GTOC Mission Statement
To provide exceptional service through comprehensive testing and medical diagnosis, and to guide patients to proper treatment options as well as aiding in the selection of appropriate materials for their visual needs.

Dr. Lori J. Bende
Dr. Lori J. Bende grew up in Southern California. She decided at the age of 12 that she wanted to become an optometrist. She has always been detail oriented and has a special concern for the welfare of people. Dr. Bende graduated with honors from the California State University at Fullerton, California receiving a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Biology. In 1995 she received her Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. She did her clinical training at the Illinois Eye Institute, Hillman Medical Center and Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Bende is a past president of the San Diego County Optometric Society. During her presidency, the San Diego County Optometric Society was awarded the prestigious "Society of the Year" honor by the California Optometric Association. She serves as a Clinical Board Examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. She is a delegate for the California Optometric Association's Congress each year and was named Young Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association.

Dr. Bende is very involved in community service. She is a volunteer for the California Vision Project and Vision Service Plan's Sight for Students and is a member of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club where she serves on the Board of Directors. She has worked extensively with organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Lions Club, volunteering her time to perform eye exams both locally and internationally.

Community Public Speaking Engagements:
Topic: Women's Eye Health Issues
Zeta Tau Alpha Alumni Association

Topic: Visual Perception
Maric College of Medical Careers

Published Papers and Articles:
California Optometry Journal: Society Project of the Year
Article on Safety Eye Kit Project

Contact Lens Today E mail Newsletter
Previous winner of contact lens fitting tip of the month.

Dr. Annie Chin
Dr. Annie T. Chin joined the Golden Triangle Optometric Center after practicing in Berkeley, CA and completing her residency of advanced post-doctoral training in contact lenses and ocular disease in 2007 at UC Berkeley. She received her Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego (2002) and earned her doctor of optometry (O.D.) from the School of Optometry, UC Berkeley in 2006 with honors.

While at UC Berkeley, she was the recipient of numerous awards and honors: Dean's Award for Research, National Eye Institute Research Training Fellowship, Walman Optical Scholarship, Outstanding Optometric Performance Grants (3) and Outstanding Leadership and Service Grant. She is a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society and active in her church where she works with youth and does volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and serves food at Open Door Mission to the homeless. Dr. Chin is fluent in Cantonese Chinese and also conducts eye exams in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar and piano, singing karaoke, watching movies and reading books by Jane Austen and C.S. Lewis among others.

Dr. Louis J. Katz
On January 1, 1999 Dr. Louis J. Katz retired from The Golden Triangle Optometric Center. He practiced optometry for over 30 years at the same location here in University City San Diego. We continue his distinguished practice, still at the same location.

Pauline
Pauline Blakely a professional ABO certified optician. She is an experienced professional who loves to educate patients about their optical needs and options. Pauline is passionate about her career choice in the optical field thus sharing the vision of the future of Golden Triangle Optometric Center with Dr. Lori Bende. Pauline enjoys attending educational seminars to stay current on the latest frame styles and the newest technology on lens materials. She is currently studying to be a master optician.

Desiree
Desiree joined Dr. Bende's team on July 01, 2008. She graduated in 2006 from the University of California, San Diego with degrees in Human Biology and Psychology. While in college, she has worked in various optometric practices throughout San Diego. Desiree enjoys working with patients and is looking forward to helping you with your optical needs. She hopes to someday work as a health professional and possibly as an optometrist.