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
Dr Melendez and Dr Lee are both amazing. Their staff are all the nicest sweetest people .its not an act Dr Melendez's assistant Carol remembered a story I told her about having an appointment about cabinets in our new house. Special kind humans it's every one of them. I am about to have RLE Panopticon and I cannot wait! No more glasses or contacts..... ever! It lasts the whole rest of my life and no more contacts or doing the glasses hunt. I'll do another review after my procedure
Response from the ownerHi, Christine. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!Very well-organized & efficiently run office that clearly values customer first impressions. Overall I am pleased with my eye procedures, although the post-op experience felt a bit informal with lower engagement from the doctor. Would recommend to those seeking advanced eye treatments.
Response from the ownerHi, Jake. At Juliette Eye Institute: Robert F. Melendez, M.D., we aim to provide positive experiences at all times. Is there anything we could do to make it better? Please call us at (505) 355-2020.Dr. Melendez did my Refractive surgery in 2019. I've been his patient ever since. The entire team is amazing, kind and professional. I have an outstanding experience at ever appointment.
Response from the ownerHi, Veronica. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!Dr. Melendez performed cataract lens replacement on both of my eyes. The procedures were great. Quick, pain free and Dr. Melendez and his staff are extraordinary at making sure your comfort is top priority. The outcome has been stellar. He and his entire staff could not have been more kind, compassionate, courteous and helpful every step of the process. Would highly recommend!
Response from the ownerHi, Suzanne. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!- Response from the ownerHi, Tom. We appreciate the rating, and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
I wouldn’t trust any other doctor with my sight.
GREAT EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Response from the ownerHi, James. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!Was a great experience all the staff were super kind
Response from the ownerHi, Douglas. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!Is there a 6th star available? Because they deserve it!! Front row parking, early morning surgery, being able to go home directly afterwards, having each eye only take 20 mins, having a pain free experience. Now let's talk about the people because here's where things can get wonky no matter how great your process is...they are masters at finding and hiring calm, professional technicians and assistants! I seriously had such a great pre-op experience!! We talked the week before to set up expectations. Then onsite, the woman working with me was respectful, explaining each step to me and verifying my approval before moving forward. She was kind and compassionate, while still being efficient. Every other person, including the Dr, was cheerful, positive, calm, professional, competent. That's exactly what you want when you're trusting someone with your eyesight and that's exactly what to expect from Juliette Eye. I could not be happier, I am on day 3 of recovery and can see so clearly. I would highly recommend this procedure at this clinic!! Wish I'd done it years ago, I will be recommending this to my friends for sure. Thank you for giving me my vision back after 45 years with glasses, it's like a new lease on life.
Response from the ownerHi, Jess. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!I absolutely am pleased with my experience. All the staff are professional and nice. Dr. Melendez was very kind. The care I received was excellent! Carol the surgery scheduler was AMAZING. She helped me through the process all the way! She was knowledgeable and thorough. Not to mention I don’t need glasses anymore! 12/10 all the way!!!
Response from the ownerHi, Maria. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
