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From a young age, I developed a deep interest in ocular health, inspired by two remarkable women in my life—my paternal grandmother and my mother. My grandmother, after an unfortunate childhood injury, had a prosthetic eye. Her unique story captivated me, sparking a curiosity that became a lifelong pursuit. My mother, a talented seamstress and designer, struggled with undiagnosed "dry eye," affecting her quality of life and her work. Observing her challenges firsthand motivated me to spotlight this condition, and by the early 1990s, I was actively diagnosing dry eye in patients before it gained widespread recognition.

Driven by this passion, I dedicated my career to the study of ocular surface disease and founded a pioneering multidisciplinary center focused on diagnosing and treating dry eye with cutting-edge technology. I aim to advance this approach and treatment philosophy at the NYU Langone Eye Center, fostering collaborative efforts while continuing research and clinical trials to address the ongoing unmet needs in this field.

With my commitment to research, I have served as a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials, contributing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first biologic eye drop designed to promote the regeneration of damaged corneal nerves. As a key opinion leader in the dry eye discipline, I’ve published on the topic and presented at numerous medical society meetings, earning many accolades, including the prestigious Penn Master Clinician Award. My journey in medicine reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation and improvement in ocular health, driven by personal inspiration and professional dedication.