Dr. Schlaffman was born in Valley City, ND and grew up in Sequim, WA. He earned his Associates degree from Peninsula Community college in Port Angeles, WA. After attending Central Washington University and receiving a bachelor's degree in biology, he went on to Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, OR to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree.
Prior to joining the Cascade Eye & Skin Centers team, he spent 23 years in private practice in Lakewood, WA. He is a member of the American Optometric Association as well as the Optometric Physicians of Washington.