Meet Dr. John D Pemberton

Dr. John D. Pemberton is a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and orbit, including procedures for eyelid malpositions, orbital masses, tear drainage problems, and other conditions affecting the structures around the eye. He sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

He earned his medical degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at West Virginia University, where he served as chief resident. To further specialize, he undertook a 15-month fellowship in oculoplastic surgery at the Beraja Medical Institute and another 15-month fellowship in oculoplastic and orbital reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, training at several Harvard-affiliated hospitals.

Dr. Pemberton has served in the military since 1989, with over 21 years of service that began as a combat medic and included a tour as a flight surgeon in Iraq, for which he received the Bronze Star Combat Medal and other honors. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, he brings a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the body’s natural ability to heal and focusing on the whole person.