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Faculty Story: Kuniyoshi “Kuni” Kanai

Dr. Kanai

Dr. Kuniyoshi “Kuni” Kanai

Assistant Clinical Professor, Director of Campus Residency Program
University of California, Berkeley

Whenever I walk across Sproul Plaza and see the UC Berkeley campus unfold, I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant community and a research powerhouse dedicated to making a positive difference. It is a privilege to stand among scholars so devoted to open inquiry, bridging differences, and working across disciplines to constructively address society’s most pressing issues.

Please support Optometry and Vision Science faculty — who are deeply committed to educating students, advancing knowledge, and creating solutions — by making a gift today.

“Teaching, like being a healthcare practitioner, is about making connections”

As a member of the Berkeley faculty, I have the opportunity to introduce today’s youth to new ideas and teach the next generation how to think beyond themselves. At the School of Optometry, that means teaching patient care and public service — and realizing these core values in our program’s practices and curriculum.

One way we do that is by offering clinical rotations at community clinics serving financially challenged patient populations. Students learn to deliver “Berkeley Optometry” level quality care to patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Ultimately, we hope this type of service widens our students’ views about our profession’s role in society.

I love being a part of the Berkeley Optometry community because we have direct impact on our entire field. Our research shapes the latest new technology and continually raises diagnosis and treatment practice standards. And you, our alums, make us proud with your exceptional work as the nation’s top clinicians and practitioners.

“When I lead clinical training, I have the opportunity to get to know my students individually. The process of finding teachable moments for each clinician helps me build genuine relationships that I hope last beyond graduation”

I have noticed that Cal attracts a particular type of individual, from students to faculty. What has drawn so many of us here is Cal’s spirit of idealism and innovation. Berkeley has a rich history of bringing together diverse students from all backgrounds and world-class faculty to ultimately transform lives and make a positive impact on our broader communities.

For me, Cal remains the place for open inquiry and path-breaking discovery — qualities that are more essential than ever. It is time for us to renew our pledge to build upon the great Berkeley tradition of intellectual curiosity and discovery.

Join us as we continue to be a beacon of hope, and make a gift today. Together we can bridge differences, creatively addressing some of society’s most pressing problems today and for generations to come.

Show your support for Cal faculty and our groundbreaking work by making a gift today at give.berkeley.edu/optometry.

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Fiat lux, and Go Bears!

Kuni's signature in Japanese.

Kuniyoshi “Kuni” Kanai, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Assistant Clinical Professor
Director of Residencies, On-Campus Programs

Credits

Story by University Development and Alumni Relations. Photo by Keegan Houser.