Kaleb Abbott, OD, MS, FAAO
Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology
Graduate Schools
- OD, University of Houston College of Optometry (2018)
- MS, University of Houston (2018)
Undergraduate School
- BS, Texas A&M University (TX) (2014)
Languages
EnglishDepartment
OphthalmologyProfessional Titles
- Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Recognitions
- NIH Research Grant Recipient, National Eye Institute (2015)
-
Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society Member, Beta Sigma Kappa
(2015)
Qualified based on GPA and merit -
Best Presentation at American Academy of Optometry, American Academy of Optometry
(2016)
Top presentation out of 750 submissions - Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, American Academy of Optometry (2022)
- Vice Chair of the Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness Special Interest Group (elected), American Academy of Optometry (2022)
-
Bright Ideas Pitch Competition -- 1st place, American Academy of Optometry Foundation in collaboration with the Innovation Council
(2022)
SunSnap Kids (a company founded by Dr. Abbott in 2019) was awarded 1st place in a live pitch competition in San Diego, CA by a panel of esteemed eye care innovation judges. - AAO Leadership Summit Invitation, American Academy of Optometry (2023)
- Advisory Council Nomination for Academic Medical Center Optometrist SIG (nominated), American Academy of Optometry (2023)
-
Optometry Innovation Awards, Eyes on Eyecare
(2023)
Dr. Abbott's company (SunSnap Kids) is a finalist for the 2nd annual pitch competition. Winner to be announced November 2023 at the Eyes on 2024 conference. - Board of Directors for the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (nominated), OWNS (2023)
-
Named "One to Watch", Modern Optometry
(2024)
Recognized as one of only five optometrists in the country as a "rising star" to watch in their career. -
Fellow of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society
(2024)
Met the academic, written, and interview requirements to be awarded fellowship status of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society -
Nominated for Young Colorado Optometrist of the Year, Colorado Optometric Association
(2024)
Nominated for the 2024 Young Colorado Optometrist of the Year Award -
Graduate of the Merton C Flom Leadership Academy, American Academy of Optometry
(2024)
Graduated from the one-year Leadership Academy of the American Academy of Optometry.
Research Interests
Dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, Sjogren's Syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, neuropathic eye pain, thyroid eye disease, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, graft vs host disease, and other eye and systemic conditions affecting the ocular surface and dry eye.Publications
- Kaleb S. Abbott, OD, MS; Alan G. Palestine, MD; Scott G. Hauswirth, OD; Darren G. Gregory, MD; Jennifer L. Patnaik, PhD, MHS; Amit K. Reddy, MD. Treatment of ocular surface disease in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. Ocular Immunology and Inflammation.
- Abbott, K., Pucker, A., Orgill, M., Tichenor, A., Kruoch, Z., & Qureshi, R. (2024, March 25). The safety of topically applied vitamin A ocularly and periorbitally: A systematic review protocol. Open-Source Framework. osf.io/saq7n.
- Abbott K, Engle M, McCourt E. Neurotrophic Ulcer Secondary to a Hypoplastic Trigeminal Nerve in a 3-Year-Old. Clinical Insights in Eyecare. 2024.
- Liu SH, Shaughnessy D, Leslie L, Abbott K, Abraham AG, McCann P, Saldanha IJ, Qureshi R, Li T. Social determinants of dry eye in the United States: A systematic review. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2024.
- Ritchey E, Abbott K. Effect of low-level light therapy in individuals with dry eye disease. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. December 2024.
Professional Memberships
- Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, Board of Directors
- American Academy of Optometry, Fellow
- Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society, Member
- Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness Special Interest Group, Chair
- American Medical Center Optometrist Special Interest Group, Advisory Council
- Colorado Optometric Association, Member
- Denver Metro Optometric Society, Member
- Fellows Doing Research SIG, Member
- Optometry 360, Editorial Advisory Board
Practice Locations
UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center1675 Aurora Ct
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-2020
Hospital Affiliation
- University of Colorado Hospital
Specialty Information
Specialties- Optometry, Board Certification (2018, 2018)
- National Board of Examiners in Optometry, Board Certification (2018)
- Eyes and Vision
- Eyes and Vision - Dry Eyes
- Eyes and Vision - Ocular Pathology
- Eyes and Vision - Corneal Disease
Clinical Interests
Dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, neuropathic pain, corneal and trigeminal nerve disorders, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, Sjogren's Syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, neuropathic eye pain, thyroid eye disease, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, graft vs host disease, and other eye and systemic conditions affecting the ocular surface and dry eye.
Care Philosophy
I strive to provide exceptional and comprehensive eye care, especially concerning physical and mental health as the eyes are a window into the overall health of an individual. My passion is improving eye discomfort/pain and the treatment of dry eye / ocular surface disease / neuropathic pain.
Dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, neuropathic pain, corneal and trigeminal nerve disorders, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, Sjogren's Syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, neuropathic eye pain, thyroid eye disease, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, graft vs host disease, and other eye and systemic conditions affecting the ocular surface and dry eye.
Care Philosophy
I strive to provide exceptional and comprehensive eye care, especially concerning physical and mental health as the eyes are a window into the overall health of an individual. My passion is improving eye discomfort/pain and the treatment of dry eye / ocular surface disease / neuropathic pain.
Personal Interests
In my spare time I enjoy hiking 14ers, skiing with my family, reading non-fiction books, working out, traveling our beautiful Earth, watching Texas A&M University sports, smoking brisket, and spending time with my lovely wife, 4-year-old daughter, and newborn twins.
Volunteer Activities
I am on the board of directors for a non-profit named Funzeleo, volunteer with Lutheran Family Services to help with refugee resettlement, a guest lecturer for high schools discussing careers in healthcare (specifically, careers in eye care). I have fundraised for World Sight Day, completed a Living Water mission trip to Nicaragua, a medical mission trips to Costa Rica, sponsor children in Haiti, and am actively involved in my local church.
Public Speaking
Yes
Ocular surface disease / dry eye disease, the role of sleep on eye health, prevalence of dry eye disease amongst specific patient populations, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, sleep, melatonin, and blue light.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking 14ers, skiing with my family, reading non-fiction books, working out, traveling our beautiful Earth, watching Texas A&M University sports, smoking brisket, and spending time with my lovely wife, 4-year-old daughter, and newborn twins.
Volunteer Activities
I am on the board of directors for a non-profit named Funzeleo, volunteer with Lutheran Family Services to help with refugee resettlement, a guest lecturer for high schools discussing careers in healthcare (specifically, careers in eye care). I have fundraised for World Sight Day, completed a Living Water mission trip to Nicaragua, a medical mission trips to Costa Rica, sponsor children in Haiti, and am actively involved in my local church.
Public Speaking
Yes
Ocular surface disease / dry eye disease, the role of sleep on eye health, prevalence of dry eye disease amongst specific patient populations, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, sleep, melatonin, and blue light.