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BETTER VISION, BETTER LIFE.
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The Eye Doctor You Will Want To Visit!

At Juliette Eye Institute, Dr. Melendez and his staff are dedicated to exceptional patient care and a boutique eye care experience.

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Why Choose

Juliette Eye Institute

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Personalized Care

Your care will be tailored specifically to your unique needs.

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Expertise

Almost 20 years of Ophthalmology Surgical Experience.

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Quality

Our Board Certified Ophthalmologist treats each patient like family and provides only the highest level of care.

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First in Albuquerque, New Mexico

to offer All Laser Cataract Surgery, ZEISS SMILE pro and EVO ICL

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Vision Correction for All Ages

ZEISS SMILE pro, LASIK, and PRK

At 18-40, you have excellent options for achieving clear vision. SMILE and LASIK are popular laser procedures that reshape the cornea for lasting results. For those who aren't candidates for laser surgery, EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) offers a reversible solution that works with your natural eye structure, providing crisp vision without altering your cornea.

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Refractive Lens Exchange

There are a variety of refractive surgeries that can improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a vision correction procedure that is intended for people aged 40 or older. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce the need for glasses and contact lenses.

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Cataract Surgery

As we age the natural lens of the eye can become clouded and reduce the quality of your vision. Cataract surgery replaces the natural lens with an intraocular lens restoring clear vision. With many lens options now available, you can not only have clearer vision, but eliminate your need for glasses all together.

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LASIK

At Juliette Eye Institute, you have options when it comes to laser vision correction. With all-laser LASIK surgery, the cornea is reshaped with bladeless technology to provide you with clearer vision. This process is precise and customized to your unique needs. Dr. Melendez and his team will walk you through your options and help you make the right decision for you.

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RLE

Refractive Lens Exchange eye surgery is quick, and relatively painless as well. The surgery itself takes 10-15 minutes for each eye. During the procedure your eye doctor will replace the natural lens of your eye with an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). There are multiple IOLs which serve various vision correction needs.

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Cataract Surgery

Juliette Eye Institute is proud to offer All-Laser Cataract Surgery for the comfort and peace of mind of our patients. All-laser cataract surgery is a more precise and accurate procedure than the earlier blade cataract surgery options, in addition to being a new option for patients dealing with astigmatism.

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meet our doctor

Robert F. Melendez, MD

At Juliette Eye Institute we provide compassionate eye care with education to all our patients. Dr. Melendez is proud to offer the latest in advanced technology to his patients so they can achieve the best possible outcomes.

• Specialty

Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Education

Undergraduate School: the University of New Mexico, B.S. in Biochemistry
Medical School: the University of New Mexico, Faculty Award for Excellence, 2000

Internship: University of New Mexico Hospital

Residency: University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Chief Resident and Voted

Resident of the Year, 2004; Masters in Business Administration (MBA), UNM Anderson School of Management

Awards

Top Docs, Albuquerque The Magazine 2020 (2006-Present), 2018 UNM Zia Award, Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017, Secretariat Award American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017.


Read more about Dr. Melendez
Robert F. Melendez, MD
Lobos Preferred LASIK Provider

Over 500 5-Star Reviews

Patient Testimonial
"I can’t say enough about the amazing care provided by Dr. Melendez and his wonderful staff. I needed to have cataract surgery and was not happy with my options in Santa Fe. After researching ophthalmologists one doctor stood out; Dr. Melendez. After thoroughly reading everything on his website, I was very impressed and was able to schedule an appointment quickly. The office was inviting and comfortable, the staff were very professional and friendly, and Dr. Melendez was so kind and explained everything thoroughly. The surgery went great. The whole experience went very smoothly from beginning to end and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I would highly recommend Juliette Eye Institute."
Patient Testimonial
"All the staff were incredible! I worked with Trish, Brett, Dr. Melendez, and all the staff that assisted me from consultation to my post-op procedure. They were very warm, and treated me as if I was their own. Dr. Melendez and his staff are all very patient and were so happy that I was able to see very well after my RLE! Will be going back in a few months for LASIK but I’m just so happy to have found a place with a solution to help give me a better quality of life when I Dr. Melendez told me that there is a solution to correcting my high myopia. I never thought I’d be able to have any refractive surgical procedure done to correct my vision but with Dr. Melendez, he gave me a solution! Thank you!"
Patient Testimonial
"I had an outstanding experience at Juliette Eye Institute. From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional—making me feel at ease throughout the entire process. Dr. Melendez was exceptional in his care, taking the time to thoroughly explain the LASIK procedure, answer all my questions, made the surgery experience light and fun, and personally called the evening after surgery to check in. The surgery itself was quick and surprisingly comfortable, and my recovery has been smooth with minimal discomfort so far. I was amazed at how quickly I saw results—my vision improved almost immediately! The facility is beautiful, modern, and impeccably clean. I couldn't be happier with the outcome thus far and highly recommend Juliette Eye Institute to anyone considering LASIK or other vision correction procedures."
Patient Testimonial
"I got SMILE in December 2022. From booking the appointment with Karissa to being examined and taken care of by Marissa, having my refraction done by Brett, to the surgery by Dr. Melendez and the awesome hospitality by Josh afterwards; I was throughly impressed. The surgery was quick and was very informative before hand. The after care was great. Dr. Melendez really cares for his patients and models the behavior for his staff. The staff are professional and caring. Before surgery, I had many pairs of glasses that I would immediately look for every morning to see my surroundings. I no longer struggle. I am able to see and my vision continues to get better. Thank you to the team at Juliette Eye Institute!"