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
20/15 vision!!! I received EVO ICL as it was the best option for my nearsightedness (-5.5,-6.5) and astigmatism (+4.5). Dr. Melendez is a real pro and you can tell from the moment you meet him, he did my surgery and it was quick and painless. After the first day I could see and drive just fine, after the first week I had 20/15 vision, and after a month I'm almost at 20/10! Dr. Lee handled my post op with care and was just all around fantastic. The whole team is on another level of patient care. Alexis at the front desk was very kind and remembered my name and face the moment I walked in for every visit. I cannot recommend enough.
Response from the ownerHi, Anthony. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!The staff was was awesome. The tech was very professional and genuinely interested. Dr. Melendez was interested and did a good job. Sight is some what better.
- Response from the ownerHi, Vincent. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you so much for the review!
Great place to have your eye cared for! So professional and kind , they do EXCELLENT work , highly recommend
Response from the ownerHi, Delores. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!Great experience - The Dr. was awesome, the procedure went well. Beyond that, all of the support staff were friendly, well trained and made the experience wonderful!
Response from the ownerHi, Garth. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!Dr Lee did my surgery, he was very kind and very patient, as well as the other staff that waited on me. I highly recommend Juliette eye institute!
Response from the ownerHi, Cyndy. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!An excellent experience. The staff at the office were highly professional and courteous. DR. Melendez was knowledgeable. He was explained my options thoroughly with advantages and disadvantages of each option. Highly recommended.
Response from the ownerHi, Naser. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!I had RLE a month ago and am very happy. Seeing 20/15 and able to drive at night again. Highly recommend the Dr’s at Juliette Eye Institute.
Response from the ownerHi, Trebor. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!I had one eye lens replaced by Dr Melendez about a year ago due to cataract. Total success. Just had the right eye done by new associate, Dr Lee. He is a great addition to the practice. 30 day checkup and i am better than 20/20 both eyes. Office environment and staff are polished and professional. I wish all my medical experiences were this good.
Response from the ownerHi, John. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!The Juliette Eye Institute is an amazing place. The doctors and staff are very professional. They couldn’t have taken better care of me. I would definitely recommend them to my family and friends!
Response from the ownerHi, Linda. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
