Seeking a top eye doctor in Albuquerque, NM? Look no further than Dr. Melendez, the esteemed founder of the Juliette Eye Institute. Renowned for his expertise in cataract and refractive surgeries, Dr. Melendez is passionately dedicated to helping patients achieve their best possible vision. He established the Juliette Eye Institute with a vision to provide a more personalized and patient-focused approach to eye care, ensuring each individual receives tailored treatment and attention. At this leading New Mexico facility, patients benefit from world-class eye care and Dr. Melendez’s commitment to vision excellence.
Dr. Melendez performing eye surgery with laser technology
Dr. Melendez: Expertise and Specialties
Dr. Melendez stands out as a highly accomplished ophthalmologist, recognized for his skills and dedication to advancing eye care. His notable qualifications and specialties include:
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Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: This prestigious fellowship signifies Dr. Melendez’s commitment to the highest standards of ophthalmic practice.
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Extensive Surgical Experience: With over 25,000 cataract and refractive surgery procedures performed, Dr. Melendez brings a wealth of experience to his patients.
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Clinical Professor at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center: Since 2005, Dr. Melendez has been shaping the future of ophthalmology by mentoring medical students at UNM, sharing his expertise and passion for eye care.
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Pioneer in Advanced Surgical Techniques in Albuquerque: Dr. Melendez was the first surgeon in Albuquerque to offer several cutting-edge technologies, including:
- Laser Cataract Surgery (LenSx®)
- Trifocal IOL Implants (PanOptix®), including for astigmatism
- Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) Implants
- EVO ICL Implants (First in New Mexico, 2022)
- Restor +2.5 D Multifocal Lens Implants
- Extended Depth of Focus Lens Implants (Symfony®)
- ZEISS SMILE (Small Lenticule Extraction: Flapless LASIK)
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Author and Educator: Dr. Melendez is a respected voice in ophthalmology, having authored numerous scientific journal articles, the audiobook “Ophthalmology Buzzwords®,” and the leadership book “Focus on your Passion, not the Position.”
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Prolific Presenter: He has shared his knowledge at over 75 national and international scientific meetings, contributing to the advancement of ophthalmic understanding.
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Recognized Top Doctor: Consistently voted as a Top Doc in Albuquerque The Magazine since 2006, reflecting his excellent patient care and professional reputation.
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Leadership in Ophthalmology Education: Dr. Melendez serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Ophthalmic News and Education Network (ONE Network) for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and is the Secretary for Online Education for the AAO. In these roles, he develops crucial educational resources for ophthalmologists globally, including the AAO’s first education app.
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Medical News Correspondent: Dr. Melendez is a trusted source of medical information, serving as a Medical News Correspondent for KOAT 7 Action News.
Why Choose Dr. Melendez as Your Eye Doctor in Albuquerque?
Choosing the right eye doctor in Albuquerque, NM is a crucial decision for your vision and eye health. Dr. Melendez and the Juliette Eye Institute offer compelling reasons to entrust your care to their experienced hands:
- Personalized Patient Care: Dr. Melendez prioritizes understanding each patient’s unique vision needs and concerns. He takes the time to develop personalized treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for every individual.
- Commitment to Excellence: From founding the Juliette Eye Institute to his extensive list of accomplishments, Dr. Melendez consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence in all aspects of eye care.
- Advanced Technology and Techniques: As a pioneer in introducing advanced surgical technologies to Albuquerque, Dr. Melendez ensures his patients benefit from the most innovative and effective treatments available.
- Comprehensive Eye Care: The Juliette Eye Institute offers a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine eye exams to advanced surgical procedures, addressing a wide range of vision needs.
- Strong Local Roots and Community Dedication: Dr. Melendez is deeply rooted in New Mexico, with a long family history in the state. His dedication extends beyond his practice to community service and philanthropy through the Juliette RP Vision Foundation.
Hear What Our Patients Say
[Patient Testimonials Section – Consider embedding or linking to actual testimonials if available on the website for enhanced EEAT. For now, keep the section header as in the original.]
Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Founder of Juliette Eye Institute
Dr. Melendez’s journey to becoming a leading eye doctor in Albuquerque is marked by a strong educational foundation and a deep-seated passion for vision care. Born and raised with New Mexico roots, Dr. Melendez’s connection to the community is profound. He returned to New Mexico for his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where he excelled in research, earning a place in the prestigious Howard Hughes Research Program and publishing his work in Developmental Biology. He continued at UNM, obtaining a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and nurturing his passion for teaching and research.
His medical education at UNM School of Medicine was equally distinguished, earning him the Khatali award for excellence in academics, research, and community service. Dr. Melendez’s early research at the Cleveland Clinic focused on cataract surgery, and his presentation on this research won first place at the Western Research Conference in 2000. His ophthalmology residency at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center further honed his surgical skills, leading to his appointment as Chief Resident and recognition as resident eye surgeon of the year.
Dr. Melendez’s leadership extends beyond his practice. He initiated the Ophthalmology Chief Resident Leadership Conference and served in key roles within the American Academy of Ophthalmology, including Chair of the Young Ophthalmologist Committee and Secretary for Online Education. His dedication to education is further exemplified by his development of the ONE Network and EyeWiki.org, vital resources for ophthalmologists worldwide, and the creation of the AAO’s 1-minute video series for surgical techniques.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Melendez has become a highly skilled surgeon, proficient in LASIK and high-volume cataract surgery, embracing the latest lens implant technologies. He founded the Juliette RP Vision Foundation in honor of his mother to support research into retina diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa, reflecting his personal commitment to fighting vision loss. The Juliette Eye Institute embodies his vision of patient-first, personalized eye care, bringing world-class ophthalmology to New Mexico.
Dr. Melendez reporting medical news on Action News 7
Education
- High School Diploma: Oakdale High School, Oakdale, CA
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry: University of New Mexico 1994
- Master of Science in Biochemistry: University of New Mexico 1996
- Medical Doctorate: University of New Mexico School of Medicine 2000
- Medical Internship: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center 2001
- Ophthalmology Residency: The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX 2004
- Master of Business Administration: University of New Mexico, Anderson School of Management 2008
Military Service
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5), United States Air Force/New Mexico Air National Guard (2013-2020)
- Flight Surgeon, 58th Special Operations Wing, 150th Medical Group, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM
- Officer in Charge of Medical Review
- Chief, Laboratory Services
Boards
- President, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Alumni Association (2017-2019), Board Member (2017-Present)
- Board of Directors, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation (2013 – Present)
- Founder and President, The Juliette RP Vision Foundation (2008-Present)
- UNM School of Medicine Admissions Committee (2006-2009)
- Section Chief of Ophthalmology, Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, NM (2006-2010)
- Section Chief of Ophthalmology, Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM (2006-2010)
Awards
Best of the City Winner Award Logo
- Top Docs, Abq The Magazine (2006-Present)
- 2018 UNM Zia Award
- Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2017)
- Secretariat Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2017, 2011)
- Distinguished Alumni Award, UNM School of Medicine (2010)
- Named to America’s Top Ophthalmologists (2010)
- Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2010)
- Inducted to UNM’s Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame, Young Alumni (2010)
- American Medical Association YPS Community Service Award (2009)
- Cambridge Who’s Who (2009)
- New Mexico Young Physician Delegate to the American Medical Association (2008-2011)
- American Medical Association Foundation Leadership Award (2008)
- Selected to “40 under 40” NM Business Weekly (2007)
- Recipient of the Gale Hansen Starich Award (2000)
- Recipient of the New Mexico Hispanic Medical Association Scholarship (1999)
- Recipient of the UNM School of Medicine Alumni Association Khatali Award (1999)
Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- American Eye Study Club
- Refractive Surgery Alliance
- New Mexico Academy of Ophthalmology
- New Mexico Medical Society
- International Society of Refractive Surgery
