• Brooklyn College, City University of New York
  B.S. Degree, Cum Laude
• Pennsylvania College of Optometry(Now Salus University)
  Philadelphia, PA (now Elkins Park, PA) - O.D. Degree
• University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
  Residency
  Clinical Assistant Professor
• American Academy of Optometry - Fellow
• American Optometric Association - Member
• Georgia Optometric Association - Member
• Joined Marietta Eye Clinic in 1995
• Splits his time between three office locations and works one Saturday a month for patients who cannot schedule an appointment during the week
• Enjoys travel, landscape photography, and spending time with his wife and two children

Sometimes the path one chooses is determined by the good example of another who is greatly admired. Such was the case for Dr. Leonard “Lenny” Thurschwell, whose decision to become an optometrist was in large part inspired by his father’s keen interest in the human eye.

“My dad trained as an optician after serving in the military during World War II,” Dr. Thurschwell explains. “Although he spent a majority of his career with the United States Postal Service, he eventually returned to his first love, opticianry.”

“I’ve worn either eyeglasses or contact lenses since I was eleven years old, and between watching my father work as an optician, interacting with my own optometrist, and having to be knowledgeable about my visual needs, my interest in the eye was inevitable.”

Dr. Thurschwell has been a practicing optometrist since 1980. “My dad truly enjoyed his profession and was very happy to see me choose optometry as my vocation.”

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Thurschwell moved to Philadelphia to attend the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he obtained his doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree in 1980. He then completed a residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry where he also served as a clinical assistant professor.

It was in Birmingham where Dr. Thurschwell met his wife, Cheryl, who was completing her medical residency training to become an obstetrician/ gynecologist. Although a northerner by birth as well, she and her family eventually moved to Atlanta. The Thurschwells also decided to settle in Atlanta to be closer to family and because they loved the city. They have lived and practiced their professions here since 1991.

“We still go north to visit our family and friends, but we definitely consider ourselves to be southern people,” Dr. Thurschwell laughs. “We enjoy the weather and pace of life in Atlanta; it is our home now.”

The Thurschwells have raised two daughters in Atlanta, both of whom are now in college. “Life is a bit of a challenge at the moment because we miss our daughters,” he says, “but I’m also enjoying being alone with my wife. We are rediscovering each other as we travel both in the United States and abroad.”

Dr. Thurschwell enjoys photography and likes to capture images of landscapes during his travels. “Just seeing the beauty of unspoiled nature makes me appreciate good vision all the more,” he says. “I love to be outside,” he adds, “even if only to read the newspaper.”

Dr. Thurschwell prides himself on developing warm relationships with his patients and thoroughly evaluating their visual system to provide the best vision care. Whether it is seeing patients for their routine care or on an emergent basis for eye-related problems that require medical treatment, “I enjoy the opportunity to not only help others, but to get to know them as well. I enjoy communicating with my patients on a personal level,” he says.

Asked if he remains passionate about his profession after so many years, Dr. Thurschwell is quick to answer, “Yes.” He pauses a moment to think back over the years and thousands of patients he has examined. “I knew I had made the right career decision from the very beginning,” he continued, “and each year reconfirms this choice.”

Dr. Thurschwell works with patients age five and older.

In addition to travel and photography, Dr. Thurschwell also enjoys theater, hiking and biking, gardening, and arts and crafts shows.

“I suppose I’m still a boy at heart,” he smiles, “because I also still like to play basketball whenever I can.”