Dr. Melendez stands out as a premier eye doctor in Albuquerque, renowned for his expertise and dedication to patient-centered care. As the founder of the Juliette Eye Institute, he has created a leading facility in New Mexico, offering exceptional vision care to patients seeking the best outcomes. Dr. Melendez is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized skills in cataract and refractive surgeries, driven by a passion to enhance and preserve his patients’ vision.
Dr. Melendez performing eye surgery with laser technology
Recognizing the importance of personalized treatment, Dr. Melendez established the Juliette Eye Institute to provide a unique approach to eye care. He takes the time to thoroughly understand each patient’s individual vision needs and goals, ensuring tailored treatment plans and optimal results. His commitment to personalized care distinguishes him as a top choice for those seeking an eye doctor in Albuquerque.
Dr. Melendez’s impressive credentials and extensive experience make him a trusted name in ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a Clinical Professor at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, where he mentors future ophthalmologists. His dedication to education and advancement in eye care further solidifies his position as a leading Albuquerque eye doctor.
Notable Skills & Specialties of Dr. Melendez
Dr. Melendez’s career is marked by significant achievements and a commitment to bringing the latest advancements in eye care to Albuquerque. His notable skills and specialties include:
- Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: A recognition of his high standards and expertise in the field.
- Extensive Surgical Experience: Having performed over 25,000 cataract and refractive surgery procedures, Dr. Melendez offers a wealth of experience to his patients.
- Clinical Professor at UNM: Mentoring medical students and shaping the future of ophthalmology in New Mexico.
- Pioneer of Advanced Cataract Surgery: Dr. Melendez was the first surgeon in Albuquerque to offer Laser Cataract Surgery (LenSx®) and to implant advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) like Trifocal IOLs (PanOptix®) and the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL).
- Leader in Refractive Surgery Innovations: He was also the first in Albuquerque to perform surgeries with the EVO ICL and ZEISS SMILE (Small Lenticule Extraction), offering cutting-edge vision correction options.
- Author and Educator: Dr. Melendez has contributed significantly to ophthalmic knowledge, authoring numerous scientific articles and educational resources, including the audiobook “Ophthalmology Buzzwords®” and the leadership book “Focus on your Passion, not the Position.”
- Recognized Speaker: He has delivered over 75 presentations at national and international scientific meetings, sharing his expertise with peers worldwide.
- Top Doctor Recognition: Consistently voted as a Top Doc in Albuquerque The Magazine since 2006, reflecting patient and peer recognition.
- Leadership in Professional Organizations: Serving as Editor-in-Chief of The Ophthalmic News and Education Network for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Secretary for Online Education, contributing to global ophthalmology education.
- Medical News Correspondent: Sharing medical insights with the public as a Medical News Correspondent for KOAT 7 Action News.
Dr. Melendez reporting medical news on Action News 7
Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Founder of Juliette Eye Institute
Born and raised in New Mexico with deep family roots in Placitas, Dr. Melendez’s connection to the local community is profound. After spending his early years in California, he returned to New Mexico, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico (UNM). His academic excellence led him to the prestigious Howard Hughes Research Program, and his research was published on the cover of Developmental Biology, showcasing his early dedication to scientific inquiry.
Continuing his education at UNM, he obtained a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and then pursued his medical degree at UNM School of Medicine. He was honored with the Khatali award, recognizing his achievements in academics, research, and community service. Dr. Melendez’s passion for vision research took him to the Cleveland Clinic during medical school, where he focused on cataract surgery. His research earned him 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 and research interests. He was appointed Chief Resident and voted resident eye surgeon of the year, demonstrating his leadership and surgical talent. Dr. Melendez also initiated the Ophthalmology Chief Resident Leadership Conference, fostering leadership development among future ophthalmologists nationwide.
Early in his career, Dr. Melendez became actively involved with the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Young Ophthalmologist Committee, eventually serving as Chair and mentoring young eye surgeons. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the ONE Network and Secretary for Online Education for the AAO, significantly impacting online ophthalmic education.
Since 2005, Dr. Melendez has been performing LASIK surgery and has become highly skilled in cataract surgery, embracing advanced lens implant technologies to provide patients with the best possible vision. He values the relationships he builds with his patients, ensuring each receives personalized and compassionate care.
Driven by a personal mission to combat retinal diseases, inspired by his mother’s diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Dr. Melendez founded The Juliette RP Vision Foundation in 2008. The foundation supports visually-impaired college students and funds research into retina diseases at institutions like Johns Hopkins University and UCLA.
The Juliette Eye Institute embodies Dr. Melendez’s commitment to patient-first care. He strives to provide world-class eye care in Albuquerque, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and offering personalized treatment plans. His dedication to excellence and patient satisfaction makes him a sought-after eye doctor in Albuquerque.
Education & Training:
Dr. Melendez’s extensive education and training reflect his commitment to excellence and continuous learning:
- High School Diploma: Oakdale High School, Oakdale, CA
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry: University of New Mexico (UNM) 1994
- Master of Science in Biochemistry: University of New Mexico 1996
- Medical Doctorate (MD): 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 (MBA): University of New Mexico, Anderson School of Management 2008
- Aerospace Medicine Program: USAF, completed programs 101, 201, and 202
Military Service:
Dr. Melendez served his country with distinction in the United States Air Force/New Mexico Air National Guard:
- 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
Board Memberships:
Dr. Melendez actively contributes to various boards, reflecting his leadership and community engagement:
- 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 & Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM 2006-2010
Awards and Recognition:
Dr. Melendez has received numerous awards acknowledging his contributions to medicine and the community:
Best of the City Award Logo
- Top Docs, Abq The Magazine: 2006-Present
- UNM Zia Award: 2018
- Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology: 2017
- Secretariat Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology: 2017, 2011
- Distinguished Alumni Award for 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
Professional Memberships:
Dr. Melendez is a member of esteemed professional organizations:
- 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
For those seeking a highly skilled and compassionate eye doctor in Albuquerque, Dr. Melendez at Juliette Eye Institute offers unparalleled expertise and personalized care. His commitment to innovation and patient satisfaction ensures the best possible vision outcomes.
