Kaleb Abbott

Kaleb Abbott, OD, MS, FAAO is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine. He is a board-certified optometrist specializing in dry eye disease and ocular surface disorders, with clinical practice at the UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Abbott is actively involved in research, teaching, and clinical care, with a focus on improving eye discomfort and pain through comprehensive management of ocular surface disease.

Education:

• OD, University of Houston College of Optometry (2018)
• MS, University of Houston (2018)
• BS, Texas A&M University (2014)

Dr. Abbott's research focuses on dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, and related conditions including meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, Sjogren's Syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, and neuropathic eye pain. His work examines the relationship between corneal nerves and dry eye symptoms, the impact of nutrition on ocular surface health, and innovative treatments for complex ocular surface disorders. He is particularly interested in understanding why dry eye signs and symptoms often don't correlate in patients, with a focus on corneal nerve function.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on clinical research in dry eye disease, with particular attention to demographic factors, nutritional interventions, and novel treatment modalities. Dr. Abbott's work spans from basic science investigations of the ocular microbiome to clinical trials of new therapeutics and systematic reviews of social determinants affecting dry eye prevalence.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Named "One to Watch", Modern Optometry (2024)
• Fellow of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (2024)
• Nominated for Young Colorado Optometrist of the Year (2024)
• Graduate of the Merton C Flom Leadership Academy (2024)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (2022)
• Bright Ideas Pitch Competition -- 1st place (2022)
• Best Presentation at American Academy of Optometry (2016)
• NIH Research Grant Recipient (2015)

Dr. Abbott serves on the editorial boards of Optometry 360 and Modern Optometry and is actively involved in professional organizations including the American Academy of Optometry (where he chairs the Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness Special Interest Group) and the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (where he serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors). He has received research funding from the National Eye Institute and has been recognized for his innovative approaches to dry eye management.

Dr. Abbott is involved in multiple collaborative research teams focused on ocular surface disease and dry eye. He frequently presents at national conferences and has developed educational content for both healthcare professionals and patients on topics related to ocular wellness and dry eye management.