GLAUCOMA-CATARACT CONSULTANTS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Director of Cataract Service
• Director of Cataract Service / Ophthalmologist in Pittsburgh, PA

Aaron Wang MD, PhD, is a board certified ophthalmologist who joined Glaucoma Cataract Consultants in 2017. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a BS in Bioengineering. He then completed both his MD and PhD degrees at Stanford University School of Medicine. His PhD was in Bioengineering with a focus on medical device development. His training continued with ophthalmology residency at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a cornea fellowship at the Shiley Eye Institute at UCSD. He has been honored with numerous awards, including multiple teaching awards and the Heed Ophthalmic Fellowship. Dr. Wang's clinical and surgical expertise is in cornea and cataract. He sees patients with dry eyes, Fuchs' dystrophy, and keratoconus. He specializes in corneal transplantation (full thickness PKP, and partial thickness DSAEK/DMEK/DALK), complex cataract surgeries (traumatic cataracts, lens dislocation, pseudoexfoliation), premium lenses (torics, multifocals), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). He enjoys taking time with patients, answering all questions, and making patients feel comfortable with potential surgery. Dr. Wang is on staff at UPMC, St. Clair Hospital, Mon Valley Hospital, and Highlands Hospital. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Ophthalmology Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Society of Heed Fellows. Dr. Wang enjoys spending time with his wife and children and playing tennis in his free time.

Job Titles:

• Director of Cornea Service

Angela Gauthier is a board certified ophthalmologist who joined Glaucoma-Cataract Consultants in 2023. She grew up in Maryland and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with an AB in Neuroscience. She went on to receive her medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine. Afterwards, she trained as an ophthalmology resident at The Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, where she also completed a Cornea and External Disease fellowship. Throughout her training, Dr. Gauthier developed a passion for diagnosing and treating conditions related to the lens and cornea, including cataracts, refractive errors, Fuchs dystrophy, and keratoconus. She provides LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery with standard and premium lenses, IOL exchanges, and iris/scleral fixated lenses. She also has extensive experience with the latest surgical techniques for corneal transplantation, including endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK/DSAEK) and full-thickness PKP. Dr. Gauthier is committed to providing the highest level of care to her patients. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in ophthalmology and continuously refining her skills to ensure the best possible outcomes. Dr. Gauthier is on staff at the St. Clair Hospital, Mon Valley Hospital, and Highlands Hospital. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Cornea Society, and the Society of Heed Fellows. Outside of work, Dr. Gauthier enjoys spending time with her husband, writing fiction, singing a cappella, and playing piano.

Job Titles:

• Director of Optometric Services
• Member of the American Optometric Association
• Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Unruh is a native of Western Pennsylvania. He attended Gannon University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1992. He graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and received a Doctor of Optometry Degree in 1996. Dr. Unruh participated in externships at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Philadelphia and various private practice locations in Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Unruh joined Glaucoma Cataract Consultants in 1996. Dr. Unruh is a member of the American Optometric Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society.

Job Titles:

• Director of Glaucoma Service

Julia Polat, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who joined Glaucoma and Cataract Consultants (GCC) in October of 2022. She is a Pittsburgh native and graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School, followed by earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Carnegie Mellon University. She then attended Boston University School of Medicine for her medical degree. Her ophthalmology residency was completed at West Virginia University, after which she conducted a fellowship in glaucoma at the University of Pittsburgh. From 2015 until joining GCC, she was a member of the faculty at UPMC in the Glaucoma and Cataract division and at the VA of Pittsburgh, where she also served as the Residency Program Site Director. Dr. Polat's clinical and surgical expertise is in glaucoma and cataract surgery. She specializes in complex cataract surgeries, premium lenses, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), as well as more traditional glaucoma surgery such as glaucoma drainage devices (Ahmed and Baerveldt) and trabeculectomies. Dr. Polat is on staff at St. Clair Hospital, UPMC, Mon Valley Hospital, and Highlands Hospital. She is a member of the Pittsburgh Ophthalmology Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, and the Chandler and Grant Glaucoma Society. Outside of work, Dr. Polat enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her three daughters, husband, and miniature schnoodle named Sammi. Her hobbies are to read and travel.

Job Titles:

• Member of the American Optometric Association
• Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA
• Staff Optometrist

Dr. Mendicino began his studies at California University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Ohio State University in 1985. He received his Doctor of Optometry Degree in 1996 from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Prior to earning his Optometric degree, Dr. Mendicino was employed by Keystone Environment Resources, Inc. Dr. Mendicino joined Glaucoma-Cataract Consultants in 1998 as a staff optometrist. Dr. Mendicino is a member of the American Optometric Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association, Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society, and the International Association of Lions Club.

Job Titles:

• Director of Refractive Surgery Service