Leslie Kanda, MD

Even as a young girl growing up in Chico, California, Leslie Kanda knew that she wanted to become a physician. Fascinated by the human visual system and interested in improving people’s eyesight, Leslie sought the rewarding career of Ophthalmology. 

After graduating with honors from Vassar College in New York majoring in Biochemistry, Dr. Kanda completed her medical degree and Ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University in Chicago. 

She has performed research on glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and eyelid and dry eye conditions. She also has served as a medical volunteer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr. Kanda is Past President of the Phoenix Ophthalmological Society and was named a “Top Doc” in Phoenix Magazine in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2020, and 2024. She is Clinical Assistant Professor with The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Surgery.

Dr. Kanda is a firm believer in giving back to the community. She has taught medical students and residents at U of A College of Medicine in Phoenix, Maricopa County Hospital, Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, and Wills Eye Hospital. She has provided free eye care for St. Vincent de Paul’s charity medical clinic and the Arizona Mobile Eye Unit that travels to rural parts of the State. She has also worked with the Arizona Foundation for Eye Health providing telemedicine eye screenings to patients with diabetes.