By Courtney Dentch
A Long Island optometrist was arrested last week on charges he sexually abused a patient during an eye exam at the Lens Lab Express office in Jamaica.
Steven Kornblatt, 48, of East Northport, L.I., whose office is located at 162-10 Jamaica Ave., is charged with first-degree sexual abuse, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, Brown said.
Kornblatt allegedly assaulted a 42-year-old Queens woman who had come in for an eye exam on March 5, Brown said. During the exam, Kornblatt allegedly grabbed the woman’s breasts and inner thighs with both his hands, Brown said. He also allegedly exposed himself to the woman and forced her to touch him sexually, Brown said.
“The defendant is charged with betraying the trust of a patient who had come to him seeking treatment, and with forsaking his professional obligation as well,” Brown said. “The charge is serious and will be prosecuted vigorously.”
Kornblatt and his family had no comment on the incident. The manager at the Lens Lab Express, where the incident allegedly took place, also declined to comment.
Kornblatt was arrested March 19, and arraigned March 20, a spokesman for the DA said. He was released on $20,000 bail the next day, according to a spokesman for the Department of Corrections.
He is due back in court for pre-trial hearings April 15.
Kornblatt could also face disciplinary action from the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professions, which licensees optometrists. He could face fines, a suspension or revocation of his license, a spokesman for the office said. The penalty, including the possible fines, would depend on Kornblatt’s prior professional record and the outcome of the criminal case, the spokesman said.
No prior complaints had been made about Kornblatt, the DA’s spokesman said.
Reach reporter Courtney Dentch by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com, or by phone at 229-0300, Ext. 138.
