Meet Our Eye Care Team

Catherine Heyman

OD, FAAO, Diplomate of Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry

AREAS OF SPECIALITY
Pediatrics, Pediatrics patients with Disabilities, Low Vision Rehabilitation

Dr. Catherine Heyman is the Founding Dean of the High Point University School of Optometry and has clinical expertise in pediatric low vision, binocular vision, vision development, and the care of patients with disabilities. She is passionate about helping children and adults achieve their best possible vision and function through thoughtful evaluation, individualized treatment, and compassionate, patient-centered care.

Dr. Heyman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomate in its Binocular Vision and Vision Perception Section, and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD/OVDRA). She serves as the principal investigator for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) at High Point University. Her research interests include the function of accommodation in children with low vision and the development of evidence-based approaches to pediatric eye care.

Throughout her career, Dr. Heyman has held leadership roles in pediatric low vision, disability and accessibility services, clinical education, and optometric research. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to expanding access to high-quality eye care and preparing future optometrists to serve patients with skill, empathy, and confidence.

Annette Bade

O.D., M.S., FAAO, Diplomate ABO

Associate Dean of Clinics
Dr Annette Bade is an accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher with experience in patient care and over two decades of academic leadership. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, innovative, evidence-based care while preparing the next generation of optometrists through excellence in clinical education and mentorship.

Dr. Bade earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southeastern University College of Optometry and a Master of Science in Clinical Vision Research from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry (ABO). Prior to joining High Point University, she served on the faculty at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, progressing from Instructor to Professor while holding numerous leadership positions in clinical education, research, curriculum development, and the institutional review board.

An active clinical investigator, Dr. Bade has served as a principal investigator, co-investigator, and clinical research coordinator for numerous National Eye Institute–funded and multicenter clinical trials, including the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT). Her research focuses on binocular vision, pediatric eye care, autism spectrum disorder, spectacle adaptation, visual function, and expanding access to vision care for underserved populations. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and research posters that have advanced evidence-based optometric practice.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bade has been recognized for her commitment to leadership, professional service, and education. She has held leadership positions within state and national optometric organizations, served as president of multiple professional societies, contributed to national committees and special interest groups, and mentored countless students, residents, and early-career optometrists. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment emphasizes compassionate patient care, interprofessional collaboration, and the highest standards of optometric practice.

Paula Luke

OD, FAAO

AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Pediatric Eye Care, Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation

Dr. Paula Luke is a Professor of Optometry and Associate Dean of Academics at the High Point University School of Optometry, with clinical interests in pediatric eye care, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. She is passionate about helping children and adults develop, recover, or strengthen visual skills that support learning, comfort, balance, and daily function. Her clinical approach emphasizes thoughtful evaluation, individualized treatment planning, and compassionate care for patients with binocular vision disorders, visual processing concerns, concussion-related vision problems, and other neuro-visual challenges.

Dr. Luke is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and completed a residency in pediatric optometry and vision therapy. Her professional and scholarly interests include amblyopia, strabismus, binocular vision, visual development, and the relationship between vision and learning. Her research experience has included pediatric eye care and binocular vision, while her broader scholarly work has addressed evidence-based clinical practice, curriculum development, and optometric education.

Throughout her career, Dr. Luke has held leadership roles in clinical care, optometric education, curriculum development, and academic administration. She has directed pediatric and vision therapy clinical services, taught across the optometric curriculum, mentored students and faculty, and led the development and evaluation of academic programs. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to improving patient care and preparing future optometrists to serve patients with knowledge, empathy, and confidence.

Stephanie M. Schumacher

OD, FAAO

AREAS OF SPECIALITY
Specialty Contact Lenses, Anterior Segment Disease, Glaucoma

Dr. Stephanie Schumacher is an Assistant Professor of Optometry at High Point University School of Optometry, where she brings clinical expertise in specialty contact lens fitting, anterior segment disease, and glaucoma. She takes a precise, detail-driven approach to managing complex cases, combined with genuine care for each patient’s comfort and long-term visual health.

Dr. Schumacher earned her Doctor of Optometry with Dean’s Honors from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science in 2021, followed by a residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at the Michigan College of Optometry. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Throughout her career, Dr. Schumacher has held roles in clinical education, specialty contact lens consulting, and OD-MD private practice. She has served as a clinical preceptor in primary care and specialty contact lens clinics, and worked as a consultant for Art Optical, assisting practitioners nationwide with contact lens design and troubleshooting. Dr. Schumacher went on to found a specialty contact lens program in Oakville, Ontario, where she managed care for more than 100 specialty lens patients, as well as co-managed medical glaucoma, cataract and uveitis patients alongside ophthalmology. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing optometric care and preparing future optometrists to serve patients with skill and confidence.

Amber Burroughs

Amber Burroughs is an experienced healthcare operations leader with more than 16 years of experience in optometry, practice management, and healthcare operations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership, business strategy, and operational management. Throughout her career, Amber has combined her business expertise with a passion for patient-centered care, helping practices improve efficiency, strengthen teams, and deliver exceptional clinical experiences.

As Clinic Manager at High Point University Eye Health, Amber oversees the daily operations of a growing academic eye care clinic, ensuring patients receive outstanding service while supporting faculty, staff, and student clinicians in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. She has played a key role in developing clinic workflows, implementing operational processes and policies, and helping build the practice from the ground up to support both patient care and clinical education.

Amber is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where every patient feels valued from the moment they arrive. She is committed to operational excellence, mentoring and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and compassion. Her leadership focuses on optimizing clinic operations, improving the patient experience, and supporting the next generation of optometrists through a strong academic healthcare environment.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and dedication to continuous improvement, Amber strives to ensure High Point University Eye Health provides exceptional, personalized eye care while advancing the mission of education, innovation, and service within the community.

Faith Krause

Faith Krause is an Optometric Technician with over two years of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered eye care. She holds an Associate’s degree and is dedicated to creating a welcoming and efficient clinical experience while assisting patients through every step of their visit. Faith is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their eye care through compassionate communication and personalized support.

Faith is experienced in performing a wide range of diagnostic testing and utilizing advanced ophthalmic technology, including the Auto Refractor, Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT), iCare tonometer, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), retinal imaging, visual field testing, corneal topography, RETeval testing, and dry eye evaluations. She also provides contact lens training and patient education and has knowledge and experience with specialty contact lenses for patients with complex ocular conditions. Her technical proficiency, attention to detail, and commitment to quality care contribute to accurate testing and efficient clinic operations.

Throughout her career, Faith has remained committed to delivering exceptional patient care while supporting providers in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of ocular conditions. She strives to foster a positive clinical environment through professionalism, empathy, and continuous learning, ensuring each patient receives attentive, high-quality care.

Kathy Diz

Kathy Diz is a Florida Licensed Optician with over 20 years of experience in optical care, specializing in frame styling and everyday lens selection. She is passionate about helping patients achieve their best possible vision and comfort through personalized consultations, precision frame fitting, and thoughtful, patient-centered care.

Kathy earned her Associates degree in Health Sciences with a specialization in Opticianry from Hillsborough Community College. Her expertise lies in guiding patients to the ideal combination of lens technology and stylish frames tailored specifically to their daily routines, lifestyle needs, and unique personal preferences.

Throughout her career, Kathy has maintained a steadfast commitment to combining technical optical accuracy with high-touch customer service. Her work reflects a dedication to providing high-quality eyewear solutions that ensure every patient leaves feeling confident, comfortable, and seeing clearly.