Melike Pekmezci, M.D.

Assistant Professor

 

Diagnostic and prognostic markers of ocular neoplasms

Dr. Pekmezci is an ophthalmic pathologist and neuropathologist, and her translational research focuses on the molecular and novel immunohistochemical markers used in the diagnosis and prognostication of ocular neoplasms.  Specifically, there are ongoing research projects evaluating the molecular features of benign, borderline and malignant uveal melanocytic tumors, which can aid in the diagnosis as well as provide prognostic information for clinical management. In addition, she is working on immunohistochemical stains which can be used as surrogate markers for molecular alterations. Additional research topics include morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features of ocular surface neoplasms, epithelial tumors of the eyelid, and tumors of the lacrimal gland as well as various tumors involving the brain and meninges.
 

To Learn More:

https://profiles.ucsf.edu/melike.pekmezci
https://pathology.ucsf.edu/about/faculty/melike-pekmezci-md
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-melike-pekmezci
 

Research Areas:

Ocular Pathology, Ophthalmic Pathology
 
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Neeti Parikh, MD

Assistant Professor

 

Medical Education Research

Dr. Parikh is interested and involved with medical education research, specifically dealing with the field of ophthalmology, both in undergraduate and graduate medical education.  She has been involved in research revolving around the use and efficacy of a remote wet lab for ophthalmology resident microsurgical education.  Dr. Parikh also developed a project to evaluate the impact of an ophthalmic microsurgery lab on medical student understanding and comfort in microsurgery, and motivation and interest in ophthalmology.  Other current and future projects include the effectiveness and reach of a virtual ophthalmology elective as an avenue for career exploration for medical students, the effects of early mentorship for medical students interested in ophthalmology, and the development of a general and specialty specific health equity curriculum for ophthalmology residents.

 

To Learn More:

https://profiles.ucsf.edu/neeti.parikh


 

Research Areas:

Cataract, Dry Eye, Education
 
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Bryan Winn, MD

Associate Professor

 

Chronic Inflammatory Eye and Orbital Diseases

Dr. Bryan J. Winn is an ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastic surgery: treating disorders of the eyelid, tear drainage system, and orbit (cavity containing the eye). He also performs aesthetic rejuvenation procedures for the face. Winn studies how the environment, nutrition and the human microbiome (all the microorganisms living on and inside a human body) may play roles in chronic inflammatory eye and orbital diseases. Winn has published more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles and several book chapters.

 

To Learn More:

https://profiles.ucsf.edu/bryan.winn


 

Research Areas:

Oculoplastics, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Visual System Function in Adults
 
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Cathy Sun, MD

Assistant Professor

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma

Dr. Sun is a glaucoma specialist whose research focuses on big data and pragmatic clinical trials to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and other ocular conditions. Her interests involve utilizing electronic health records and natural language processing to study clinical outcomes, building and implementing clinical decision support software, and prediction modeling of ocular diseases. She has previously worked with the Proctor Foundation on the Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trial. In fellowship, she received a Heed Foundation award to pursue her research interests in glaucoma clinical trials.

 

To Learn More:

https://profiles.ucsf.edu/cathy.sun


 

Research Areas:

Glaucoma
 
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Robert Stamper, MD

Professor

 

Diagnosing Glaucoma Early to Prevent Vision Loss

Dr. Robert Stamper is an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma and cataract surgery. He serves as director of the UCSF Glaucoma Clinic. Stamper's research interests include methods of diagnosing glaucoma early to prevent vision loss. He has also been involved in research efforts to evaluate new surgical procedures for glaucoma.

 

To Learn More:

https://profiles.ucsf.edu/robert.stamper


 

Research Areas:

Glaucoma
 
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Alexander Smith, PhD

Assistant Professor

 

Molecular Mechanisms that Mediate Glial Barrier Function

Glial barriers form at the boundary of healthy nervous system tissue where they control exchange of substances with the surrounding fluids, form a protective barrier to seal off damaged areas and co-ordinate immune signalling with the periphery. By studying the molecular mechanisms that mediate glial barrier function Dr. Smith hopes to improve understanding of their role in disease, optimize the delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system and identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

 

To Learn More:

https://profiles.ucsf.edu/alexander.j.smith


 

Research Areas:

Neuro-Ophthalmology, Retina or Retinal Diseases, Visual System Development
 
 
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Leila Shirazi, OD

Optometrist

 

Strabismus, Amblyopia and Other Eye Disorders

In addition to treating patients, Shirazi is a researcher with the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group, a collaborative network of ophthalmologists and optometrists funded by the National Eye Institute. The group runs multicenter clinical trials on treatments for strabismus, amblyopia and other eye disorders affecting children.

 

To Learn More:

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-leila-shirazi


 

Research Areas:

Pediatric, Amblyopia, Strabismus, or Eye Movement Disorders
 
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