Dr. Kates is a board-certified ophthalmologist with advanced fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery. He completed his medical education at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, followed by an internship at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center and an ophthalmology residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He then pursued a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery at Columbia University and has served on the faculty of New York Medical College.

Currently, Dr. Kates provides comprehensive eye care at Eye Physicians of Orange County, with a focus on conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye syndrome. He also offers specialized care in pediatric eye care, LASIK and laser vision correction, cornea transplantation, and pterygium surgery. Dr. Kates is on staff at Orange Regional Medical Center and St. Anthony's Community Hospital, and he holds memberships in several professional organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology.