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Dr. Robert F Melendez, MD

Cataract Surgeon

New Mexico

AAO ID

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.

Overall Ranking
4.9
Stars
444
Reviews
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Dr. 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.

Education

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

Languages

English

Spanish

Awards

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)

Memberships & Affiliations

American Board of Ophthalmology (ABMS®)

Certified in Ophthalmology

NM State Medical License

Active through 2027

Provider NPI:

1316932742

Testimonials

Read Doctor's Reviews

A large sum of testimonials has been collected for this doctor. Click below to view all their testimonials.

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Tim C.

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.

R Bailey.

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!

Julian L.

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.

4.9
Stars out of 5
444
Reviews
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