Dr. Suzanne Fleiszig

Biography

Suzanne M.J. Fleiszig is a Professor in the Department of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the pathogenesis of bacterial infections in the cornea, particularly in patients who wear contact lenses and are prone to infectious keratitis. Her studies highlight how ocular flora in contact lens wearers can become contaminated with bacteria, contributing to serious vision loss caused by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fleiszig's work investigates the interaction between bacteria and the tear film, mechanisms of bacterial invasion, and factors that compromise corneal defenses. She employs various techniques, including microscopy and biochemical assays, to explore bacterial behavior in vitro and in vivo, using animal models to study infection processes. As an educator, she teaches courses on the anatomy and physiology of the eye, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the ocular system and its significance in health and disease.

Research Interests

Courses