Dr. Robert Pendleton, a San Diego native, has dedicated his career to advancing the field of ophthalmology and delivering exceptional patient care. A La Jolla High School graduate, Dr. Pendleton’s academic journey took him to the University of California, Davis, where he graduated with honors in biochemistry. Ever the explorer, he spent his junior year at the University of Lund, Sweden, broadening his perspectives both personally and professionally. After earning his undergraduate degree, he continued his education at Davis with a Master’s in Physical Chemistry before enrolling in the highly competitive MD/PhD program at the University of Illinois.
After eight years of rigorous study, Dr. Pendleton earned his PhD in biochemistry and his MD, graduating as President of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honors medical society. His exceptional dedication was recognized with the William J. Grove Outstanding Medical Student Award, given to one student each year for outstanding scholarship and service.
Dr. Pendleton began his career with a one-year Internal Medicine residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, followed by a three-year Ophthalmology residency, where he became the first resident to perform refractive surgery. In 1994, he officially entered private practice in Buffalo, New York, where he specialized in cataract, refractive, and corneal transplant surgeries. Two years later, in Minnesota, he refined his groundbreaking “No Stitch, No Patch, No Injection” cataract surgery technique and became one of the first surgeons to perform laser refractive surgery in an office setting.
In 1997, Dr. Pendleton returned to his hometown of San Diego, where he could continue his passion for ophthalmology in a climate much better suited to his tastes. In 1998, he opened the doors of Pendleton Eye Center, bringing world-class eye care to his community. Dr. Pendleton’s dedication, innovative techniques, and commitment to patient-centered care have built a legacy of excellence that has profoundly shaped our practice.
After a distinguished career, Dr. Pendleton retired in December 2024. His impact on our practice and the community will be felt for years to come. We thank him wholeheartedly for his commitment and wish him all the best in this new chapter. We’re proud to have an incredible team of doctors here to continue his legacy of excellence in eye care.
Dr. Pendleton’s influence extends far beyond his surgical innovations. His humanitarian efforts and unwavering dedication to improving patient care have left a lasting mark on the community. Whether it was his compassionate engagement with patients or his leadership in fostering innovative practices, Dr. Pendleton’s legacy resonates profoundly in San Diego and beyond.
Dr. Pendleton retired in December 2024 after a distinguished career. His leadership and innovation will continue to guide our practice as we carry forward his vision of compassionate, world-class eye care.
“We are proud to continue Dr. Pendleton’s legacy of excellence and remain dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patients and community.”
Thank you, Dr. Pendleton, for your years of dedication. Your vision and care will continue to inspire us.
