Neena R Cherayil

Dr. Neena R Cherayil serves as Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine with dual appointments in Neurology (Comprehensive and Hospital Neurology), specializing in neuro-ophthalmology and leading medical education initiatives for students and residents.

Education:

• BA, Swarthmore College (2011)
• MD, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (2015)
• Internal Medicine Internship, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2016)
• Neurology Residency, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2019)
• Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2020)

Research Focus: Her clinical investigations prioritize diagnostic reasoning for complex visual disorders including optic neuritis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), eye movement abnormalities, tumor/stroke-induced vision loss, and ocular myasthenia gravis, with emphasis on translating pathological mechanisms into clinical practice.

Publication Trends: Her scholarly output demonstrates expertise in rare neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of systemic diseases, exemplified by 2021 research documenting calciphylaxis-induced multi-syndrome ocular pathology spanning vascular calcification, ischemic syndromes, and crystalline retinopathy.

Scientific Recognition:

• FSM Teaching Pin (2022-2025)
• Frank B. Walsh Presenter, NANOS (2025)
• Searle Education Fellowship (2023)
• Nicholas Vick Excellence in Teaching Award (2021)
• Arthur K Asbury Clinical Excellence Award (2019)
• Gold Humanism Honor Society Inductee (2014)

Educational Leadership: As primary educator for neuro-ophthalmology trainees, she develops diagnostic reasoning curricula while receiving sustained institutional recognition through multiple teaching awards and the Searle Education Fellowship supporting pedagogical innovation.

Professional Engagement: She co-chairs the American Neurological Association's Neuro-ophthalmology/Neurovestibular SIG and actively participates in the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and American Academy of Neurology.