He performs cataract and refractive surgeries with nearly 20 years of experience. Dr. Melendez's Achievements and Background
- **Fellowship and Expertise**:
- Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
- Performed over 20,000 cataract and refractive surgery procedures.
- Clinical Professor at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Department of Surgery/Division of Ophthal
mology since 2005, mentoring medical students and guiding them toward careers in ophthalmology.
- **Pioneering Surgical Contributions**:
- First Surgeon to offer Laser Cataract Surgery (LenSx®) in Albuquerque, NM.
- Performed one of the first Trifocal IOL (PanOptix®) implants in Albuquerque, NM.
- Performed the first Trifocal IOL (PanOptix®) for astigmatism in Albuquerque, NM.
- First Surgeon to implant the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) in Albuquerque, NM.
- First Surgeon to implant the Zeiss CT LUCIA 621P Monofocal Lens in New Mexico.
- Performed the first Restor +2.5 D multifocal lens implant in Albuquerque, NM.
- Executed the first Extended Depth of Focus (Symfony®) Lens Implantation in Albuquerque, NM.
- Introduced ZEISS SMILE (Small Lenticule Extraction: Flapless LASIK) to Albuquerque, NM.
- **Authorship and Leadership**:
- Authored numerous scientific journal articles.
- Created an audiobook titled “Ophthalmology Buzzwords®”.
- Wrote a leadership book: "Focus on your Passion, not the Position".
- Delivered over 75 presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
- **Recognition and Media Involvement**:
- Consistently voted to Top Docs Abq The Magazine since 2006.
- Editor-in-Chief of The Ophthalmic News and Education Network, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
- Secretary for Online Education, AAO, developing educational content and pioneering the first education app.
- Medical News Correspondent for KOAT 7 Action News.
- **Educational Journey**:
- Born in New Mexico with a heritage spanning over 10 generations from Placitas, NM.
- Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico (UNM), with participation in the prestigious Howard Hughes Research Program.
- Master's degree in Biochemistry from UNM, with a focus on teaching and research.
- Medical Doctorate from UNM School of Medicine, receiving the Khatali award for academic excellence, research, and community service.
- Trained at the Cleveland Clinic during medical school, earning recognition for cataract surgery research.
- Ophthalmology residency at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center.
- Earned an MBA degree from UNM's Anderson School of Management to enhance his understanding of the business of medicine.
- **Service and Military Experience**:
- Served as Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) in the United States Air Force/New Mexico Air National Guard.
- Flight Surgeon in the 150th Medical Group, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM.
- Officer in Charge of Medical Review and Chief of Laboratory Services.
- Completed Aerospace Medicine Program 101, 201, and 202.
- **Contributions and Foundation**:
- Founded The Juliette RP Vision Foundation in 2008 to support retina disease research and visually-impaired college students.
- Established The Juliette Eye Institute with a mission focused on personalized patient care.
- **Recognitions and Awards**:
- Consistently recognized as Top Docs in Abq The Magazine since 2006.
- Received awards like the UNM Zia Award, Secretariat Award from AAO, and the Distinguished Alumni Award for UNM School of Medicine.
- **Memberships**:
- Holds memberships in prominent ophthalmological organizations including American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and more.
**Educational Background**:
- 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.
