Neeraj Singh Email and Phone Number

I lead the KYCO's research programs, aligning them with the broader institutional goals of the University of Pikeville. My focus is on cultivating high-impact collaborations across academic disciplines and industry, driving clinical and translational research that advances the fields of optometry and vision science. I mentor emerging research leaders, ensure strict adherence to regulatory and ethical standards, and oversee a dedicated team of clinical research professionals and students from the Doctor of Optometry and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs. Through active engagement in scientific conferences and the latest developments in the field, I continuously refine our research strategies to strengthen the College’s reputation as a leader in optometric research.I serve on the IRB review board of University of Pikeville to review, approve, and monitor research projects involving human participants to protect and preserve their rights and welfare. Additionally, I serve on UPIKE's Research Advisory Committee where I evaluate policies and processes at the University for improvement or implementation.My research lab is dedicated to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research in refractive interventions, visual correction techniques, and ocular diagnostics. Central to the lab's focus is children’s vision, myopia prevention and control strategies, ocular optics, contact lenses and Presbyopic corrections, while also developing advanced models that support clinical decision-making and enable researchers to measure care improvements and identify factors contributing to treatment failures. The lab explores the effects of optical manipulations on retinal image quality and visual performance, along with studying accommodative behavior in relation to refractive corrections and optical modeling.

I teach courses in optics and optometric methods. I serve as the Vice-Chair of the Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee, where I collaborate with other faculties to shape and refine the educational strategies.

I served as an Associate Instructor for Indiana University’s Optometry program, where I was actively involved in formal teaching. My responsibilities included teaching the following courses: Low Vision (OPT-V751), Binocular Vision (OPT-V758), and Geometrical & Visual Optics (OPT-V521/523).

As a Research Associate at the Clinical Optics Research Lab, IUSO, I worked with Drs. Pete Kollbaum and Arthur Bradley and helped conduct both basic and clinical studies related to myopia control and presbyopia.

Supported by a ‘Young Investigator Award’ from The Association for Social Health in India and Government of NCT of Delhi, I pursued research on the ‘prevalence of myopia and associated risk factors in school children in north India’ (Singh et al. 2019; Optom Vis Sci). This study supplements earlier investigations of myopia prevalence in different geographic regions of India and specifically examines a high-achieving secondary school (grades 1 to 10) urban population in north India. It also reports risk factors previously shown in other Asian population to be associated with myopia.

I was awarded a prestigious ‘Marie Curie MYFUN’ myopia research fellowship in Spain with Professor Susana Marcos at VIOBIO Lab, The Institute of Optics, Spanish National Research Council. During my time, I helped conduct research to understand the visual performance and perceptual quality with simulated multifocal contact lenses designed to slow myopia progression (orally presented at the 16th International Myopia Conference, 2017 in Birmingham, UK).

At the Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, I received training in advanced research methods, clinical research, clinical trials, biostatistical analysis, protocol writing, grant writing, scientific communication, and leadership. Under the supervision of Professor Eli Peli, I was involved in researching novel optical engineering approaches to low vision rehabilitation. At the Visual Rehabilitation Lab, I focused on understanding both normal and impaired vision as well as developing treatments and interventions for people with visual impairments including conditions like hemianopia, age related macular degeneration (AMD), traumatic brain injury and central field loss. Dr. Peli allowed me the privilege of taking on increasingly significant roles in his research lab including mentoring research assistants, protocol and study design, subject testing, data collection, analysis, and presentations. Specifically, I led a project on scotoma characteristics and eccentric viewing in AMD patients (presented in ARVO 2016). My research was supported by an International Research Training Fellowship award from Harvard University and Tata Scholar award from Tata Trusts of India.Projects directly involved:- Characterizing AMD Field Loss for Contact Lens Simulating Scotomas- Visual Field Expansion via Prisms- Headlight Glare Simulation

At the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear and Harvard Medical School, I worked with Kevin Houston, OD, MSc, and helped develop and perform clinical trials on patients, a magnetic wearable device to help individuals with difficulty in opening their eyes due to paralysis. I presented this research (‘The Boston Blink-netic’ Project), which earned me the ‘Weymouth Student Travel Fellowship’ at the AAO annual meeting, 2016 in Anaheim, CA. This device is still undergoing further trials.

I studied the effectiveness of vision therapy in patients with Convergence Insufficiency, and the underlying mechanisms associated with the imbalance between accommodation and convergence ratios in human eyes.I was one of the co-investigators of BAND study which evaluated the prevalence of non‐strabismic anomalies of binocular vision and reported normative data in Indian children. The minimum test battery to screen for binocular vision anomalies was reported. I supervised two third year Optometry students in their project ‘refractive outcome in silicone oil removal eyes with IOL implantation’ at the Elite School of Optometry in Chennai, India.

Provided primary eye carePrescribed and dispensed eyewear (Single Vision, Bifocal, Progressive addition lenses and Contact Lenses)Established referral to tertiary eye care centers for cases involving pathologies or further diagnosticsHelped the optical store plan and achieve monthly sales targetsTrained technicians and junior optometrists

Provided comprehensive primary eye care at high volume optometric practice at India's one of the largest private eyecare chains. Trained students and interns on Optometry methods, practice, and diagnostics.

My 4 year professional Optometry course included 1 year mandatory clinical internship. As an Intern I provided primary eyecare (under supervision), attended lectures, symposiums, conferences, vision screening programs, and presented weekly research seminars. The 12-month clinical training involved rotations in various sub-specialties of optometry including contact lens, low vision, community optometry, and binocular vision.