You could say optometry is in Dr. Barry Leonard’s DNA. His parents opened an optometry clinic in the San Fernando Valley in 1957, and from an early age, Dr. Leonard was helping in the office, grinding lenses, keeping the clinic clean, and learning the business firsthand. In 1975, he merged his own growing practice with the original family clinic. Today, Dr. Barry Leonard, Dr. Alex Bennett & Associates are proud to treat third- and fourth-generation patients, a testament to the outstanding quality of care the practice provides.
The Keratoconus Doctor with Keratoconus
While studying for his Doctor of Optometry degree, one of his instructors diagnosed him with Keratoconus, finally explaining the vision struggles he’d experienced for years. From that moment forward, he dedicated himself to mastering the treatment of the disease, not only for his own benefit but for the thousands of patients he would go on to help. Dr. Leonard is known as the Keratoconus Doctor with Keratoconus, which makes his commitment to his Keratoconus patients deeply personal.
Founder and Clinical Director, California Keratoconus Center
Dr. Leonard’s passion led to the founding of the California Keratoconus Center, a practice dedicated to non-surgical Keratoconus treatment using advanced diagnostics and highly customized treatment plans that include special scleral lenses. The Center features industry-leading technology, including the Marco OPD III, the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler, Zeiss OCT and OVITZ HOA technology. Dr. Leonard’s expertise with this equipment is so well recognized that manufacturers frequently consult him to improve their systems.
Dr. Barry Leonard sees his patients as partners in their vision health. He takes the time to listen and inform his eye care patients about their vision health.
Innovation Through Non-Surgical Treatment: The cKlear Method
Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Leonard developed the cKlear Method, a proprietary seven-step, non-surgical protocol for treating Keratoconus. This method fully integrates the Center’s advanced imaging technology, the most sophisticated scleral lenses available, and the skill of his dedicated team. This combination yields superior visual outcomes and enhanced comfort without the risks associated with eye surgery.
Broader Practice Focus
While Dr. Leonard is recognized for his pioneering work in Keratoconus care and for being the best optometrist in the San Fernando Valley, he is a general optometrist who treats a wide range of eye conditions. His clinical interests include designing custom soft and scleral lenses for patients with corneal disorders such as dry eye, post-surgical complications, and irregular astigmatism.
Co-Founder, California Myopia Center
Myopia is another serious eye disorder that Dr. Leonard and his practice partner, Dr. Alex Bennett, are passionate about. Soon after Dr. Bennett joined the practice, they co-founded the California Myopia Center in 2024. Co-located in the same practice location as the California Keratoconus Center and the general practice of Dr. Barry Leonard, Dr. Alex Bennett & Associates, the CMC provides myopia care to San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and California residents with unparalleled myopia care.
Education and Clinical Expertise
Dr. Leonard earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University and a Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry. He completed internships at the Center for the Partially Sighted in Santa Monica and Fort Ord Army Hospital. He is a therapeutic optometrist with glaucoma certification, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, as well as in pre- and post-operative care.
Educator, Speaker, and Mentor
Dr. Leonard is an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Western University of Health Sciences, the Pacific University College of Optometry, and Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section.
He is also a sought-after speaker and consultant for leading contact lens laboratories and manufacturers of diagnostic equipment. He regularly invites other optometrists to participate in training focused on maximizing the benefits of technology, such as the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler, equipping them to better serve their patients. Finally, he has developed a comprehensive set of resources to help other eye care providers enhance their skills in treating Keratoconus independently.
Community Commitment and Personal Pursuits
Dr. Leonard continues to practice in the original office his father opened in 1957. He serves as treasurer for Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, sits on the board of the Mid Valley YMCA, and is a member and past Chairperson of the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce.
He recently moved to Ventura County with his wife and treasures time spent with his six grandchildren. A three-time Ironman Triathlete and LA Marathon Legacy Runner, Dr. Leonard brings the same focus and dedication to his personal goals as he does to his patients’ care.
Dr. Barry Leonard, Dr. Alex Bennett & Associates
14425 Chase Street
Panorama City, CA 91402
Phone : 818-891-6711
Fax : 818-891-5272
www.drbleonard.com
