Announcement
Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan, PhD, FSLS, FAAO, a renowned optometrist, ocularist, researcher and educator, has been awarded a Doctorate in Optometry and Vision Care by European Professional University in 2026. The doctorate honours his exemplary contributions to clinical optometry, vision science, technological innovation and professional education over a career spanning nearly four decades.
Professional Highlights
His pioneering work includes management of keratoconus, development of custom‑designed Higher‑Order Aberration (HOA) scleral lenses, myopia control strategies, orthokeratology, ocular prosthetics and the clinical application of red‑light therapy for controlling childhood myopia progression. In keratoconus, he combines detailed corneal evaluation with highly customised scleral lenses that improve visual clarity, comfort and quality of life, while wavefront‑guided HOA lenses reduce glare, halos, ghost images and night‑vision disturbances. For myopia control, he advocates comprehensive assessment and personalised management using orthokeratology, defocus spectacle lenses, appropriate pharmacological support, lifestyle modification and regular monitoring of axial length and refractive development. He is also actively involved in developing safe, structured, scientifically monitored red‑light therapy protocols for selected children.
Institutional Contributions
In 1988, Dr Chawan founded Shekhar Eye Research with the vision to combine scientific research, advanced technology and compassionate patient care. Frequently travelling between India and the United States, he introduced advanced eye‑care solutions in both countries. Inspired by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who invited him to contribute his international experience to India, Dr Chawan began bringing Western technologies and specialised clinical techniques to India in 2004. Since then, he has taught and trained eye‑care professionals at several leading ophthalmic institutions across the country through lectures, workshops, clinical demonstrations and professional collaborations, making advanced contact‑lens technology, scleral‑lens fitting, ocular prosthetics, orthokeratology and modern myopia‑management strategies more accessible within India.
Recent Development
Dr Chawan recently closed his practice in Beverly Hills, California, to dedicate himself full‑time to Shekhar Eye Research in India. The centre now operates as a Centre of Excellence for keratoconus management, HOA scleral lenses, myopia control, orthokeratology, red‑light therapy and prosthetic contact lenses, reflecting his lifelong commitment to bringing global expertise to Indian patients while developing solutions suited to local needs.