissue Additional Keratoplasty (CTAK)” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 25, 2024 “LASIK Flap Amputation” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 25, 2024 “Iris Reconstruction with the Artificial Iris” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 24, 2024 “Enoxaparin for DMEK Surgery” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
August 18, 2023 “Cataract Surgery in Patients with Small Pupils” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
August 18, 2023 “Dealing with Zonular Weakness” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
February 24, 2023 “Therapeutic Approaches for Corneal Neovascularization” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 24, 2023 “Iris Reconstruction with the Artificial Iris” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
August 27, 2022 “Cataract Surgery in Patients with Prior LASIK” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
August 27, 2022 “Cataract Surgery in Patients with Small Pupils” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
August 27, 2022 “Dealing with Zonular Weakness” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
February 25, 2022 “IOL Calculations in Patients with Keratoconus – What's New?” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 25, 2022 “Therapeutic Approaches for Corneal Neovascularization” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 27, 2021 “Artificial Iris Implantation & Pupil Reconstruction” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
January29,2021“LASIK&PRK–whatdoIneedtoknow?”–CSEThird-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Virtual

January 29, 2021 “Biometry, Topography, & IOL Calculations – How to Avoid Post-Op Surprises” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Virtual
October 1, 2020 “Ocular Surface Reconstruction & Keratoprosthesis” – Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry Corneal Lecture Series, Virtual
May 1, 2020 “Cataract Surgery 101 for technicians” – USight Training Lecture Series, Virtual
February 21, 2020 “Ocular Graft vs. Host Disease – Pearls and Pitfalls” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 21, 2020 “What is New on Biometry for IOL Calculations?” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
October 20, 2019 “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Case & Discussion” – XLI Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
October 20, 2019 “Therapeutic Refractive Surgery – Tools of the Trade” – XLI Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
October 20, 2019 “Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery for the Phaco Surgeon” – XLI Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (Curso), Miami, FL
September 20, 2019 “LASIK & PRK – What Do I Need to Know?” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
September 20, 2019 “Biometry, Topography, & IOL Calculations – How to Avoid Post-Op Surprises” – CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX
July 27, 2019 “Therapeutic Refractive Surgery – Tools of the Trade” – Advanced Refractive Congress, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
February 22, 2019 “Ocular Graft vs. Host Disease – Pearls and Pitfalls” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL
February 22, 2019 “Therapeutic Refractive Surgery – Tools of the Trade” – Interactive Consultations in Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL

INVITED SURGICAL INSTRUCTION

September 12–15, 2025: Endothelial Keratoplasty Wet Lab (DSAEK/DMEK), Sponsored by Lions World Vision Institute, ESCRS Annual Congress, Copenhagen, Denmark: Instructor
September 12–15, 2025: Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments Wet Lab, SponsoredbyLionsWorldVisionInstitute,ESCRSAnnualCongress,Copenhagen, Denmark: Instructor
April 26, 2025: Refractive Surgery Wet Lab, ASCRS Annual Meeting: Instructor
February 21, 2025: Scleral Fixated IOLs and Iris Suturing, Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL: Instructor
February 23, 2024: Iris Suturing Wet Lab, Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL: Instructor
November 4, 2023: Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Wet Lab, Beauty of Sight at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA: Instructor
August 18, 2023: CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX: Faculty
May 6, 2023: Iris Wet Lab, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA: Instructor
May 5, 2023: Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Wet Lab, ASCRS Annual Meeting (YES Wet Labs), San Diego, CA: Instructor
February 24–25, 2023: Iris Suturing Wet Lab, Interactive Consultations in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Miami, FL: Instructor
October 1, 2022: Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Wet Lab, Florida Lions Eye Bank at the AAO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL: Instructor
September 30, 2022: AUPO Surgical Curriculum for Ophthalmology Residents, Chicago, IL: Master Trainer
August 27, 2022: CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX: Faculty
April 22, 2022: Anterior Segment Surgery Wet Lab, ASCRS Annual Meeting (YES Wet Labs), Washington, DC: Instructor
April 22, 2022: Young Eye Surgeons Phacoemulsification Surgery Wet Lab, ASCRS Annual Meeting, Washington, DC: Instructor
April 9, 2022: Glaukos iEducation Residents & Fellows Course, Alisa Viejo, CA: Faculty
November 14, 2021: Refractive Surgery Wet Lab, American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, New Orleans: Instructor
January 29, 2021: CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX: Faculty
October14,2019:MicrosurgicalSuturingTechniquesCourse,AmericanAcademyof Ophthalmology, San Francisco, CA: Instructor

September 20–21, 2019: CSE Third-Year Ophthalmology Resident Program, Fort Worth, TX: Faculty
October 30, 2018: Microsurgical Suturing Techniques Course, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Chicago, IL: Instructor

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Zarei-Ghanavati S, Hassanzadeh S, Golestani S, Tonk RS, Shams SS. High Astigmatism Correction in Myopia: A Comparative Study of Photorefractive Keratectomy and Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction. Cornea. 2025 Nov 14.
Suraneni S, Mulpuri L, Habib M, Eden R, Schultze R, Tonk R. Efficacy and utility of clinical examination in predicting meibomian gland atrophy. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2025 Jul;48(4):102405.
Suraneni S, Bleeker AR, Anter AM, Leal S, Murphy DA, Riaz KM, Cooke DL, Tonk RS. Intraocular Lens Power Calculations in Posthyperopic Laser Vision Correction Eyes: Comparing Legacy and New No-History Formulas. Am J Ophthalmol. 2025 Sep 9;281:118-125.
Jeng BH, Lee TF, Troxel AB, Lu Y, Cohen EJ, Kim J, Hochman JS; Zoster Eye Disease Study Trial Group. Bayesian Analysis of Valacyclovir Treatment Effect in the Zoster Eye Disease Study. Ophthalmology. 2025 Sep 10:S0161-6420(25)00558-5.
Warner DB, Jeng BH, Kim J, Liu M, Troxel AB, Hochman JS, Baratz KH, Mian SI, Choulakian MY, Meyer JJ, Lu Y, Twi-Yeboah A, Lee TF, Lopez-Jimenez C, Laury SC, Cohen EJ; ZEDS Trial Research Group. Low-Dose Valacyclovir for Postherpetic Neuralgia in the Zoster Eye Disease Study: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2025 Apr 1;143(4):277-285.
Cohen EJ, Troxel AB, Liu M, Hochman JS, Baratz KH, Mian SI, Choulakian MY, Warner DB, Lu Y, Twi-Yeboah A, Lee TF, Kim J, Lopez-Jimenez C, Laury SC, Jeng BH; ZEDS Trial Research Group. Low-Dose Valacyclovir in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: The Zoster Eye Disease Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2025 Apr 1;143(4):269-276.
Chatzea MS, Kymionis GD, Vakalopoulos DG, O'Brien RC, Mora D, Llanes K, Fout E, Buras W, Triglia C, Tonk RS, Yoo SH. Impact of Microkeratome Dissection Parameters on Textural Interface Opacities in DSAEK Grafts. Diagnostics (Basel). 2025 Jun 25;15(13):1608.
Chatzea MS, Kymionis GD, Vakalopoulos DG, O'Brien RC, Mora D, Llanes K, Fout E, Buras W, Triglia C, Tonk RS, Yoo SH. Screening and Grading of Textural Interface Opacities in DSAEK Grafts with the M-TIO Scale for Predicting Visual Outcomes. Diagnostics (Basel). 2025 May 14;15(10):1241.
Mulpuri L., Ouano D.P., Riaz K.M., Warner E.J., Stone D.U., Cheung A.Y., Gomez A., Rangu N., Sabater A.L., Tonk R.S. (2025). Intracameral Enoxaparin for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Pilot Safety Study. Cornea (44(3)), 342–349.
Kantor N.B., Sepulveda-Beltran P.A., Valdés-Arias D., Locatelli E.V.T., Mulpuri L., Gunawardene A.N., Amescua G., Perez V.L., Tonk R., Wang T., Galor A. (2024). Epidemiology and risk factors for the development of cicatrizing conjunctivitis in chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease. Ocular Surface (34), 341–347.
Shammas J.H., Cooke D., Riaz K., Tonk R., Shammas M., Bleeker A., Anter A., Suraneni S., Leal S. (2024). Updating the No-History Method in Intraocular Lens Power Calculation After Myopic Laser Vision Correction. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Anter A., Bleeker A., Shammas J.H., Suraneni S., Kingrey B., Murphy D., Leal S., Ghalibafan S., Tonk R., Cooke D., Riaz K. (2024). Comparison of Legacy and New No-History IOL Power Calculation Formulas in Post-Myopic Laser Vision Correction Eyes. American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Shetty A., Leal S., Mulpuri L., Tonk R. (2024). Late-onset Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis in the Context of Conjunctivitis Related to COVID-19: Case Report. Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports (4(1)).
Sepulveda-Beltran P.A., Carletti P., Banda V., Mulpuri L., Levine H., Amescua G., Wang T.P., Galor A., Tonk R. (2023). Infectious and Non-infectious Corneal Ulcers in Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes. American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Heath M.T., Mulpuri L., Kimiagarov E., Patel R.P., Murphy D.A., Levine H., Tonk R.S., Cooke D.L., Riaz K.M. (2023). IOL Power Calculations in Keratoconus Eyes Comparing Keratometry, Total Keratometry, and Newer Formulae. American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Hicks P.M., Singh K., Prajna N.V., Lu M.C., Niziol L.M., Greenwald M.F., Verkade A., Amescua G., Farsiu S., Woodward M.A.; CORNEA ULCER RESEARCH GROUP (incl.
Tonk R.S). (2022). Quantifying Clinicians' Diagnostic Uncertainty When Making Initial Treatment Decisions for Microbial Keratitis. Cornea.
Chhaya N., Zhu A., Shaik N., Weiss M., Miller D., Tonk R., Koo E. (2022). Outcomes of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Keratitis After Clear Corneal Incision Phacoemulsification Surgery. Cornea.
Venkateswaran N., Tonk R.S., Berrocal A. (2020). Corneal Edema in a Gardener. JAMA Ophthalmology (138(9)), 998–999.
Naranjo A., Martinez J.D., Miller D., Tonk R., Amescua G. (2020). Systemic Miltefosine as an Adjunct Treatment of Progressive Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, 1–9.
Liu J., Tonk R.S., Huang A.M., et al. (2020). Transient effect of suction on the retinal neurovasculature in myopic patients after small-incision lenticule extraction. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (46(2)), 250–259.
Liu J., Zeng M., Zou H.,... Tonk R., et al. (2021). Reply: Transient effect of suction on retinal neuro-vasculature in myopic patients after small-incision lenticule extraction. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (47(5)), 683–684
Tonk R.S., Meyer D.R. (2016). Manual Provocation Test for Intermittent Involutional Entropion. Cornea (35(4)), 510–512.
Dhandapany P.S., Fabris F., Tonk R., et al. (2011). Cyclosporine attenuates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by RAF1 mutants in Noonan and LEOPARD syndromes. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (51(1)), 4–15.

EDITORIALS, REVIEWS, AND BOOK CHAPTERS

Mulpuri L., Sridhar J., Goyal H., Tonk R. (2023). The relationship between dietary patterns and ophthalmic disease. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology.
Adre E., Tonk R. (2021). Positive and Negative Dysphotopsias: Causes, Prevention, and Best Strategies for Treatment. Current Ophthalmology Reports (9(6)), 1–10.
Pasricha N., Chen M., Tonk R. (2021). Dry Eye Disease (Ch. 27). In: The Ophthalmic Assistant: A Text for Allied and Associated Ophthalmic Personnel, 11th ed. Elsevier.
Tonk R., Mercado C., Osama I., Karp C.L. (2018). Keratoplasty Techniques for Corneal Endothelial Disease: A Comparison of Procedures. In: Pre-Descemet's Endothelial Keratoplasty (PDEK). Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishing.

SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACTS

• Author / Co-Author of over 30 peer-reviewed abstracts presented at major international meetings including ARVO, AAO, ASCRS, and WCC. Full list available upon request.

TRADE PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA

Articles

Ifantides C, Desai N, Tonk R, Wiley W. Raindrop: Should It Stay, or Should It Go? Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (May 2025).
Talley Rostov A.R., LaHood B., Tonk R. (2023). Persistently Blurred Vision After LASIK. Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (December 2023).
Tonk R. (2023). Simplifying DMEK with Intracameral Enoxaparin. Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (October 2023).
Tonk R., Garg S., Gupta P.K., Ifantides C. (2023). Four Refractive Challenges. EyeNet Magazine (Feature, September 2023).
Shetty A., Tonk R.S. (2023). Manual and Image-Guided Techniques: Optimizing Toric IOL Implantation. Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (July 2023).
Tonk R. (2023). A Deep Dive into Dry Eye. Ophthalmology Management (April 2023).
Feng P., Tonk R. (2022). Update on Intracameral Antibiotics. Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (July 2022).
Reyes-Capo D., Tonk R. (2022). Pearls for Acanthamoeba Keratitis: How to Diagnose and Manage This Challenging Infection. Ophthalmology Management (June 1, 2022).
Tonk R., Matossian C. (2021). How to Better Incorporate Dry Eye Care in Your Practice in 2022. Ophthalmology Management (December 15, 2021).
Ahmad S., Ali A., Tonk R. (2021). New and Emerging Treatments for Neurotrophic Keratitis. EyeNet (Clinical Update, December 2021).
Matossian C., Tonk R., Nichols K.K., Hom M.M. (2021). Optimizing Management of Dry Eye Disease. Optometry Times 13(8) (August 2021).
Schocket L., Stewart J., Tonk R. (2021). Vitreoretinal Surgeons: Keep an Eye on the Cornea. EyeNet Magazine (Feature, January 2021).
Tonk R.S., Kanesa-Thasan A. (2019). ¿Cómo puedo iniciar la cirugía manual de catarata con incisión pequeña como cirujano de facoemulsificación? Review of Ophthalmology en Español (November 2019).
Tonk R.S., Beckman K., Donnenfeld E. (2019). Is there still a future for postoperative topical steroid drops? Ocular Surgery News (July 2019).
VenincasaM.J.,SridharJ.,TonkR.S.(2018).Surgicalmanagementofdroppedlensas a complication of cataract surgery: approaching the anterior and posterior segment. Retinal Physician 15(May 2018), 38–42.
Tonk R.S. (2014). Blepharitis. EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology (November 2014).

Media Appearances & Expert Commentary

What is the best option for hyperopic astigmatism after DMEK? Healio Ophthalmology. December 30, 2025. (Role: Expert Contributor)
Academic, Large Group, or Private: Which Practice Model Is Right for You? Healio Ophthalmology. October 30, 2025. (Role: Expert Contributor)
Intrastromal Keratoplasty Offers Biocompatibility, Fewer Risks. Healio Ophthalmology. October 17, 2025. (Role: Interviewee)
Negative Dysphotopsia: Unraveling the Enigma. Review of Ophthalmology. October 2025. (Role: Expert Contributor)
AI in Keratoconus. MedPageToday. Sept 2025. (Role: Interviewee)
Cataract Complications, Part 2: Gaining Confidence, Knowledge, and Skill. EyeNet Magazine. February 2025. (Role: Expert Contributor)
Stepping into the Ring of Premium Practice. Review of Ophthalmology. January 10, 2025. (Role: Interviewee)
Cataract Complications, Part 1: Intraoperative Strategies and Patient Care. EyeNet Magazine. January 2025. (Role: Expert Contributor)
New Procedure Shows Promise for People with Keratoconus. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine News. October 31, 2024. (Role: Interviewee)
Vision Correction Surgery Offers More Options in 2024. WPLG Local 10 News. January 10, 2024. (Role: Interviewee)
Optimal Optics: Best Options for Seamless Vision Correction. UHealth Collective. October 2023. (Role: Interviewee)
Ulcers in Ocular Graft-Vs-Host Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics and Therapeutic Outcomes. Eyetube. October 1, 2022. (Role: Interviewee)
Survive & Thrive: Approaching the Match. Ophthalmology Off the Grid Podcast. September 9, 2022. (Role: Interviewee)
Six Home Remedies for Dry Eyes That Doctors Recommend. The Healthy. June 16, 2021. (Role: Expert Contributor)
ExploringtheManagementofDryEye.Ophthalmology Times Viewpoints. April 12, 2021. (Role: Panelist)
Dry Eye Outlook Panel. Ophthalmology Innovation Summit. March 11, 2021. (Role: Panelist)
Therapeutic Refractive Surgery: Tools of the Trade. Eyetube. July 18, 2019. (Role: Interviewee)

GRANT FUNDING & CLINICAL TRIALS

Wang J., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Investigation of the Effect of Lens Refractive Index on the Measurement of Axial Length of the Human Eye for Accommodation and Cataract, National Eye Institute R21 (Awarded September 9, 2024).
Chang P., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Analysis of the Crystalline Lens Epithelium Transcriptome to Uncover Drivers for Acquired Nuclear Sclerosis, National Eye Institute R01 (2023).
Amescua G., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Safety and Efficacy of KPI-012 Ophthalmic Solution in Participants with Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defect (PCED), Kala Pharmaceuticals (2023).
Tonk R. (Principal Investigator), Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Endothelial Keratoplasty, Florida Lions Eye Bank (2022).
Amescua G., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), SCUT II Trial: A Double-Masked, Sham- and Placebo-Controlled Trial of Corneal Cross-Linking and Topical Difluprednate in the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis, National Eye Institute UG1 EY028518 and Research to Prevent Blindness K23 EY025025 (2022).
Sabater A., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Tivanisiran for Dry Eye in Subjects with Sjögren’s Syndrome, Sylentis (2022).
Galor A., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Observational Study of Conjunctivitis in the Setting of Dupixent Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (2021).
Sabater A., Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of 3 Doses of REC 0/0559 Eye Drops for Treatment of Stage 2 (Moderate) and Stage 3 (Severe) Neurotrophic Keratitis in Adults, Recordati Rare Diseases (2021).
Cohen E., ZEDS Study Group incl. Tonk R. (Sub-Investigator), Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS): Does Prolonged Suppressive Oral Valacyclovir Reduce Complications of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus?, National Eye Institute (Clinical Trial Identifier NCT03134196) (2020).

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

CEDARS ASPENS (2025–present)
New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology (2025–present)
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (2016–present)
Keratoplasty Alliance International (2023–present)
Keratoprosthesis (KPro) Study Group (2022–2025)
American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (2021–present)
International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) (2019–present)
Refractive Surgery Alliance (2019–present)
Cornea Society (2016–present)
American Academy of Ophthalmology (2014–present)
American Medical Association (2007–present)
New York State Ophthalmological Society (2014–2016)
Medical Society of New Jersey - Medical Student Section (2008–2012)

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE

2025–present: Pennsylvania Medical License (MD492121C)
2024–present: New Jersey Medical License (25MA12402400)
2018–present: Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
2016–2026: Florida State Medical License (ME126935)

LANGUAGES

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Hindi