OUR PRACTICE

Our private practice is the longest continuous medical office of any type in the state

of New Jersey. It was established in 1886 by Dr. Franklin Seward and continued by

his son Dr. Franklin Seward Jr. in 1916. In 1934, the Purnell generation started with

Dr. Herbert Purnell, followed by Dr. Robert Purnell (Lic # 27OA00276700) in 1966,

and Dr. R Schorn Purnell (Lic # 27OA00544700) in 1996. Dr. Jake Daub, a Rutherford

high school graduate, joined our practice in the fall of 2017.

While serving the visual needs of Bergen and Eastern Passaic counties, Dr. Robert

goes with medical mission teams to Rwanda, Kenya, and Jamaica. Dr. Schorn is on

the board of Team Healthcare which sends medical teams to third world countries,

which includes Peru, Mali, Kenya, and others.

We are located in the heart of Rutherford's main strip on Park Ave and one block

away from the NJ transit. We detect visual problems that can affect athletic

performance, correct refractive error problems, enhance ocular skills, protect from

ocular injury and manage any ocular traumas or infections due to contact lenses.

“Dr. Schorn is the greatest. He has taken care of my families eyes for the last four years. So happy to have found him! He is absolutely great with my two shy reticent kids who refuse to crack a smile ever, but with him he is like butter to them!"

Rose L.

“My 16 yr old daughter was told by 5 other doctors that she was not a contact lens candidate. She despised wearing glasses and pretty much walked around seeing poorly. After much motivation and detailed training with Dr. Purnell she now is a very excited contact lens wearer and I am very grateful for his patience with my daughter!"

Samantha C.

“Both Dr. Purnell's are super nice and know their stuff especially Dr. Robert. They are kind and take their time. They make you feel very comfortable. The office is adorable because there is a great little section for children. He is super amazing and nice. I highly recommend!"

Steven J.

“Dr. Reena is amazing. She saved my life. I had a pseudo-tumor and she was the first to find it by a simple eye exam. I am forever grateful by her and this office!"

Jessica R.

PATIENT STORIES

OUR DOCTORS

Dr. Robert Purnell

PCO Graduate B.S. in Visual Sciences and earned his optometric degree in Pennsylvania. After graduation, he completed his residency at Gesell Institute of Child Development located at Yale University. When he began practicing he worked alongside his father and now works with his son in the same private practice. He also continuously provides quality eyecare to third world countries. Dr. Robert likes to spend time with his seven grandchildren, wife and watch sports when he is not in practice.

Dr. Reena A. Patel

SUNY Graduate After graduating SUNY optometry, she went on to complete her residency in primary eye care with an emphasis in ocular disease at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lyons and East Orange, NJ. Dr. Reena joined our practice over 5 years ago. She performs routine eye exams, evaluation and fitting of contact lenses, and diagnoses, treats, and manages eye conditions. She also manages pre and post care for refractive and cataract surgery.

Dr. Schorn Purnell (Owner)

PCO Graduate He is the third optometric physician in the Purnell family. He did his training at Pennsylvania College of Optometry and his residency through the veteran's administration at Lyons Veteran's Hospital in N.J. He is active on the board of Team Healthcare Inc, which is a medical missionary organization that serves several countries in varying medical fields. He is also apart of the AOA, NJSOP and Rutherford Lion's Club.