Dr. Viola Kanevsky, named #1 optometrist in the nation on the list of America’s Best Eye Doctors in 2022, is an optometrist specializing in custom contact lenses, who has practiced on the Upper West Side for over 25 years.

An émigré from the former Soviet Union, Dr. Kanevsky lived in Netanya, Brussels, and Miami, until her family settled in New York City in 1979.  Dr. Kanevsky lives with her husband, daughter, and son on the Upper West Side, the neighborhood that she loves best. 

Earning a BS from Pace University and a Doctorate from SUNY State College of Optometry in 1993, Dr. Kanevsky focused on children's vision and specialty contact lenses,  completing externships at Walson Air Force Hospital; The Infant Vision Clinic, Pediatrics, Learning Disabilities, Visual Rehabilitation, Primary Care and Strabismus Units of SUNY College of Optometry, and The Beth Israel Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic.

She owes much to the community that fostered her personal happiness and professional success and tries to give back to it whenever she can.  She is the Immediate Past President of the New York State Optometric Association and has served in many elected volunteer positions including the Strategic Communication Committee of the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Society of the City of New York, President of the board of her residential coop, and Vice President of the board of the Interschool Orchestras of New York. She serves as trustee on the board of the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Foundation and as such, produces benefit concerts for the Ship of Tolerance, an international art project whose goal is to promote tolerance amongst children of differing cultures. Dr. Kanevsky also serves as treasurer of the NY chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), with whom she has travelled to underserved areas on medical missions.  Dr. Kanevsky loves to support young musicians of the New York Youth Symphony, and Concerts in Motion, an organization that brings music to homebound individuals . 

An avid writer, Dr. Kanevsky is on the board of Women Of Optometry, a contributing editor of ODsOnFB, and Editor in Chief of Insights, the monthly newsletter of the Optometric Society of the City of New York. She greatly enjoys traveling, lecturing to colleagues and mentoring students.

Doug Dinger celebrated his 45th year in the ophthalmic field in 2022.  In his 4+ decades of being an optician, he has performed just about every job in the industry. Starting as an apprentice optician, Doug has fabricated, sold, and dispensed eyewear, managed ophthalmic lens edging and surfacing labs, and supervised retail establishments ranging from large superstore eyeglass chains to chic, high-quality eyewear boutiques.  Having worked for Robert Marc, Gruen Optika, and Morgenthal-Frederics, he knows first hand how to service the special needs of his Manhattan clientele. Most recently, Doug has made good use of his home 3D printer to design and produce face and microscope shields for eye doctors as well as custom eyewear for children with special needs.

Doug is an avid photographer and videographer, loves to listen to and play all types of music, and has been known to croon a standard or two if a big band is on hand.

Doug and Dr. Kanevsky have worked together for almost 30 years, and he looks forward to many more years of providing New Yorkers with top quality, personalized service.

Dr. Elsa Sheerer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, received her Doctor of Optometry from SUNY State College of Optometry in 2015. Finding her passion in working with children, Dr. Sheerer went on to complete her pediatric optometry residency training at SUNY College of Optometry and Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn. She maintains a faculty position at Woodhull Medical Center, training optometry students and residents.

Dr. Sheerer is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Academy of Optometry, and is actively involved with local and state optometric associations. In September of 2021, she was honored to receive an award from the New York State Optometric Association for Excellence in Communication for her work as Editor of Insights, the monthly newsletter of the Optometric Society of the City of New York.

Dr. Sheerer is passionate about providing patient-centered care to optimize vision and eye health. She is committed to researching and prescribing the most advanced therapies and visual aids for all ages including traditional contact lenses, ortho-keratology, and ophthalmic lenses. Dr. Sheerer is particularly interested in providing eyecare and myopia management to her youngest patients.

Dr. Sheerer enjoys weekend getaways, museum-going, catching sporting events, and arts activities in New York City.

Laura Kim joined Acuity in 2007 with experience in both high end ophthalmics and small town primary care. A licensed optician who loves helping little ones select fabulous eyewear, Laura lives in Brooklyn with her two adorable children. Laura enjoys problem-solving and making your eyewear fit like a glove! She is incredibly patient and loves helping your little ones fall in love with their glasses and contact lenses.

Rachel Zizov joined our team as a licensed optician in 2010 with 15 years’ experience in the high-end ophthalmic field. Rachel loves fashion and looks forward to helping you choose eyewear for your entire family. Infinitely patient and gentle with children and adults alike, Rachel takes pride in selecting beautiful and functional prescription glasses that will make you see well and look your very best. Rachel lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two children, and her dog, Zuma.

Claire joined the Acuity family as our optometric technician. She loves technology and is brilliant at capturing retinal and corneal images even the squirmiest of little ones. Patient and kind, Claire is always curious and a quick learner and an amazing teacher. When she’s not busy assisting our doctors or teaching children to use their contacts, Claire is always happy to lend her chic fashion sense and assist with your eyewear selections.