Episode 40: Keratoconus Care in India: Access, Education, and the Patient Journey

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Professor Monica Chaudhry, a distinguished optometrist, educator, and clinical leader with 40 years of experience in eye care. Drawing on decades of practice in India, Professor Chaudhry offers a global perspective on the evolution of keratoconus care and the challenges patients continue to face. Together, they explore barriers to specialty contact lens access, affordability, practitioner education, ocular surface management, and long-term aftercare. Professor Chaudhry also discusses the importance of stronger collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology and explains why successful keratoconus management must extend beyond visual acuity to consider binocular function, mental health, quality of life, and each patient’s individual needs. This episode highlights an important message for keratoconus care everywhere: fitting the lens is only the beginning. Patients need knowledgeable practitioners who can educate, counsel, monitor, and support them throughout their journey.