Sangeetha Metlapally

Sangeetha Metlapally is an Associate Professor of Vision Sciences at the New England College of Optometry (NECO), specializing in optics and binocular vision research. Her work focuses on understanding visual perception mechanisms, particularly related to keratoconus, refractive errors, and cataract pathology. Dr. Metlapally has established herself as a significant contributor to vision science through her extensive publication record and research funding.

• PhD in Vision Science, University of Melbourne, Australia
• BS in Optometry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
• Elite School of Optometry, Chennai, India

Dr. Metlapally's research centers on two primary areas: the optical and visual consequences of keratoconus, and the structural and optical properties of age-related cataracts. Her work on keratoconus investigates how higher-order aberrations affect stereoacuity and visual performance, while her cataract research examines the ultrastructural changes in lens fiber cells that lead to light scattering. She employs advanced techniques including computational modeling, electron tomography, and detailed optical measurements to understand these visual disorders at both clinical and fundamental levels.

Her publication record shows a clear progression from early work on cataract pathology with geographic focus on Indian populations, to more recent sophisticated analyses of visual processing in keratoconus. The research demonstrates strong methodological diversity, incorporating animal models (tree shrews, chicks), computational approaches, and detailed clinical measurements. Her 2020-2019 publications represent cutting-edge work using binocular cross-correlation analyses to understand how optical imperfections affect 3D vision.

• 2021 Hot Topic Award from ARVO for innovative research ideas
• 2019 Nominee for AEVR's National Emerging Vision Scientists Day
• 2016 Alcon Associate Award for Best Presentation
• 2011-2018 NEI K23 and K12 Awards through the Berkeley Clinician Scientist Development Program
• 2013-Present Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry

Dr. Metlapally actively mentors graduate students, with records showing she advised Jingyi (Alice) Tang (Class of 2022) and Anastasia Logotheti (Class of 2024). Her significant NEI K23 and K12 awards demonstrate her ability to secure competitive research funding. She maintains active membership in key professional organizations including the American Academy of Optometry and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Her research bridges basic science and clinical applications, with potential implications for improving vision correction strategies for individuals with keratoconus and understanding cataract formation mechanisms.