Poonam Naik, PhD has been featured by the National Institutes of Health as part of its MyWHY: Stories Made Possible by NIH Research series, which highlights the personal motivations behind biomedical research careers.
A Personal Connection to Vision Loss
Naik’s interest in vision science began with early experiences witnessing people close to her struggle with declining vision. These challenges often impacted their ability to perform everyday tasks and maintain independence.
She recognized that in many cases, limited awareness of eye diseases and lack of access to timely treatment meant that preventable conditions went unaddressed.
“Because the impact of vision loss extends beyond the individual – often reshaping the daily lives of caregivers – and research is how we develop solutions that meaningfully improve patients’ lives.”
Advancing Awareness and Access Through Research
Naik’s story highlights the importance of education, early detection, and equitable access to eye care—key factors in reducing preventable vision loss. Her work contributes to a broader effort within vision science to bridge gaps between research discoveries and real-world patient impact.