Dr. Kreiger lectures on retinal pathology. Photo Courtesy David Telander, MD, PhD.
Allan ‘Buzz’ Kreiger, MD, completed his ophthalmology residency at UCLA. In 1968, he began a one-year fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston with Taylor Smith, MD. After further fellowship training with Professor Gerhard Meyer-Schwickerath in Germany, where he studied photocoagulation, Dr. Kreiger returned to UCLA. He joined the faculty as a clinical instructor in surgery, rising to assistant professor, associate professor, and professor of ophthalmology, ultimately becoming professor of ophthalmology emeritus in 2006.
Dr. Kreiger (middle back row) in 1968 with Dr. Taylor Smith and MEEI retina team. Photo Courtesy Buzz Kreiger, MD.
Dr. Kreiger was a contributor and leader in virtually every major multicenter clinical trial from the Diabetic Vitrectomy Study to the Silicone Oil Study and Perfluorocarbon Liquid Studies. His seminal works—including descriptions and treatments for viral retinitis, anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), non-posterior vitreous detachment-associated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and risks to the fellow eye—transformed approaches to surgical interventions. He has published approximately 120 papers, received numerous awards, and trained hundreds of students, residents, and fellows, leaving an enduring legacy in the retina community.
He was an avid fly fisherman and co-founder of the Pine Ridge Eye Study Club, whose membership has included luminaries such as Drs. Don Gass, David Parke, Mike Trese, Ed Isby, and many other leaders in retina.
highlights
1985
Utilized immunoperoxidase to identify herpes simplex type I viral antigens in the brain, optic nerve and retina of a patient with herpetic retinitis and encephalitis.
Clinical Instructor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Los Angeles
1969 - 2006
Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Los Angeles
Education and Training
Fellowships:
Photocoagulation, Essen University Hospital, with Gerhard Meyer-Schwickerath MD
Ophthalmic pathology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, with Taylor Smith, MD, 1969
Residency: University of California, Los Angeles, 1967
Internship: University of California, Los Angeles, 1964
Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles, 1963
Reflections
Colin McCannel, MD
Kreiger would sometimes describe someone he admired or respected as a real mensch—a person of integrity and honor. Actually, Buzz was always the real mensch in the room, but he was also a giant.
He would often talk about the privilege we had as doctors to be able to take care of patients and operate on their eyes. Buzz was quite clear that this privilege came with great responsibility, and his surgical teaching reflected this attitude and approach. He himself was an amazing surgeon; watching him operate was like observing poetry in motion.
Buzz educated us about addressing the pathophysiology and pathoanatomy principles, many of which he helped establish, correctly. We fellows benefited greatly from learning that way of thinking.
He taught me that caring about the patient and the outcomes of patient care was key to honoring our privilege. Buzz would say, ‘If one doesn’t care anymore, one should quit.’ He never stopped caring. Buzz was a real mensch among giants. I truly believe the field of retina is better off because Buzz was part of it.
Dr. Kreiger with Fellows. Photo Courtesy Pradeep Prasad, MD.
Pradeep Prasad, MD, MBA
Dr. Allan ‘Buzz’ Kreiger was a giant in our field—not just as a surgeon and scientist, but as an exceptional educator. Throughout his distinguished career, Buzz imparted the essentials of vitreoretinal surgery to me and nearly 100 other fellows: understanding the anatomy, ‘getting it right the first time’ in the operating room, and valuing patience and keen observation.
Yet, Buzz’s teachings on life and finding purpose resonated even more deeply. Always by example, Buzz instilled in us the core values that made him and us better people: compassion for those in need, respect for people from all walks of life, and a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty.
His joy in forming meaningful relationships was ever-present, guiding his interactions. Whether in the clinic or by his home’s crackling fireplace, Buzz was always ready to listen, offer wise counsel, and simply be a friend. He was a mentor in the truest sense. As his mentors shaped him, we who knew Buzz proudly stand on his broad shoulders, committed to guiding the next generation.
Dr. Kreiger and Fellows in Key West, FL. Photo Courtesy David Telander, MD, PhD.
David Telander, MD, PhD
Allan ‘Buzz’ Krieger lived a full life and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time in the world of retina. He was respected by all his colleagues for his integrity and insights into complex retinal diseases. Buzz’s work, teachings, publications, and presentations have educated many generations of retina surgeons.
The interview I had the chance to do with him last year was an honor and is a great reflection of his insights. (See link below.) He was loved by his patients for his compassion, kindness, and skill. Buzz inspired the many students, residents, and fellows he taught over his long career. His fellows felt his guidance and wisdom was priceless, not only on how to be an excellent doctor, but how to be a good person.
One common saying among his fellows when facing a tough decision was, ‘What Would Buzz Do?’—which applied to clinic, surgery, and life.
“His family cherished him and was a tremendous support to him. To me, Buzz was a great mentor with whom I shared endless fishing stories, discussed tough surgical cases, and enjoyed many laughs—and who will be greatly missed.”
%20in%201968%20with%20Dr%20Taylor%20Smith%20and%20MEEI%20retina%20team.PC%20Buzz%20Kreiger%20MD.jpeg)
