Cherie B. Nau, O.D.

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SUMMARY

Cherie B. Nau, O.D., has been involved in eye research for over 25 years. At the beginning of her career, she studied glaucoma, aqueous humor dynamics and corneal structures. Dr. Nau's current research focuses on the use of scleral contact lenses for treatment of corneal irregularities and ocular surface diseases. A scleral contact lens is a large, hard contact lens. It rests on the white part of the eye and has a smooth surface. An important aspect of Dr. Nau's current research is investigating the impact of disease and treatment modalities for people who use scleral lenses.

Focus areas

• Member of the Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation (SCOPE) research group. The SCOPE research group has 10 years of foundational research into the use of scleral lenses.
• Patient experience with treatment for dry eye diseases and burden of care. Dr. Nau studies the special emphasis on ocular graft versus host disease.
• Evaluation of the potential physiological impact of scleral lenses on the ocular surface. Dr. Nau researches the effect of scleral lenses on intraocular pressure and corneal thickness. She evaluates the potential causes for midday fogging with lens wear.

Significance to patient care

Scleral lenses are often the final option for individuals with vision that cannot be sufficiently corrected with spectacle lenses. Scleral lenses also protect and support the ocular surface in people with severe dry eye, ocular exposure or neurotrophic disease. For these people, scleral lenses allow improved vision and comfort. Scleral lenses may help maintain vision, stabilize the ocular surface and delay surgical interventions.

Professional highlights

• American Board of Optometry:
  • Certificate of added qualifications in cornea and contact lens, 2023-present.
  • Diplomate, 2022-present.
• Fellow, Scleral Lens Education Society, 2015-present.
• Fellow, American Academy of Optometry, 2014-present.
• Member, Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation, 2014-present.
• Communication ribbon, The Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2015, 2017, 2018.
• Sheldon Wechsler Contact Lens Residency Award, Vistakon and the American Optometric Foundation, 2012.
• Service award for the advancement of multiculturalism, Illinois College of Optometry, 2011.
• Tomb & Key Honor Fraternity, 2011.
• Fellow, Carl Zeiss Vision, American Optometric Foundation, 2010.
• Member, Beta Sigma Kappa, 2009.