By Amanda Schapel
DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF
[email protected]
Susan Niemann, a pediatric orthoptist at the Jules Stein Eye
Center, has died at the age of 36.
Niemann was known for her ability to reach out to people and for
her skill and kindness with eye disorder patients.
“She was extremely caring and compassionate and touched
the lives of many,” said Emalee Niemann, Susan’s
sister.
Niemann was found dead in her apartment July 17 for reasons
still undetermined. The Los Angeles Police Department is
investigating Niemann’s death, but autopsy results are still
several weeks away.
At the Jules Stein Eye Institute, Niemann specialized in ocular
motility and strabismus. She helped treat children with lazy or
crossed eyes and adults with glaucoma and cataracts.
Niemann was especially talented at customizing the corrective
prismatic glasses that are used for young patients with eye
disorders.
“She was a bright and lively young woman,” said
Joseph Demer, Niemann’s principal supervisor at the Jules
Stein Eye Institute. “She’ll be missed and missed by
her patients.”
Niemann worked hard to put her young patients at ease,
entertaining them with puppets while she examined their eyes for
possible disorders.
She showed the same kindness in approaching and connecting with
people at her church, the University Lutheran Chapel, according to
pastor Tim Seals.
“She had a very beautiful spirit,” Seals said.
“She was able to reach out to people that didn’t quite
fit in.”
Niemann helped promote spirituality at ULC, planning bible
studies, social events and retreats. She also enjoyed yoga
classes.
She became certified as an orthoptist from the University of
Iowa in 1991 after graduating from there three years earlier with a
degree in communications studies and a minor in psychology.
Niemann then moved to Houston, first going into private practice
and later working as lead orthoptist at the University of Texas
Southwest Medical Center.
Niemann moved to California in 1994 and became a leading
orthoptist at Spectrum Eye Physicians in Los Gatos. She also taught
residents and gave teaching lectures at Stanford.
She also served as the western regional representative for the
American Association of Certified Orthoptists.
Niemann is survived by a sister, Emalee Niemann, and her
parents, James and Jean Niemann. She had a golden retriever named
Tex and a cat named Nigel.
Niemann was buried July 25 in Iowa. A memorial service at UCLA
is still being planned.