MOSTAFAVI EYE INSTITUTE - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Chief of Ophthalmology at RUMC

David Mostafavi M.D. completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry with a full scholarship at Rutgers University. He continued his medical training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where his initial interest in ophthalmology was sparked by his brother and mentor, Ray Mostafavi M.D. He completed his ophthalmology residency at SUNY Downstate and was named administrative chief resident by the faculty his last year. While a resident, he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical society, an honor given to only a few residents at an academic institution. After residency, David extended his training with a fellowship in Ocular Immunology and Uveitis at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary under the guidance of Michael Samson M.D. and Sanjay Kedhar M.D., both recognized leaders in the fields of ocular inflammation and corneal disease. David is board certified and currently serves as Chief of Ophthalmology at Richmond University Medical Center, and a Teaching Surgeon to training eye doctors. Prior to his new role as Chairman, he allocated one day a week to teach the latest techniques in cataract surgery to ophthalmology residents. David is the author of numerous publications in peer reviewed journals and chapter textbooks. His interests include cataract surgery, uveitis, general ophthalmology, and resident education. In his free time, he enjoys Crossfit and spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog.

Dr. Polishchuk has been in practice since 2012. He is a graduate of the State University of New York College of Optometry. As an optometric intern he trained at the Brooklyn Veterans Affairs hospital, Woodhull Medical Center, and Ezra Medical Center. In addition to training in primary eye care, he also has specialized training in ocular disease, pediatrics, vision therapy, low vision, and specialized contact lenses fittings. Dr. Polishchuk is also a member of the international optometric honor society Beta Sigma Kappa, an organization whose members have achieved scholastic excellence as honors students in colleges of optometry. Dr. Polishchuk is the former director of the adult and pediatric primary eye care clinic, and specialized contact lens clinic at Maimonides Medical Center. During his clinical experience he has managed thousands of patients with diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and macular degeneration. Additionally, he has cared for thousands of adults and children with special needs, prematurity, genetic disorders, strabismus, amblyopia, double vision, and corneal disorders like ketatoconus. Dr. Polishchuk is the founder of the State University College of Optometry-affiliated optometric external internship program at Maimonides Medical Center where he served as an adjunct clinical professor of optometry, training fourth year optometric students and internal medicine and pediatric residents. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association and fluent in Russian.