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.
About Dr. Robert F Melendez
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.
Credentials
Education & Training
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
Memberships & Affiliations
American Board of Ophthalmology (ABMS®)
Certified in Ophthalmology
NM State Medical License
Active through 2027
Provider NPI:
1316932742
Awards & Recognition
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)
What patients say
Reviews & ratings
Patient Reviews
No reviews yetReviews for Juliette Eye Institute: Robert F. Melendez, M.D.
★★★★★4.8555 reviewsGoogle reviews from the "Juliette Eye Institute: Robert F. Melendez, M.D." Google Business Profile. Reviews describe the practice and may mention other providers at this location.View all Google reviews at this practice
Efficient, friendly, no wait time for appointment or procedure. 7 days from first contact with the customer care team to no glasses! Thank you Dr Melendez and the entire Juliette team.
Response from the ownerHi, Kimberley. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!After being told 25 years ago that I wasn’t a candidate for LASIK, I thought I’d give it one more try to see if technology had advanced to where I may have an option for vision correction other than glasses or contacts which I’ve worn for over 60 years. 2 days ago I had RLE surgery and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Juliette Eye Institute is so very professional from the very beginning, and the staff is kind, accommodating, and so very thorough at offering information and answering questions. It’s all that a business should be when dealing with such a valuable asset as eyesight. Thank you to all that led me through and completed the process. My life has been so very positively affected, I’m looking forward to my continued adaptation to a world without glasses. Thank you!
Response from the ownerHi, Laurie. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!I had my appointment with Dr Melendez last week. I've been wearing glasses since I was a sophomore in high school and have never felt more rushed during the testing process and really felt like I was wasting their time. These tests were a form of torture. After being pushed through the tests, I find out they couldn't help me with my vision. After being told that, I was told I wouldn't even be meeting with Dr Melendez like I was told I was going to. I felt offended like I wasn't good enough. This entire appointment was a complete waste of time and money.
Response from the ownerHi Garrett, We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We understand how frustrating it can be to invest your time and resources into an evaluation and not receive the outcome you were hoping for. At Juliette Eye Institute, our standard evaluation process includes a comprehensive series of measurements and diagnostic testing before any vision correction procedure can be recommended. Candidacy cannot always be determined beforehand, which is why these detailed evaluations are so important. Patient safety is always our priority. If our testing indicates that a procedure may not be the safest or most appropriate option, we will always take the cautious approach rather than recommend surgery that may not be in someone’s best interest. We also understand the importance of expectations surrounding which members of our surgical team someone hopes to meet during their visit, and we appreciate that feedback. Because we respect the privacy of everyone who visits our practice, we cannot discuss individual circumstances or care on a public forum. We would, however, welcome the opportunity to speak with you privately about your concerns. Please contact our office directly and ask to speak with a member of our leadership team. — Juliette Eye InstituteI had RLE 3 months ago and could not be happier! After 42 years of wearing contacts, I'm free from all glasses and seeing 20/20 at all distances. The service, staff, and Dr. Melendez are exceptional and I highly recommend surgery at this facility.
Response from the ownerHi, Jen. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!I had an absolutely amazing experience at Juliette Eye Institute. I was lucky enough to know people that had been here previously and had no one else in mind when I finally decided to get my LASIK done. The week I decided, I had my first online consultation the next day and two days later was onsite to have all of my scans and pre-checks done. Lindsey and Brett were amazing, taking care of me and working to track down what my exact prescription was now and what it had been previously with the glasses I brought in. Once checks had been done and pricing discussed, I was on the calendar for the next surgery day! Leading up to surgery day the staff was so informing and sweet, answering any questions I had about stopping potential supplements (that I of course left of my initial paperwork because I didn’t think about it) and timelines for healing after surgery. When it came to surgery day everything was smooth sailing and I was off to the races on healing up. Both Dr Melendez and Dr Lee called me after surgery to check in on me and have been amazing in the healing process. I can’t imagine having gone anywhere else and I have recommended Juliette Eye Institute to many of my friends and coworkers since.
Response from the ownerHi, Emily. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!Elective RLE for +4 hyperopia in my 40s. Couldn't be happier with the results.
Response from the ownerHi, Thomas. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!My experience was awesome here at Juliete Eye Institute .From Carol to Dr Melendez everyone was friendly, informative and professional. I would recommend anyone who is in need of eye surgery to at least look into Juliete Eye Institute before going anywhere else. You won’t regret it!
Response from the ownerHi, Sal. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!Dr. Melendez is the classiest, most engaging, and empathetic person I’ve ever met.
Response from the ownerHi, Johnny. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!I switched over to Dr. Melendez a couple of years ago and have never been disappointed. He offers a high-quality of eye care.
Response from the ownerHi, Linda. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!- Response from the ownerHi, Kenny. We are delighted that you had a great experience with us. Thank you for taking the time to rate us!
