Paul A. Kusy, OD, MS, FAAO, ISCLS

Paul A. Kusy is a highly accomplished optometrist, clinical researcher, and educator with more than 25 years of experience in primary eye care and advanced specialty contact lens design. He is widely recognized for his expertise in managing complex corneal conditions, including keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and post-surgical irregularities. Holding both a Master of Science and Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University, he has built a career at the intersection of clinical practice, vision science research, and innovative medical device development.

Throughout his clinical career, Dr. Kusy has provided comprehensive optometric care across a wide range of settings, including military medical facilities, academic medical centers, and private practice environments. Since 2018, he has served at Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, where he manages primary eye care, co-manages refractive surgery patients, and treats ocular disease with a focus on specialty contact lens rehabilitation. His earlier roles at institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Truman Medical Center further established his reputation in handling complex corneal cases and advanced patient care.

Dr. Kusy is also known for his significant contributions to clinical research and product development in the field of contact lenses. As Supervisor of Clinical Research and Development at SynergEyes Inc., he played a key role in the development and clinical approval of groundbreaking hybrid lens designs, including ClearKone™, Duette™, and UltraHealth™. His work has focused on improving visual acuity, reducing optical aberrations, and expanding treatment options for patients with irregular corneas, resulting in innovations that have influenced modern specialty contact lens practice worldwide.

In addition to his industry contributions, he has been deeply involved in academic teaching and research. He has served as a clinical instructor for ophthalmology residents, optometry students, and ophthalmic technicians, notably at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and multiple clinical training environments. His research background includes participation in major studies such as the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) and graduate-level thesis work focused on reducing keratoconic optical aberrations through reverse geometry contact lens design.

Dr. Kusy has authored and contributed to numerous scientific publications, white papers, and international presentations in vision science and contact lens innovation. He holds multiple patent applications in areas such as reverse geometry lens systems, scleral lens technologies, and pediatric fixation tools. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a member of several professional organizations, his work continues to shape advancements in optometric care, particularly in the treatment of corneal disease and specialty lens technology.

• The Ohio State University College of Optometry - O.D.
• The Ohio State University - M.S. in Vision Science

• Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)

• Life Science Medical Products Award
• Life Science Medical Products Award (2009) – SynergEyes Inc. innovation in hybrid lens design
• “Top Doctors” recognition – Cleveland Clinic Foundation (1998)
• JOES Award (Joint Output Experience Survey) – patient satisfaction recognition, Irwin Army Community Hospital
• Multiple research grants and clinical recognitions in vision science and contact lens innovation

• International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS)
• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
• Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO)
• American Academy of Optometry (FAAO Fellow)
• National Keratoconus Foundation
• American Optometric Association (Contact Lens Section)
• Kansas Optometric Association

• Clinical instruction and training of ophthalmology residents and optometry students
• Participation in collaborative keratoconus research initiatives (CLEK Study)
• Educational outreach in specialty contact lens fitting and vision rehabilitation

• Kusy et al., Contact Lens Spectrum (2006) – Reverse geometry lenses for keratoconus
• Multiple white papers on ClearKone™, Duette™, and UltraHealth™ lens systems
• ARVO presentations on keratoconus and corneal aberration reduction (2006)
• Global Specialty Lens Symposium presentations (2011–2013)
• Research contributions on hybrid lens design, scleral lenses, and corneal irregularities
• Thesis: Keratoconic Optical Aberration Reduction with Reverse Geometry Contact Lens Design
• Contributions to CLEK Study (Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus)