Dr. George Kornfeld was first exposed to optometry by his father, Dr. Seymour Kornfeld, who had a practice in Elmira, NY. Doctor S. Kornfeld was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and had exposed George to the profession in his private general and contact lens practice to make sure that optometry was something George himself had a genuine interest in and commitment to. He would ask, “are you sure this is something you want to go into?” George’s first job in the field was in an optical lab and that is where he found his passion.
“80 percent of learning is through the eyes… theater, driving, reading… experiencing life!”
George graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now Salus University) and it was his father who first introduced George to the pioneer of low vision, Dr. William Feinbloom at an American Academy of Optometry meeting in New York. Shortly afterward, George ran into Dr. Feinbloom in Tel Aviv where Dr. Feinbloom was establishing a low vision clinic. George ended up filling a role for someone on maternity leave and the rest is history! George went on to create low vision services at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY, and then The Lighthouse, a low vision clinic in Haifa, Israel. His first low vision practice in Israel was started in his apartment!
“I am very interested in how complicated and amazing the eyes are… the amazement of the eyes… all of the chemical, electrical, and mechanical interactions!”
AFFILIATIONS
● Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) 1985-Present
The American Academy of Optometry is an international optometry organization (there are also chapters in Canada and India) dedicated to Lifelong Learning, Excellence, Evidence-based care, Integrity, and Collaboration and Collegiality. The Fellowship designation represents Dr. Kornfeld’s commitment to these same values. In qualifying for and maintaining his Fellowship, he undergoes reviews with subcommittee chairs, submits patient case studies, has written papers, and completes thorough oral evaluations. Being a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry is important because it acknowledges that he practices at the highest level of optometry and stays up to date on research and advances.
“I was interested in being a part of the most prestigious optometric group that sets the standard for quality and research in my field.”
● Fellow of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (FIALVS) 14 YEARS
IALVS is a group of highly qualified optometrists that help patients suffering from conditions associated with low vision. Being a part of IALVS, we are strongly dedicated to the mission of helping those suffering from low vision live a quality, independent lifestyle by providing them access to optically advanced, hands-free low vision devices. Dr. Kornfeld has completed The Richard Shuldiner, OD/William Feinbloom, OD Philosophy & Methods of Providing Low Vision Care™ intensive training program and attends annual low vision training.
“The sharing of low vision information has been invaluable, and I appreciate the camaraderie.”
George has had his low vision practice in Western New York since 1993. His wife, Debby, is even one of his patients. You can learn her story HERE.
He has expanded his Rochester-based practice and sees patients in Elmira, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Clarks Summit, PA. He shows no signs of slowing down and is as devoted to helping people as ever.