September 6, 2006

Local Optometrist aims for the stars while remembering a
9/11 hero: his nephew Mark Bingham

By Eliza Chon
Times Intern

Long time optometrist, Dr. Lee Hoglan, 55, has worked in the South Bay area for 26 out of 27 years during his career. But the friendly, brown-haired doctor is not defined solely by his occupation.

During his spare time, Hoglan is an avid astronomer who is currently on the board of directors of the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA). Utilizing his talent and years of experience, Hoglan has created telescopes and eyeglasses that allow him and others to see the stars more clearly at night. He loves astronomy so much that he has even purchased land away from the city lights just to get a better view of the stars.

Five years ago, Hoglan’s life changed dramatically when he experienced the tragedy of stateside terrorist attacks firsthand. On Sept. 11, 2001, Hoglan’s nephew, Mark Bingham, 31, was killed when flight United 93 went down in a field in Pennsylvania. Ironically Bingham was flying to the wedding of a friend, who was Muslim.

“Mark is a hero. He was one of the four heroes that rushed to the cockpit to stop the plane from hitting its’ intended target [the White House]” Hoglan said of Bingham who ran an advertising business and had a company with offices in New York and San Francisco.

Hoglan had hoped that his nephew had missed his plane that fateful morning. Although Bingham was running late and arrived late at the airport, he was able to make it to the plane. In fact, he was the last to board the flight. “Mark was a terrific kid,” said Hoglan. “He was like a brother to me.”

Dr. Lee Hoglan’s optometry office is located at 18568 Prospect Rd. Saratoga, CA 95070. The phone number is 253-1990.