Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Chief of Pediatric Optometry 

Here is what Leila's nominator had to say about her: 

Dr. Shirazi started 8 years ago as a staff optometrist and has consistently demonstrated exemplary clinical care.  In the last 3 years her contributions to the department were finally recognized and she was promoted the Associate Chief of Pediatric Optometry, where she functions much more like a practice manager-- managing not only the optometrists, but also orthoptists, optician, technicians, and admin support staff.  She even plays a heavy role in managing operations affecting the pediatric MDs as well.  She accomplishes all this with almost a full patient load and makes it look effortless, but I know she pours hours and hours of time and thought into her work to make the clinics run as smoothly as possible.  She is tenacious and a team player and great with patients.  What a gift to the department! 

Leila's Bio:

Fresh out of optometry residency, I joined the Pediatric Ophthalmology team at UCLA, with the goal of “one day” coming back home to the Bay Area. “One day” came so soon. One year later almost 8 years ago, I joined the Pediatric Ophthalmology team at UCSF, and have been privileged to work in a multidisciplinary teaching institution, one of the best in the nation, provide eye care to our wonderful patients, and teach our excellent residents and medical students. About 2.5 years ago, I took on a leadership role with the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry team here, and while challenging, I have been fortunate to grow tremendously, both personally and professionally alongside an amazingly dedicated team. 

Can you tell us about a significant role model or mentor in your life?  

When I matched with my residency program almost a decade ago, I did not realize I would be so fortunate to meet an instructor who would become not only my residency mentor, but my role model in the professional world. Dr. Sue Cotter is a big name in the field of Pediatric Optometry. But what has been truly inspiring to me throughout these years is that not only she has had an exceptional career as a healthcare provider, scientific researcher, collaborator, and leader, she has in fact shaped mine and the career of so many young women after her; a journey that we, all her students, share. Dr. Cotter has been a true role model who prioritizes creating opportunities for her trainees and guides them along the way, creating a network of strong and dedicated women in optometric practice, research, and education. Every day, I aspire to be like Sue: to advance the field of pediatric eye care, and have a positive impact on our students’ and team’s career growth.  

What do you like to do outside of work?  

Hiking, Biking, Trying out new restaurants in SF with my husband, and Cheering on the Golden State Warriors and Cal Bears! 

How do you think the role of women in the workforce has changed throughout your career?  

I must admit growing up an independent, happy, and naïve little girl, I had not noticed the gender disparities that existed in the workforce throughout the world. Gradually I learned that we owe much of our success in the workforce to many resilient women who did not give up on their dreams and proved their excellence despite the resistance they faced. As a teenage immigrant to the U.S., it brings me so much joy and pride to witness women’s strong presence in healthcare, technology, law, leadership, and many more previously male-dominated fields, and I hope through our actions, we continue to prove that gender is not a determinant for excellence. 

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.