Cataract Surgeon
New Mexico
Dr. Melendez is a renowned ophthalmologist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. As the founder of The Juliette Eye Institute, he is dedicated to providing personalized, world-class eye care and has performed over 25,000 cataract and refractive procedures. Dr. Melendez is widely recognized for introducing groundbreaking surgical technologies to New Mexico and for his leadership in ophthalmic education.
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(505) 355-2020Dr. Melendez has built a distinguished career as one of New Mexico’s leading eye surgeons, known for his commitment to patient-centered care and surgical excellence. After recognizing the need for a more personalized approach to vision treatment, he founded The Juliette Eye Institute, where he offers advanced procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs. As the first surgeon in New Mexico to offer ZEISS SMILE pro, Laser Cataract Surgery (LenSx®), Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) implants, EVO ICL implants, and multiple other innovative procedures, Dr. Melendez continues to set the standard for ophthalmic care in the region.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Melendez serves as a Clinical Professor at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Department of Surgery/Division of Ophthalmology, where he mentors medical students pursuing careers in ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has authored numerous scientific journal articles, an audiobook (Ophthalmology Buzzwords®), and a leadership book (Focus on Your Passion, Not the Position). As Editor-in-Chief of The Ophthalmic News and Education Network for the AAO and Secretary for Online Education, he has created educational content for ophthalmologists worldwide. Dr. Melendez has delivered over 75 presentations at national and international conferences, has been featured as KOAT 7 Action News’ Medical News Correspondent, and has been voted to Top Docs Abq The Magazine since 2006.
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Joe and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine
Residency, Ophthalmology, 2001-2004
University of New Mexico
B.S., Biochemistry, 1991-1994
University of New Mexico
MSc, Biomedical Sciences, 1994-1996
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
MD
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Internship, Internal Medicine, 2000-2001
University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management.
MBA, 2006-2008
University of New Mexico, Anderson School of Management
MBA, Business, 2006-2008
Wright Patterson Air Force Base
Flight Surgeon, Aerospace Medicine, 2015-2016
English
Spanish
Whos Who, 2012
CMS Stage 1 EHR
AAO Fellow
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2014
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2015
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2016
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2017
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2018
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2019
Flight Surgeon, Lt Col, 2020
UNM Zia Award, 2018
Who's Who in America
Senior Achievement Award, 2017
Secretariat Award, 2011
Secretariat Award, 2017
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2010
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2011
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2012
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2013
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2014
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2015
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2016
Named to America's Top Ophthalmologists, 2017
Distinguished Alumni Award, 2010
Achievement Award, 2010
Inducted Young Alumni Hall of Fame, 2010
Nominated for the Governor's Public Service Award, 2009
Service Award, 2009
Who's Who, 2009
Nominated for Who's Who in the World, 2008
Leadership Award, 2008
Selected to "40 under 40", 2007
Nominated for Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, 2006
Nominated for Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, 2007
Included in the Top Docs of Albuquerque, 2006
Included in the Top Docs of Albuquerque, 2007
Included in the Top Docs of Albuquerque, 2009
Second Place for Best Oral presentation, 2004
Resident of the year, 2003
Resident of the year, 2004
Faculty Award for Excellence, 2000
Gale Hansen Starich Award (for best oral presentation), 2000
Khatali Award, 1999
Scholar, 1999
Graduate Scholars Fellowship, 1996
Second Place, 1996
National Medical Fellowship Scholar, 1996
National Medical Fellowship Scholar, 1997
National Hispanic Scholarship Fund (Six Time Recepient)
American Board of Ophthalmology (ABMS®)
Certified in Ophthalmology
NM State Medical License
Active through 2027
Provider NPI:
1316932742
Testimonials
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Incredibly pleasant experience for cataract surgery! I know, "pleasant" is not a normal word used to describe surgery, especially on your eyes. Dr. Melendez is a great surgeon, with excellent patient rapport. All of the staff at Juliette were patient-focused, pleasant and professional.
Juliette Eye Institute is a very classy place; not a cattle drive of us elderly people needing cataract treatment. And, best of all, every one of my dreams came true with the surgery done by Dr. Melendez. No glasses needed and I couldn’t be happier!
Efficient and compassionate service from the entire team. My recovery was smooth, and the results of the cataract surgery are outstanding. I can see clearly now, and it has made a world of difference in my daily life.
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