University at Buffalo (UB)
Fliesler Leads International Society for Eye Research
Published February 8, 2012 This content is archived.
Steven J. Fliesler, PhD, Meyer H. Riwchun Endowed Chair Professor of Ophthalmology, has begun a two-year term as president of the International Society for Eye Research (ISER).
In this capacity, he is responsible for guiding the organization and overseeing its biennial meetings, the next of which will be held this July in Berlin.
Expanding Opportunities for Young Researchers
During his term, Fliesler’s goals include expanding ISER’s membership and increasing opportunities for young investigators to pursue research and attend society meetings. He also would like to promote increased international collaboration in eye and vision research and the exchange of scientific ideas and information.
“It’s a very validating experience to have this kind of recognition from one’s peers,” says Fliesler, whose term began in January.
“Whenever I act in an official capacity on behalf of the organization, the byline of the university is carried with me, so I think it elevates the international stature of the university to have a faculty member in this kind of position.”
Pioneering Expert on Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome
Fliesler is an internationally recognized ophthalmic researcher. For 19 consecutive years, the National Institutes of Health has funded his pioneering studies into retinal dysfunction and degeneration associated with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS).
At UB, Fliesler serves as vice chair and director of research for the Department of Ophthalmology and as the director of research for the Ira G. Ross Eye Institute Vision Research Center, a laboratory primarily housed in the Buffalo VA Medical Center.
He holds a concurrent staff position as a health systems specialist as well as acting associate chief of staff for research and development in the VA Western New York Healthcare System.
In addition, he serves as the retina and choroid section editor and Focus on Molecules feature editor of Experimental Eye Research, ISER’s flagship journal.