Dr. Sandra Sieminski, M.D. has been appointed clinical assistant professor at the University at Buffalo and director of our glaucoma service. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in studio art at Brown University followed by medical school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She completed residency in ophthalmology at Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center where she served as chief resident in her final year. She then completed a fellowship in glaucoma at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Sieminski has a special interest in exfoliative glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma, and has had extensive experience in the evaluation and monitoring of glaucoma suspects. She has also had experience in international medicine, performing surgery in the Dominican Republic and Nigeria.

She is well trained in glaucoma filtering surgery such as trabeculectomy, and several types of glaucoma drainage device surgery. She is also trained in glaucoma laser surgery and cataract surgery. Sieminski is also one of a small handful of glaucoma specialists in Buffalo trained on the SLT(selective laser trabeculoplasty) laser.

The Ross Eye Institute is among the first facilities in Western New York to provide SLT, a safe and effective glaucoma laser treatment to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP): the No. 1 risk factor for glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that are usually associated with abnormally high pressure inside the eye. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

The Ross is now offering this state-of-the-art treatment to glaucoma patients, providing a safe and proven alternative to daily eye drop medications which can be costly and are often associated with unwanted side effects.

“Patients will be very happy with this new alternative to expensive glaucoma drops,’’ says Sieminski. “SLT is a painless, quick, and repeatable procedure, and is covered by most insurance plans.”

Patients who may be a candidate for SLT can see Sieminski at the Buffalo office, the expanding Amherst location and the Southtowns location in Orchard Park. Call 716-881-7900 or make an appointment online here.