Raised in Southern California, Dr. Lori J. Bende was inspired to pursue optometry from the young age of 12, driven by her meticulous nature and deep concern for others' well-being. She excelled academically, graduating with honors from California State University at Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
Dr. Bende achieved her Doctorate of Optometry in 1995 from the Illinois College of Optometry, where she also completed her clinical training at prestigious institutions such as the Illinois Eye Institute, Hillman Medical Center, and Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago.
Her professional journey includes serving as a past president of the San Diego County Optometric Society, during which time the Society was honored as the “Society of the Year” by the California Optometric Association. Dr. Bende has been actively involved as a Clinical Board Examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and was recognized as the Young Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association. She also serves on the advisory board of the Gordon-Schanzlin New Vision Institute, a TLC Laser Center, and offers her expertise as an optometric office design consultant for Pacific 33 Architect, Inc.
Dr. Bende's commitment extends beyond her clinic as she frequently lectures on specialty contact lenses and shares her knowledge with various local groups, including the Braille Institute and University City High School. Her dedication to community service is evident in her active membership with the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club and her involvement with the Rotary and Lions Clubs, providing eye care services both locally and internationally.
Outside her professional life, Dr. Bende is devoted to her boy/girl twins and actively participates in their scouting activities, serving as a Girl Scout Troop Leader while her husband leads a Cub Scout group. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hosting gatherings, meeting new people, and continually learning new things.