Sandra F. Sieminski MD

Sandra Sieminski

Sandra F. Sieminski
MD

Clinical Associate Professor. Director, Glaucoma Services, Clinical Vice Chair

Department of Ophthalmology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Clinical Research; Ophthalmology

Contact Information
1176 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14209
Phone: 7168817900
Fax: 7168814349
sandrafe@buffalo.edu


Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD


Professional Summary:

I am a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained in glaucoma. I am an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of Glaucoma Services, and the Clinical Vice Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University at Buffalo. I also serve as the Clerkship Director for the Ophthalmology rotation for the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and am the Chief of Service of Ophthalmology at the Erie County Medical Center. My research interests include exfoliative glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma, and laser therapy in glaucoma.

Education and Training:

  • Certificate, ECMC Medical/Dental Staff Leadership Program, American Association for Physician Leadership (2026)
  • Certificate, UB/Royal College of Physicians Educator Program, University at Buffalo/Royal College of Physicians (2013)
  • Fellowship, Glaucoma, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (2010)
  • Residency, Ophthalmology, Georgetown University (2009)
  • Internship, Internal Medicine, Washington Hospital Center (2006)
  • MD, Doctor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh (2005)
  • BA, Studio Arts, Brown University (2000)

Awards and Honors:

  • Buffalo Spree Top Doctors (2024)
  • 2024 Fellowship in Social Justice and Equity Administration and Leadership (2024)
  • Buffalo Spree Top Doctors (2023)
  • Buffalo Spree Top Doctors (2022)
  • Buffalo Spree Top Doctors (2021)
  • International Council of Ophthalmology Sandwich Fellowship Award (2019)
  • Buffalo Spree Top Doctors (2019)
  • Buffalo Spree Top Doctors (2018)
  • Evan Calkins, MD Fellowship for Community Based Research Award (2015)
  • Resident teaching award- University at Buffalo Ophthalmology (2013)
  • G. Victor Simpson Resident Research Award (2008)
  • Undergraduate Teaching and Research Assistantship Award- Brown University (1998)

Research Centers:

  • Ira G. Ross Eye Institute Research Center

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • September 2020–December 2021
    Clinical Outcomes of Varying Doses of Micropulse Trans-Scleral Cyclophotocoagulation
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • May 2020
    Reducing Risk of Blindness: A model of genetic and patient characteristics predictive of medication glaucoma adherence
    VAWNYHS
    Role: Consultant
  • VENICE Study- A prospective, randomized, multi-center evaluation of STREAMLINE® vs. iStent Inject W
    New World Medical
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • Iridex restricted grant
    Iridex Corporation
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator

Journal Articles:

  • Sandhur B, Zhang C, Yousef Y, Ersan S, Schwartz A, Belous D, Jethi M, Sieminski SF. (2024) Comparison of Iridex MP3 and P3 probes on long-term intraocular pressure control after MicroPulse Transscleral-Cyclophotocoagulation. American Journal of Ophthalmology International (Dec), 1(4) doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajoint.2024.100076
  • Venkatesan A, Ridilla M, Castro N, Wolosin JM, Henty-Ridilla JL, Knox BE, Ganapathy P, Brown JS, DeVincentis AF, Sieminski SF, Bernstein A. (2025) Mitochondrial and Microtubule Defects in Exfoliation Glaucoma. Free Radical Biology and Medicine (Mar)(233): 226-239. doi:10.1101/2024.11.25.625249
  • Dabkowski B, Ramulu PY, Sieminski SF, Van Tassel SH. (2024) The Challenge of Mental Health in Glaucoma. EyeNet Magazine (Dec)
  • Ersan S, Zhang C, Sieminski SF. (2024) Visually significant ocular decompression retinopathy following laser peripheral iridotomy in a patient with primary acute angle-closure. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports (Dec), 36 doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102215
  • Ersan S, Zhang C, Abbas A, Seraly MP, DeAngelis MM, Sieminski SF. (2023) The effect of continuous ppositive airway pressure devices on the development of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. American Journal of Ophthalmology (Dec)
  • Schwartz A, Sieminski SF. (2023) Acetazolamide Induced Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema, an Underreported Serious Adverse Event. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports (Nov), 30
  • Barr JL, Feehan M, Tak C, Owen LA, Finley RC, Cromwell PA, Lillvis JH, Hicks PM, Au E, Farkas MH, Weiner A, Reynolds AL, Sieminski SF, Sherva RM, Munger MA, Brilliant MH, DeAngelis MM. Heritable Risk and Protective Genetic Components of Glaucoma Medication Non-Adherence. (2023) Heritable Risk and Protective Genetic Components of Glaucoma Medication Non-Adherence. Int J Mol Sci. (Mar), 6(24) doi:10.3390
  • Kung TP, Zhang C, Sieminski SF. (2022) Acute panuveitis after COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccination following cataract surgery. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports (Oct)
  • Siedlecki A, Kinariwala A, Sieminski S. (2021) Uveitis-Glaucoma-Hyphema Syndrome Following iStent Implantation. Case Reports in Ophthalmology (Dec)
  • Siedlecki AR, Hicks PR, Haaland B, DeAngelis MM, Sieminski SF. (2021) Efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty after iStent implantation in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Journal of Personalized Med (Aug), 8(11) doi:10.3390
  • Hicks PM, Au E, Self W, Haaland B, Feehan M, Owen LA, Siedlecki A, Nuttall E, Harrison D, Reynolds AL, Lillvis JH, Sieminski S, Shulman JP, Barnoya M, Prera JJN, Gonzalez O, Murtaugh MA, Williams LB, Farkas MH, Crandall AS, DeAngelis MM. (2021) Pseudoexfoliation and Cataract Syndrome Associated with Genetic and Epidemiological Factors in a Mayan Cohort of Guatemala. Int J of Environ Res and Public Health (Jul), 14(18) doi:10.3390/ijerph18147231
  • Patrice M. Hicks, Benjamin Haaland, Michael Feehan, Alan S. Crandall, Jeff H. Pettey, Elizabeth Nuttall, William Self, Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, Paul Bernstein, Albert Vitale, Akbar Shakoor, Julia P. Shulman,Sandra F. Sieminski, Ivana Kim, Leah Owen, Maureen A. Murtaugh, Albert Noyes, Margaret M. DeAngelis *. (2020) Systemic disease and ocular comorbidity analysis of geographically isolated federally recognized American Indian tribes of the Intermountain West. Medicines (Nov) doi:10.3390/jcm9113590
  • Junttila TL, Lema GM, Sieminski SF. (2020) Prompt vitrectomy for management of endophthalmitis in setting of unexposed glaucoma drainage implant. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep (Jun), 18: 100671-100671.
  • Shah P, Varikuti VNV, Rai O, Hussein R, Chaves A, Dorairaj SK, Sieminski SF. (2020) Outcomes of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Eyes Without Previous Glaucoma Surgery. Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Jan).
  • Varikuti VNV, Shah P, Rai O, Chaves AC, Miranda A, Lim BA, Dorairaj SK, Sieminski SF. (2019) Outcomes of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Eyes With Good Central Vision. J Glaucoma (Oct), 28(10): 901-905.
  • Lincoff NS, Bucilli A, Weinstock-Guttman B, Sieminski S, Gandhi. (2017) Is multiple sclerosis associated with a lower intraocular pressure?. Journal of Neuroophthalmology (Sep), 37(3): 265-267.
  • Ding J, Yoganathan, P, Sieminski SF. (2015) Resolution of Siderosis Glaucoma From Chronic Intraocular Foreign Body Without Glaucoma Surgery. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology (Oct), 50(5): 82-85.
  • Ding J, Sieminski SF, Yoganathan P. (2015) Intraocular foreign bodies- a review from entry to exit and beyond. US Ophthalmic Review (Jan), 8(2): 135-138.
  • Furlanetto RL, Park SC, Damle UJ, Sieminski SF, Kung Y, Siegal N, Liebmann JM, Ritch R. (2013) Posterior displacement of the lamina cribrosa in glaucoma: in vivo interindividual and intereye comparisons. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci (Jul), 54(7): 4836-4842.
  • Chelnis JG, Sieminski SF, Reynolds JD. (2012) Urrets-Zavalia syndrome following goniotomy in a child. J AAPOS (Jun), 16(3): 312-313.
  • Abu Samra K, Sieminski SF, Sarup V. (2011) Decompression Retinopathy After ExPRESS Shunt Implantation for Steroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension: A Case Report. Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine (Jan).
  • Weiss GCK, Ersan S, Seeger C, Marchincin C, Stathopoulos A, Desilets J, Pilling A, Sieminski SF. (1900) Novel rebound tonometry versus Goldmann Applanation Tonometry, rebound tonometry iCare, and Ocular Response Analyzer in largely glaucomatous population. Ophthalmology Glaucoma (Jan)
  • Sieminski SF, Conner I. (1900) Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation. Review of Ophthalmology (Jan)
See all (13 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Sieminski S, Mohan S. (2022) Angle Closure Glaucoma. In: Manual of Eye and ENT Emergencies. S4Carlisle Publishing Services Pvt. Ltd, Chapter 47.
  • Sieminski SF (listed as Fernando SM). (2010) World Glaucoma Association Consensus on Medical Therapy of Glaucoma. In: Alpha Lipoic Acid. Kugler Publications
  • Sieminski SF (Listed as Fernando SM). (2010) World Glaucoma Association Consensus on Medical Therapy of Glaucoma. In: Fish Oil. Kugler Publications
  • Sieminski SF, Mohan S. (1900) Angle Closure Glaucoma. In: Manual of Eye and ENT Emergencies. Wolkers Kluwer

Abstracts:

  • Jethi M, Gautam N, Sieminski SF. (2025) Efficacy of Slow-coagulation Cyclophotocoagulation after Failed Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation in Refractory Glaucoma. American Glaucoma Society. Washington, DC, (Feb) Poster
  • Weiss, G, Joseph N, Pilling A, Desilets J, Ersan S, Marchincin C, Seeger CE, Sieminski SF. (2024) Comparison of novel rebound tonometry with standard of care intraocular pressure measurements in glaucomatous eyes. ARVO Journals, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Meeting. (Jun), (Accepted for poster presentation) Poster
  • Sandhur B, Zhang C, Yousef Y, Ersan S, Schwartz A, Belous D, Shah P, Sieminski SF. (2024) Comparison of long-term outcomes of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using the MP3 and P3 probes. ARVO Journals, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Meeting. (Jun), (Accepted for poster presentation) Poster
  • Venkatesan A, Castro N, Wolosin JM, Ganapathy PS, Brown JS, DeVincentis AF, Sieminski SF, Bernstein AM. (2024) Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Exfoliation Glaucoma. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Meeting. (May) Oral
  • Jethi, MJ, Sieminski SF. Uncontrolled severe open angle glaucoma treated with standalone trabeculotomy and viscodilation of Schlemm’s canal- A case Series. (2024) Uncontrolled severe open angle glaucoma treated with standalone trabeculotomy and viscodilation of Schlemm’s canal- A case Series. Annual meeting of American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Boston, Massachusetts (May), (99544) Poster
  • Patrice M Hicks; Benjamin Haaland; Michael Feehan; Alan S Crandall; Jeff H Pettey; Albert T Vitale; M Elizabeth Hartnett; Paul S Bernstein; Akbar Shakoor; Sandra F Sieminski; Julia P Shulman; Ivana K Kim; Leah A. Owen; Maureen Murtaugh; Albert Noyes; Margaret M DeAngelis. (2020) Retinal and systemic disease of Native Americans in the Intermountain West. IOVS, (Jun)
  • Shah P, Batton K, Miranda A, Lim B, Dorairaj SK, Sieminski S. (2018) Safety and efficacy of micropulse transscleral cyclophotogoagulation in eyes with good central vision. (Oct)
  • Shah P, Rai R, Lim B, Dorairaj SK, Sieminski S. (2018) Clinical Outcome of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in patients with no prior incisional glaucoma surgery. (Sep)
  • Tai A, Song J, Sieminski SF, Borke J. (2015) 350mm2 end plate non-valved glaucoma implant in the youngest pediatric patients. (Jan)
  • Fernando SM, DeMoraes CGV, Teng CC, Tello C, Ritch R, Liebmann JM. (2010) Exfoliation syndrome, intraocular pressure and disc hemorrhage. IOVS, (Apr)
  • Fernando SM, Ko GJ, Berinstein DM, Sanders RJ. (2008) Efficacy of Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Previously Treated With Intravitreal Bevacizumab. IOVS, (May)
  • Fernando SM, Wollstein G, Ishikawa H, Jones BL, Noecker RJ, Schuman JS. (2005) Glaucoma detection using the OCT normative database. IOVS, (May)
See all (2 more)

Professional Memberships:

  • President, Roswell Park Medical Club; Coordinate monthly interdisciplinary meetings which involves an academic speaker, clinical vignettes shared amongst members (2024–present)
  • Glaucoma Research Foundation; Steering committee member and physician ambassador (2023–present)
  • Reviewer Data In Brief Journal (2019–present)
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (2016–present)
  • Roswell Park Medical Club; Monthly interdisciplinary meeting club, nominated for membership by peers (2015–present)
  • Optimum Physicians Alliance (2012–present)
  • American Glaucoma Society (2010–present)
  • Buffalo Ophthalmological Society (2010–present)

Presentations:

  • "Decoding the Diagnostic Dilemma: Glaucoma vs. Neuro-Ophthalmology" American Academy of Ophthalmology, accepted course 642 (2025)
  • "Light Adjustable Lens for All? Yes or No" American Academy of Ophthalmology, invited course (2025)
  • "Interventional Glaucoma" University of Rochester Annual Conference: Ross Debates in Ophthalmology (2025)
  • "MIGS Decision Making in Cataract Surgery" Buffalo Ophthalmology Society (2024)
  • "Glaucoma Tube Shunts: Indications and Pearls" Georgia Ophthalmological Society (2024)
  • "Normal Tension Glaucoma" Glaucoma Research Foundation Patient Summit (2024)
  • "Phaco With MIGS: Which one do I choose?" Georgia Ophthalmological Society (2024)
  • "Light Adjustable Lens" Western New York Optometric Society (2024)
  • "Light Adjustable Lens- Background and Cases" Windsor Regional Hospital Ophthalmology Meeting (2024)
  • "Interventional In-Office Glaucoma Based Procedures- AAO 617" (2023)
  • "Can MIGS Standalone?" Dong H Shin Annual Glaucoma Conference (2023)
  • "Cataract and MIGS" Georgetown University Alumni Lecture (2023)
  • "New Drug Delivery Session" Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum (2023)
  • "Case Reports in MIGS and Cataract Surgery" CyberSight Virtual Conference (2023)
  • "Interventional In-Office Glaucoma Procedures: AAO Course 617" American Academy of Ophthalmology (2022)
  • "Mindfulness in Ophthalmology" American Academy of Ophthalmology Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program (2022)
  • "The Trab is Not Dead" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium (2022)
  • "Micropulse Transscleral Therapy" University of Pittsburgh Grand Rounds (2022)
  • "The Trab is Not Dead" Pittsburgh Ophthalmological Society Meeting (2022)
  • "What's New in MIGS" Pittsburgh Ophthalmological Society Meeting (2022)
  • "Writing a Personal Statement for Academic Promotion" OFA Panel and Q&A on Developing your Personal Statement (2022)
  • "Afternoon Catalyst" Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum (2022)
  • "Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation" (2022)
  • "Patient Selection for Micropulse TLT" European Glaucoma Society (2021)
  • "ZAP and Eagle Trials" American Academy of Ophthalmology (2021)
  • "Goniotomy in Adults" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium (2021)
  • "Patient Selection for Micropulse TLT" Georgetown University Grand Rounds (2020)
  • "Post operative management of blebs" Kresge Eye Institute Grand Rounds; Kresge Eye Institute (2020)
  • "Diagnosis and Management of the Glaucoma Suspect" Kresge Eye Institute Grand Rounds; Kresge Eye Institute (2020)
  • "Diagnosis and Management of the Glaucoma Suspect" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2019)
  • "Tube Exposure: Pearls for Success" World Glaucoma Congress (2019)
  • "New Glaucoma Surgeries" Western New York Society of Health System Pharmacists Annual Meeting; Western New York Society of Health System Pharmacists (2019)
  • "Update on glaucoma medications" Western New York Society of Health System Pharmacists Annual Meeting; Western New York Society of Health System Pharmacists (2019)
  • "Tube Exposure Incidence, Risk Factors, and Repair" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2018)
  • "Initial Xen Gel Stent Experience" Annual Buffalo June Conference; University at Buffalo (2018)
  • "Malignant Glaucoma Management" Albany Ophthalmology Update; Albany Medical College (2018)
  • "Natural Compounds in Glaucoma" Albany Ophthalmology Update; Albany Medical College (2018)
  • "And the moral of the story is: Difficult cases in glaucoma" Western New York Optometric Society Annual Meeting; WNY Optometric Society (2017)
  • "Micropulse laser in the treatment of glaucoma" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2017)
  • "Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery" New York Annual Optical Society Meeting; New York Optical Society (2017)
  • "New Advances in Glaucoma Surgery" Lions Eye Club Monthly Meeting; Lions Eye Club (2017)
  • "Malignant Glaucoma: an update" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2016)
  • "Difficult Cases in Angle Closure" European Glaucoma Society Meeting; ; Angle Closure Glaucoma (2016)
  • "Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Eye Disease" World Ophthalmology Congress; ; Alternative therapies in Glaucoma (2016)
  • "Management of Neovascular Glaucoma" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Glaucoma Surgical Training in Subsaharan Africa" World Glaucoma Congress; ; International Glaucoma (2015)
  • "Steroid Induced Glaucoma" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2014)
  • "Heidelberg OCT in glaucoma" Henry Ford Hospital Dept of Ophthalmology Grand Rounds; Henry Ford Hospital Department of Ophthalmology (2013)
  • "An Update on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Updates on imaging in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma" Annual Congress of College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka; ; Glaucoma (2013)
  • "Enhanced Depth Imaging OCT in Glaucoma" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "Systemic manifestations of exfoliative glaucoma" Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology; ; Exfoliative Glaucoma (2012)
  • "Fish Oil and Eye DIsease" World Ophthalmology Congress; ; Supplementation in Glaucoma (2012)
  • "Neuroprotection in Glaucoma" Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium; University at Buffalo (2011)
  • "Natural Compounds in Glaucoma" World Glaucoma Congress; ; Alternative therapies in Glaucoma (2011)
  • "Medical Treatment of Exfoliative Glaucoma" World Ophthalmology Congress; ; Exfoliative Glaucoma (2011)
  • "Baerveldt glaucoma implant: Design considerations and basics of technique" Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology; ; Glaucoma Surgery (2010)
  • "Exfoliation syndrome: a sign of vascular disease?" Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology; ; Hot Topics in Glaucoma (2010)
  • "11/2023: Mundane Migraine vs. Malicious Mimicker, How to Approach Transient Vision Changes" AAO Learning Lounge
  • "Residency Training" Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program at American Academy of Ophthalmology 2022
See all (50 more)

Service Activities:

  • UB DoctHers Panel; Panelist (2025)
  • Serving on committee to enhance physician wellness; UBMD Work Life Team (2025–present)
  • Ophthalmology Glaucoma; Reviewer (2024–present)
  • Ophthalmology Interest Group; Panelist (2024)
  • JSMBS Association of Women Surgeons; Panelist (2024)
  • AGS Multimedia committee member; Committee Member (2024–present)
  • University at Buffalo Sight Savers; Coordinator/Supervisor (2024–present)
  • DoctHERS Mentorship program- University at Buffalo; Mentor (2024–present)
  • Serving a 2 year term as an academic promotions committee member, meeting monthly; Clinical Promotions Committee (2023–present)
  • University at Buffalo Sight Savers; Coordinator (2023–present)
  • Serving a 5 year term as steering committee member for this annual meeting conducted by the Glaucoma Research Foundation; Glaucoma 360 Annual Meeting Steering Committee (2023–present)
  • Attend monthly meetings for Faculty Senate; Member (2022–present)
  • Ophthalmology Interest Group Panel; Panelist (2022–present)
  • Board Member, Visually Impaired Advancement; Board Member (2021–present)
  • Board Member Visually Impaired Advancement; Board member (2021–present)
  • Retina Candidate Interview Committee (2020)
  • COVID Response Task Force (2020)
  • Technician Educational Lecture Series; Organizer (2020–2021)
  • Annual Buffalo Glaucoma Symposium organizer; Organizer (2018–2021)
  • University at Buffalo Mini Medical School; Presenter (2018)
  • Faculty Practice Management Plan; Alternate Representative (2018–present)
  • American Glaucoma Society Quality Committee; Committee member (2018–present)
  • Physician Philanthropy Council; Member (2017–present)
  • Physician Philanthropy Council; Member (2017–present)
  • Clinical Competency Committee; Committee Member (2017–present)
  • Center for Ambulatory Surgery; Executive Board Member (2017–present)
  • Organize each medical students' ophthalmology rotation, instruct students, provide individual advisement; Ophthalmology Clerkship Director (2015–present)
  • Chief of Service at Erie County Medical Center; Chief of Service ECMC (2015–present)
  • Residency Interview Committee; Interview Committee (2012–present)
  • Community Glaucoma Screening, Buffalo NY Have conducted various community glaucoma screenings in conjunction with the Ophthalmology Interest Group members from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical sciences; Acting Director (2010–present)
  • Developed OPH 802 due to high demand for advanced ophthalmology rotations; Ophthalmology Curriculum Development Jacobs School of Medicine

School News:

In the Media:


Clinical Specialties:

Clinical Offices:

Insurance Accepted:



Contact Information

1176 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14209
Phone: 7168817900
Fax: 7168814349
sandrafe@buffalo.edu

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD