Dr. Kanai Named Clinical Director of the Emeryville Clinic

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kuniyoshi Kanai as Clinical Director of the Emeryville Clinic. Dr. Kanai currently serves as a Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, and as an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.

Dr. Kanai earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2007, and completed a Primary Care Residency with a minor in Contact Lenses at UC Berkeley in 2008. With more than seventeen years of experience in clinical practice and education, he is a nationally recognized optometrist known for his dedication to teaching, mentorship, and patient care.

Since 2016, Dr. Kanai has served as Director of Residencies for On-Campus Programs, overseeing seven advanced training tracks and ensuring that Berkeley’s residency programs maintain the highest standards of clinical education and accreditation. Under his leadership, residents have consistently achieved recognition from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation and contributed to research in areas such as dry eye, myopia control, infectious conjunctivitis, and binocular vision disorders.

A passionate educator, Dr. Kanai teaches in both the Doctor of Optometry and Residency Certificate programs, providing hands-on instruction in clinical examination, ophthalmic laser procedures, minor surgical techniques, and specialty clinics. His teaching philosophy—grounded in the values of hard work, appreciation, and respect—has shaped generations of students and residents. His excellence in clinical education has been recognized through multiple honors, including the Roy Brandreth Award for Inspiring Clinical Teaching and the Bernard Dolan Residency Mentor Award.

Dr. Kanai is also deeply engaged in professional service. He has chaired accreditation site visits for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), contributed to national educational standards, and held leadership roles within the American Academy of Optometry, including Chair of the Fellowship Engagement Committee. In addition, he is a respected lecturer and international speaker, having presented across the United States, Japan, Korea, and India.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kanai has been committed to fostering collaboration between optometry and other healthcare disciplines. His work with the Alameda Health System and UCSF’s Department of Ophthalmology has strengthened interprofessional relationships and expanded access to high-quality vision care for diverse communities.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kuniyoshi Kanai on his appointment as Clinical Director of the Emeryville Clinic. His leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication to excellence in education and patient care will continue to advance the school’s mission, and strengthen the clinical experience for our students, residents, and patients alike.

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