Tim's life work in ophthalmology epitomizes what Virginia Boyce and the Service Award represent. Mr. Mendez has two passions in life, which he expresses with enthusiasm and joy: ophthalmic education and a desire to help the less fortunate receive the ophthalmic treatment they need.

Mr. Mendez retired in 1986 after serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy (including two tours of duty in Vietnam), then worked 20 years as the Senior Ophthalmic Technician (Surgery) at the University of California/San Diego, Shiley Eye Center. For the last five years, Tim has participated in two-week-long missions to Ukraine, Philippines, Vietnam, and Guatemala to train ophthalmic nurses, scrub techs, and residents, in addition to participating in surgeries on underprivileged patients. He was instrumental in establishing an on-going volunteer program in Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico, where he volunteers with local ophthalmologists to treat poor patients. Tim is also a volunteer at the Fresh Start program in Encinitas, CA, where he assists in surgeries (pediatric, strabismus, oculoplasty, clef palate repair) for the underprivileged, and has volunteered with SEE International on many eye expeditions.

Tim is a teacher at heart and endeavors to share his vast knowledge at every opportunity. In addition to his volunteer work, he has participated in research programs and presented numerous papers on that research, including DSAEK procedure; retina/cornea labs; AIDS-related CMV retinitis/blindness/gancyclovir implant; and silicone oil. Tim has also collaborated on the design of numerous ophthalmic surgical instruments, based on his practical clinical experience.