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By Amanda Schapel

DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF

aschapel@media.ucla.edu

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.