Brandon Menke, MD
Cataract Surgeon in Des Moines, IA
Brandon Menke, MD is a graduate of University of Iowa, where he attended the Carver College of Medicine for medical school. He completed a Doris Duke Clinical Research fellowship in retinal regeneration which resulted in the development of a potentially curative therapeutic technique for blindness shown to regenerate retinal tissue. His work also drove him to study molecular signaling and the pathogenesis of Type II Diabetes and University of Iowa’s Department of Pediatrics.
Dr. Menke’s findings have been featured in numerous publications, and he has received a number of awards and accolades for his vision and innovation. After completing his surgical residency at UnityPoint in Iowa, he headed to South Carolina to complete an Ophthalmology residency at Palmetto Health.
When Dr. Menke isn’t working or researching, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Psychologist Kristen Menke, their two beautiful daughters, Sloane Adelaide and Blaire Isabelle, and cat, Flanagan.
Dr. Menke is a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve and has established the Menke Family Captain’s Scholarship for the captain of the Omaha Hockey program, the first position-specific scholarship for any sport within Omaha Athletics.
Education and Experience
Positions
- 2025 – Present: Modern Vision Centers (Des Moines) – Refractive Surgeon & Cataract Surgeon
- 2018 – Present: ilumin Eye Care (Omaha) – Refractive Surgeon & Cataract Surgeon
- 2019 – Staff Ophthalmologist, VA Hospital
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center – Oculoplastic Surgery
Education
- Undergraduate: University of Iowa – B.S., Biochemistry with Honors
- Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine – Doctor of Medicine
- Externship: Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship – Retinal Regeneration
- Internship: Iowa Methodist Medical Center – Des Moines, Iowa
- Residency: Palmetto Health, University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia, SC
- Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology
Honors/Awards
- Dewey Stuit Research Award
- Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship
- B.S. in Biochemistry with Honors
Professional Groups
I am involved in several different ophthalmology and refractive surgery organizations as a member and speaker. These include the:
- Nebraska Medical Society
- Iowa Medical Society
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Medical Association
Getting to Know Dr. Menke
Why Ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology is a unique specialty that has a range of ages and pathologies to treat, follow and surgically intervene if needed. Different from most other specialties, it has a heavy procedure and clinic side, while also maintaining a large number of surgeries both in volume and breadth that can immediately and profoundly impact people‘s lives. For these reasons, ophthalmology continues to offer both the surgical precision and expertise that I look for in a specialty, while also allowing me to develop relationships with patients that are long lasting.
What are your hobbies?
My wife and I are avid and loyal Hawkeye fans, including mens and womens basketball, football and wrestling. However, my love for hockey has fostered a close relationship with the UNO Hockey program. So, most of our free time is spent watching or talking about Hawkeye athletics and UNO Hockey. Our daughters have also become endeared to athletics as well, so it is incredible to watch them grow fond of not only watching and cheering but also appreciating the family time just as much.
Aside from raising two beautiful daughters with my wife, I enjoy hiking, traveling to Colorado, country road drives, and driving my Shelby Mustang.
Any fun facts?
