Dr. Kathleen Andersen
Dr. Andersen grew up in Iowa and was an AFS exchange student to Turkey (Summer Program, 1976) before going on to complete her undergraduate work at the University of Iowa and the University of California at Santa Barbara. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1985. Dr. Andersen spent the first six years of her career working for the Riverside Medical Clinic and two private practice optometrists before opening her own practice in 1991.
Dr. Andersen has participated in numerous contact lens and solution studies. Her research in optometry school was related to determining the amount of protein in the tear film layer during times of stress. She particularly enjoys helping patients with dry eyes achieve some degree of success in wearing contact lenses. Dr. Andersen takes pride in offering the latest technology in disease detection. She purchased a scanning laser in 2007, which was instrumental in detecting several macular holes and numerous cases of glaucoma. Dr. Andersen frequently uses telemedicine when obtaining consults with area specialists for her patients. Dr. Andersen's optical lab is capable of offering one hour service on most single vision prescriptions. Her office recently upgraded to one of the finest lens grinders in the business and has the capability of producing custom edge treatments as well as drill mount holes for rimless lenses for the wide variety of European and specialty eye wear she dispenses. Dr. Andersen serves on the board of Jordan Property Group's Annual Outreach to Africa fundraiser, which benefits AIDS ophans in the villages of Uganda. She continues to donate eyewear to numerous charities around the world that promote education. Dr. Andersen and her spouse live in Laguna Beach with her son and two step daughters. During her spare time she enjoys playing tennis and traveling. |