By Ayush Malhotra
Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Dr. Sharon Qiu earned her Doctor of Optometry/Master of Science dual degree at the New England College of Optometry before completing the Dr. Gina Sorbara Residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. She is currently pursuing a PhD in vision science at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) and supervising fourth-year optometry students at the University of Waterloo Optometry Clinic’s Advanced Contact Lens Service.
Qiu was recently honored with the prestigious Clinician Scientist Emerging Leader (CSEL) Award from Fighting Blindness Canada. This award not only acknowledges her contributions to vision science but also provides $40,000 CAD in funding to support her ongoing research efforts. Qiu's work focuses on optimizing the design of scleral lenses, a type of specialty contact lens that offers improved treatment options for patients with corneal conditions such as keratoconus and corneal scarring.
The CSEL Award is designed to empower researchers like Qiu by providing essential resources that advance clinical research in vision health. With this support, Qiu can further refine scleral lens technology, potentially leading to better, more tailored treatments for patients facing complex corneal diseases. This recognition underscores the importance of her research within the field of optometry and highlights her role as a pioneer in improving vision care outcomes through innovation and patient-centered research.
Exploring New Horizons in Scleral Lens Design
Scleral lenses are specialized hard contact lenses designed to rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera, and dome over the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. Unlike regular soft contact lenses, which rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a fluid-filled reservoir between the back of the lens and the cornea, providing hydration and stability that is especially beneficial for patients with corneal irregularities or severe dry eye.
This design difference makes scleral lenses ideal for rehabilitating vision in patients with corneal diseases, as the fluid-filled reservoir fills in surface irregularities, offering sharper vision and often improved comfort. However, most commercially available scleral lens designs struggle to adequately match the complex shape of the eye’s front surface, or anterior segment, where the lens sits, with the shape of the scleral lens. This discrepancy can compromise visual quality, reduce comfort, and even affect the cornea’s long-term health if not fitted properly.
Qiu’s research aims to leverage advanced anterior segment imaging technologies, including corneoscleral topography and the ocular impression technique, to accurately map the shape of the front of the eye. With this data, Qiu aims to design scleral lenses that better conform to each eye's unique shape, offering patients clear and comfortable vision throughout the day, while helping to preserve corneal health in the long term.
The implications of Qiu’s work extend far beyond the lab. She believes that improving scleral lens design will not only enhance quality of life for individuals with corneal diseases, but also reduce the need for more invasive ocular procedures such as corneal transplants.
Balancing Research and Clinical Work
For Qiu, staying motivated in her PhD journey involves a balance of research and clinical practice.
"It can be overwhelming at times, but I find that seeing the real-world impact of my work keeps me going,” says Qiu. “Helping my patients see again, drive again and take back control of their lives with scleral lenses is truly fulfilling. Plus, the support from my supervisors and mentors from both the research and clinical spheres has been invaluable."
As she continues to push the boundaries of vision research, Qiu hopes to inspire more optometrists to explore research as a way of improving patient care.
Advice for Aspiring Researchers
During her residency, Qiu frequently saw how inadequate scleral lens fit could compromise treatment outcomes, sparking her decision to pursue a PhD in vision science to address these challenges. She encourages students and fellow clinicians to stay curious and use their clinical observations as a foundation for generating impactful research questions. Her journey illustrates how research can transform clinical practice and improve patient care. Through her innovative approach to scleral lens design, Qiu is helping pave the way for improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with corneal diseases.