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
-
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. - 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)
- 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. -
Best Presentation at American Academy of Optometry, American Academy of Optometry
(2016)
Top presentation out of 750 submissions - 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
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.
- Ioussifova M, Abbott K. Culture- and non-culture-based approaches reveal unique features of the ocular microbiome in dry eye patients. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. November 2024.
- Ioussifova M, Abbott K. Impact of Dietary Nutrients on the Prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome among Korean Women Aged 40 and above: Evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. October 2024.
- Sicks L, Abbott K. Body mass index, diet, and outdoor activity linked with meibomian gland abnormalities in children. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. September 2024.
- Maiti S, Abbott K. Characteristics of bacterial community in eyelashes of patients with Demodex blepharitis. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. September 2024.
- Maiti S, Abbott K. Efficacy of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) in Stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. June 2024.
- Tichenor A, Abbott K. Efficacy of Topical Azithromycin versus Systemic Doxycycline in Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. May 2024.
- Tichenor A, Abbott K. Multi-frequency RF Combined with IPL Improves Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye due to MGD. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. April 2024.
- Pucker A, Abbott K. The relationship between habitual water intake and dry eye disease. Clinical Podcast Series. Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. February 2024.
- Abbott K., Brujic M. Neuropathic Ocular Pain and Dry Eye Disease. Optometric Insights Podcast. November 2024.
- Abbott K., Brujic M. A novel multi-ingredient supplement significantly improves ocular symptom severity and tear production in patients with dry eye disease: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clinical Podcast Series. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. October 2024.
- Abbott K., Sampalis M. Diagnosing and Treating Neuropathic Pain with Dr. Kaleb Abbott. Reframing Eye Care. July 2024.
- Abbott K. Neurosensory Factors May Explain Sign and Symptom Disparities in DED. Optometry Advisor. Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease. September 2024.
- Abbott K. Eyes on Wellness: Holistic Approaches to Alleviate Dry Eye Symptoms. Wellness Essentials for Clinical Practice. 4th edition. Review of Optometry. Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. September 2024.
- Gioia N, Pratt S, Poteet J, Rustkin D, Hitchmoth D, Zakaria L, Abbott K, et al. The Rising Tide of Public Health Crises and Their Impact on Ocular Health. Wellness Essentials for Clinical Practice. 4th edition. Review of Optometry. Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. September 2024.
- Abbott K. Patient case: From treatment to complication, a cautionary tale about the risks of mitomycin C 8 years later. Optometry 360. September 2024.
- Abbott K. Tyrvaya® (varenicline solution) as a potential therapy for neuropathic ocular pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Optometry 360. August 2024.
- Abbott K. Prevalence of DED in children slightly lower than adults, but underdiagnosis ‘conceivable’. Healio. Cornea/External Disease. Perspective. July 2024.
- Abbott K. Increased monitoring for dementia may be needed in patients with glaucoma. Healio. Primary Care Optometry News. Perspective. June 2024.
- Abbott K. Navigating the Dry Eye Dilemma in Glaucoma Requires Skilled Eye Drop Management. Optometry Advisor. Glaucoma. March 2024.
- Abbott K. Vitamin A and OSD: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Modern Optometry. March 2024 issue.
- Abbott K. Research spotlight: Does dry eye get overlooked in visually impaired patients? Optician. Features. February 2024.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Perplexing Discrepancy Between Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms: Examining the Role of Corneal Nerves. University of Houston College of Optometry. CE in Fort Worth. Fall Symposium.
- Abbott K. 2024. Navigating Ocular Rosacea: From Historical Perspectives to Modern Management Strategies. University of Houston College of Optometry. CE in Fort Worth. Fall Symposium.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Effect of Glaucoma Treatment on the Ocular Surface. University of Houston College of Optometry. CE in Fort Worth. Fall Symposium.
- Abbott K. 2024. Beyond the Surface: Corneal Nerves and the Complexity of Dry Eye Symptoms. Denver Metro Optometric Society. Fall Lecture Series.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Role of Corneal Nerves in Ocular Surface Disease Symposium. Online Optometry Learning Series. India, Malysia, Vietnam, Philippines.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Dry Eye Dilemma in Glaucoma Management. Ocular Surface Disease Symposium. Indiana University School of Optometry.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Perplexing Discrepancy between Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms: Examining the Role of Corneal Nerves. Ocular Surface Disease Symposium. Indiana University School of Optometry.
- Abbott K. 2024. Why Aren’t Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms Correlated? A closer look at the corneal nerves. Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye Elective course. Indiana University School of Optometry.
- Abbott K. 2024. Why did my glaucoma patient get dry eye? Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye Elective course. Indiana University School of Optometry.
- Abbott K. 2024. Sleep Tight, See Right: How Sleep Impacts Ocular Health. Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.
- Abbott K. 2024. Intranasal Varenicline as a Treatment for Neuropathic Ocular Pain Associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia. American Academy of Optometry.
- Abbott K. 2024. Ocular Rosacea: Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, Skin Can Be Red, But Eyes Can Too! American Academy of Optometry.
- Abbott K. Tichenor A. Cheung H. 2024. Advanced Strategies in Ocular Surface Disease Management: Harnessing the Power of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy. Workshop. American Academy of Optometry.
- Joshi V., Shaughnessy D., Dellavalle N., Leslie LL., Abbott K., et al. Ocular Neoplasia: Social determinants of eye health in the United States: a suite of systematic reviews. Public Health of the Rockies.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Ocular Surface Dilemma in Glaucoma Management. University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology 28th Annual Symposium. Glaucoma section.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Impact of Sleep on Ocular Health. Corporate Optometry Virtual Continuing Education.
- Abbott K. 2024. Nasolacrimal Lavage Workshop. American Optometric Association. Optometry’s Meeting.
- Abbott K. 2024. You’ve Got Some Nerve! Understanding the Role of Corneal Nerves in Ocular Surface Disease. American Optometric Association. Optometry’s Meeting.
- Abbott K. 2024. What is “dry eye”? UCHealth medical staff education. Technician education.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Prevalence and Impact of Dry Eye in the Low Vision Population. Envision Conference East. Salus University.
- Abbott K. 2024. Treatment of ocular surface disease in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference.
- Leslie L., Shaughnessy D., Dellavalle N., Abbott K., et al. Social determinants of eye health in the United States: a suite of systematic reviews. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference.
- Abbott K. 2024. The Dry Eye Dilemma in Glaucoma Management. Southern Colorado Optometric Society. Spring Symposium.
- Abbott K. 2024. What the heck is the dry eye clinic? UCHealth medical staff education. Call center education.
- Dr. Kaleb Abbott previews the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting: what you need to know. Optometry 360. Conference Roundup. https://optometry-360.com/ocular-surface-disease/dr-kaleb-abbott-previews-the-american-academy-of-optometry-annual-meeting-what-you-need-to-know/
- One to Watch: Kaleb Abbott, OD, MS, FAAO. July/August 2024. Modern Optometry. https://modernod.com/articles/2024-july-aug/one-to-watch-kaleb-abbott-od-ms-faao?c4src=issue:feed
- Social Factors Shown to Contribute to Dry Eye. Review of Optometry. News Feed. January 22, 2024. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/news/article/social-factors-shown-to-contribute-to-dry-eye
- Abbott K. 2024. When Rosacea Meets Dry Eye: Strategies for Relief and Management of Ocular Rosacea. University of Houston College of Optometry. Winter Webinar.
- Abbott K. 2024. Beyond the Surface: Corneal Nerves and the Complexity of Dry Eye Symptoms. University of Houston College of Optometry. Winter Webinar.
- Abbott K. Managing Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Related Ocular Surface Disease. Modern Optometry. Complex Cases. July/August 2023 Edition.
- Abbott K. Awareness can reduce challenges associated with preservatives in glaucoma treatment. Healio. Cornea/External Disease. Perspective. July 2023.
- Abbott K. Long-awaited Treatment for Demodex Blepharitis Receives FDA Approval. Modern Optometry. Online Exclusive. July 2023.
- Abbott K. The Profound Impact of Sleep on Ocular Health. Review of Presbyopia and the Aging Eye. Jobson Medical Information / WebMD. eResource. October 2023.
- Abbott K. Vision in Motion: Unveiling the Eye-Open Benefits of Exercise. Review of Presbyopia and the Aging Eye. Jobson Medical Information / WebMD. eResource. October 2023.
- Abbot K. Beyond Omega-3 Supplementation: Nutrition for Dry Eye Disease. Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. Members Blog. September 2023.
- Abbott K., Pucker A. Bright Ideas Pitch Competition: SunSnap Kids. Clinical Podcast Series. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. February 2023.
- Abbott K., Pucker A. Age-Related Changes in Corneal Sensitivity. Clinical Podcast Series. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. March 2023.
- Abbott K., Pucker A. Outcomes of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Disease in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host-Disease. Clinical Podcast Series. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. April 2023.
- Abbott K., Brujic M. Impact of glaucoma medications on the ocular surface and how ocular surface disease can influence glaucoma treatment. Clinical Podcast Series. American Academy of Optometry Foundation. October 2023.
- Abbott K. 2023. Resolution of Bilateral Monocular Diplopia, Palinopsia, and Photopsia after Discontinuing Topiramate. American Academy of Optometry. (Poster)
- Abbott K. 2023. Community Eye Healthcare. Ophthalmic Academy Chapter 21. UCHealth Ophthalmic Academy. (Oral presentation)
- Abbott K. 2023. The Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease Amongst the Low Vision Population. Vision2023. Keynote speaker. (Oral presentation)
- Abbott K. 2023. The Role of Sleep in Ocular Surface Disease. American Academy of Optometry. (Oral presentation)
- Abbott K. 2023. “Hey Doc, why do my eyes hurt (or don’t hurt)?”. University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology 27th Annual Symposium. Cornea section. (Oral presentation)
- Abbott K, Hanson K, Lally J. Prevalence of Dry Eye in the Low Vision Population at the University of Colorado. Journal of Optometry. Volume 17, Issue 2, April–June 2024, 100501.
- Abbott K, Pelak V. Topiramate Associated Bilateral Monocular Diplopia, Palinopsia, and Photopsia. Clinical Insights in Eyecare. Accepted October 16, 2023.
- Abbott K. Does My Dry Eye Patient Have Stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis? How to differentiate between the two disease entities. Modern Optometry. Online Exclusive. December 2023.
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.