# Eyes On: Kathleen Thai, OD May 05, 2026 ***Eyes On** is our monthly spotlight feature highlighting faculty and staff across Harvard Ophthalmology* ## Kathleen Thai, OD ### **Instructor in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School; Member of the Optometry and Contact Lens Service at Mass Eye and Ear** ![Kathleen Thai](/sites/g/files/omnuum9886/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/Kathleen%20Thai%20New%20Headshot.jpeg?itok=hw9Tj1v4) **1. What is a research or clinical topic that interests you most at this time?** As someone who focuses on specialty contact lens fittings, an important clinical topic for me is keratoconus. A large portion of my patient population that I fit with specialty lenses have keratoconus, many of whom I co-manage with colleagues on the Cornea Service. Our current system starts with an evaluation with a cornea specialist for collagen-crosslinking, then the patients come to see me for a specialty lens fitting after the 1-month second eye post-op. With the recent FDA approval of epi-on collagen cross-linking, it will be interesting to see the long-term outcomes, how it may impact specialty contact lens fittings, and whether our current patient management system will need to change. **2. Can you tell us about a current or recent project and what excites you most about where it's heading?** I’m excited to be presenting alongside my Mass Eye and Ear colleague Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, on a panel hosted by the GP Lens Institute at the New England College of Optometry this July. We'll be discussing the management of irregular corneas and the role of collaborative care between ophthalmology and optometry. We'll review several joint cases, including a post–corneal tissue addition keratoplasty (CTAK) patient who I am currently refitting for a hybrid contact lens due to post-operative changes in his corneal topography. This case is especially interesting for me as he has had CTAK on one eye only, so I have comparative side-by-side information of how his lens fit is changing on his CTAK eye compared to his non-CTAK eye. Currently, there is little guidance out there on specialty contact lens fittings after corneal tissue addition procedures. I look forward to seeing firsthand how specialty contact lens management may evolve with the rising popularity of this procedure. ![Kathleen Thai with colleagues](/sites/g/files/omnuum9886/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/Kathleen%20Thai%20with%20colleagues_0.jpeg?itok=zrc4DJO7) **3. What's a problem in the field you think is underappreciated or overdue for more attention?** Ocular surface disease management is quickly gaining momentum with the introduction of new drug therapies and procedures. One treatment that I think is underutilized is therapeutic scleral lenses. While scleral lenses are often known for vision rehabilitation benefits in irregular corneas, they can also be very successful in the management of the ocular surface. Scleral lenses are now available in larger diameters to provide better surface coverage, can have specialized coatings added to the surface, and can often be used in combination with existing dry eye treatments. The biggest issue currently is patient access, as cost is a large barrier due to most insurances not deeming it as a standard of care treatment. I hope to see this change in the future. **4. What does collaboration look like in your work — are there unexpected partnerships or disciplines you've drawn from?** Collaboration is the backbone of my profession. The field of specialty contact lenses would not be as successful without the referrals and co-management from cornea specialists and other optometrists. I also work closely with several contact lens vendors and their teams in designing the best lenses for my patients. An unexpected partnership that I’ve gained is with the retinal specialists and fitting their aphakic and post-scleral buckle patients. It has been so rewarding to assist these patients in gaining their visual function back, as many of them deal with symptoms of anisometropia and often do not tolerate glasses. ![Kathleen Thai Fellow](/sites/g/files/omnuum9886/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/IMG_9013.jpeg?itok=N7iYLkxz) **5. What are you looking forward to—in your work or beyond—in the coming year?** I am currently working on becoming a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Society, an organization that works on educating practitioners on recent developments in the scleral lens world as well as promoting scleral lens education to patients. I want to use this opportunity to continue learning the latest updates and innovations in scleral lenses and use that knowledge to help my patients. **6. What do you enjoy doing outside of your work?** I like to stay active and keep a good balance between my work and my personal life. Reformer Pilates is a big part of my weekly routine and it helps me reset after a busy day in clinic. I’m also an avid foodie and I love to try all different types of cuisines—with hot pot being my absolute favorite. I am happy to report that there is no shortage of excellent hot pot restaurants here in Boston! I also enjoy spending time with friends, my partner, and our cat, Ciri. See also:- [ Cornea ](/news-categories/cornea) - [ Faculty ](/news-categories/faculty) - [ Patient Care ](/news-categories/patient-care) - [ Retina ](/news-categories/retina) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)