Maria K. Walker, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS: Dr. Maria K. Walker is a clinical faculty member at the University of Houston College of Optometry and is currently finishing up her Ph.D. studying the effects of scleral lenses on the ocular surface. Dr. Walker is involved in several research projects at the Ocular Surface Institute at the University of Houston, primarily studying scleral lenses and the tear film. Her other research interests include specialty contact lens optics and inflammation with contact lenses. She has published several peer-reviewed manuscripts and is an active reviewer for Contact Lens & Anterior Eye and Optometry & Vision Science. Dr. Walker lectures domestically and internationally on scleral lenses and has won several awards related to contact lenses and research, including the VSP Vision Care Scholarship for Clinical Excellence, the Sheldon Wechsler Contact Lens Residency Award, and she is a two-time recipient of the Ezell Fellowship given by the American Optometric Foundation. Dr. Walker is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, an advisory board member of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute, a member of the Cornea & Contact Lens Section of the AAO, a board member of the International Forum for Scleral Lens Research, and is the current  President of the Scleral Lens Education Society.