Our Practice in Webster

Dr. Brending strives to be on the leading edge of optometry to provide the best eye care she can for her patients. 

After graduating from the University of Houston, College of Optometry with honors in 1990, she opened Clear Lake Eye Center. Dr. Brending enjoys talking with and getting to know each patient. In doing so she feels she can provide better eye health and vision care in a calm, relaxed, and secure environment. 

Dr. Brending is constantly working on expanding her eye care knowledge. Through continuing her education, she has become a licensed therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist with areas of interest in general optometry, therapeutic optometry, glaucoma treatment, and the fitting of glasses and contact lenses.

Currently, Dr. Brending is a member of the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Optometric Professional Network. She has taught at the University of Houston, College of Optometry, teaching students in adult, pediatric, and contact lens clinics. She has spoken at numerous events, such as Expanding Your Horizons, where she hopes to inspire more interest in Optometry.

In her spare time, Dr. Brending enjoys learning about raising cows and ranching. She also enjoys working in the community, especially with school-age students. Dr. Brending was honored to recently become a volunteer member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she works on the Calf Scramble Greeters Committee. 

Dr. Brending’s door is always open—she can’t wait to get to know you! 

Dr. Gabrielle Brending is a therapeutic doctor of optometry and glaucoma specialist born and raised in the Clear Lake area. She graduated from Texas A&M University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science in biomedical sciences. She then graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she received clinical letters of excellence and was an enthusiastic member of the Student Texas Optometric Association. She specializes in pediatric eye care, myopia management, dry eyes and binocular vision. She also enjoys primary eye care and fitting contact lenses. She spends her free time running, cheering for the Astros, reading and cuddling with her cat, Margo.

Mikel is our practice manager and has been with Clear Lake Eye Center since 2007. He enjoys personalizing glasses to the patients’ needs and helping patients overcome any challenges with their vision.

Mikel has an Advanced Certification in Ophthalmic Optics from the American Board of Opticianry. The ABO-AC is earned only after a practitioner has attained several years’ experience, completed a prescribed curriculum of advanced education, and achieved a passing score on the rigorous national examinations. Mikel is one of only 15 people in the state of Texas to have an active certification at this level! 

He particularly enjoys working with patients who experience headaches, eye strain, nausea, or reading difficulties because he can use the doctor’s prescription to design special Neurolens prism glasses, iseikonic, or isogonal lenses to help their eyes work better together.

Mikel most enjoys the emphasis Clear Lake Eye Center puts on having educated and caring staff because it allows a greater level of attention for our patients. He also serves in the Army National Guard as a Non-Commissioned Officer and musician in the 36th Infantry Division Band. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and 2 wonderful daughters.

After 36 plus years in the optical field, and as a certified optician since 2008, Cindi still absolutely loves and enjoys every facet of the job. She has been with us since August 2014 and from assisting the doctors to fitting and fabricating glasses and contact lenses, she considers her job a blessing. 

In Cindi’s own words: “I find it very hard to call it ‘work’ at all. I truly love and enjoy helping people to see and I consider sight to be the most precious of our senses!”

Shannon started here in January of 2010. Her favorite frames are Silhouettes and anything with bright colors. She does a little bit of everything in our office including insurance coordination, patient work-ups, and even frame styling. In her free time, she is working towards her bachelor’s in education and enjoys spending time with her family.

Mary Lou started here in August of 2013 and she has over 17 years of experience in the optical industry. Additionally, she has her ABO and NCLE certifications. 

She specializes in customer service, attention to detail and quality, and updated knowledge of frames and lenses and contact lenses. She currently wears a beautiful pair of Roberto Cavalli glasses or Maui Jim sunglasses.

Shelby started at Clear Lake Eye Center in 2015. You’ll find her working in every area of the office. She is board certified by the American Board of Opticianry and is always working to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible.

In her spare time, Shelby enjoys crafting, photography, and spending time with her black lab, Sadie.

Karina earned her technical certificate from San Jacinto College in 2021 and joined our team the same year. She is currently studying to become an ophthalmic technician, as well. Her perseverance and friendly demeanor help our patients feel comfortable during their appointment. Karina’s favorite part of her job is answering questions and getting to know her patient’s needs on a personal level. When she’s not at work, you might find Karina shopping for a fresh new outfit, spending time with her family, or casting a line out on the lake.