Dr. Melendez is a well-respected eye doctor in the Albuquerque area and beyond, with a passion for helping his patients achieve optimal vision. As an expert in cataract and refractive surgeries, he has performed over 15,000 procedures and pioneered numerous groundbreaking treatments in Albuquerque. Recognizing the need for a more personalized approach to eye care, he founded The Juliette Eye Institute, a premier facility where he takes the time to understand each patient’s unique vision needs. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Clinical Professor at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, he has dedicated himself to advancing the field through education and innovation. Dr. Melendez serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Ophthalmic News and Education Network and has been consistently recognized as one of Albuquerque’s Top Docs since 2006. At The Juliette Eye Institute, he continues his commitment to providing world-class, personalized treatment using the latest advanced technology.
Dr. Baker is a dedicated optometrist serving the Albuquerque community, with specialized expertise in pre and post-operative care for refractive surgery patients. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Chemistry, she demonstrated her commitment to global health by organizing medical missions in Central America. She went on to earn her doctorate from The University of Houston College of Optometry, where she was a 5-time recipient of the Clinical Letter of Excellence for outstanding patient care during her clinical rotations. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Dr. Baker discovered her love for New Mexico during her rotation at the Albuquerque VA, which led her to join Juliette Eye Institute. As an active member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), she is dedicated to providing thorough, personalized eye care. Outside the office, she maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys cycling and pickleball.
At Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque, our LASIK surgeons offer advanced LASIK surgery to help patients achieve visual freedom. Our LASIK procedure uses state-of-the-art laser technology to reshape your cornea, correcting common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The procedure is quick, typically taking only 15 minutes, and most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours. Our experienced LASIK surgeons use advanced eye-tracking technology to ensure precise corneal reshaping during LASIK.
Many patients find they can return to work and daily activities quickly after the procedure, enjoying clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The ZEISS SMILE procedure is a cutting-edge technique that uses a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. The entire process takes an average of just 24 seconds per eye, making it one of the quickest vision correction procedures available.
ZEISS SMILE uses a minimally invasive lenticule extraction method, which means less disruption to the eye’s surface compared to traditional LASIK. This can lead to a quicker recovery time and reduced risk of dry eye symptoms post-procedure.
The advanced optical technology used in SMILE allows for incredibly precise corneal reshaping, potentially resulting in sharper, clearer vision. After a comfortable and swift recovery period, you’ll be able to engage in all your favorite activities with crisp, clear vision.
The advanced optical technology used in SMILE allows for incredibly precise corneal reshaping, potentially resulting in sharper, clearer vision. After a comfortable and swift recovery period, you’ll be able to engage in all your favorite activities with crisp, clear vision. Whether it’s reading, driving, or participating in sports, ZEISS SMILE at Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque can help minimize your need for visual aids and enhance your overall quality of life.
If you’ve been told you’re not a suitable candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas or dry eye syndrome, there are likely other refractive options that will work better for you. At Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque, we offer Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) as an excellent alternative for achieving visual freedom.
PRK can correct refractive errors such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping your cornea with a specialized laser. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap.
Instead, your eye surgeon gently removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) before reshaping the underlying tissue. This makes PRK an ideal option for patients with thinner corneas or those whose professions or hobbies put them at higher risk for eye injuries.
Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque offers the only reversible vision correction procedure – the EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens). This innovative solution is a game-changer for those with moderate to severe nearsightedness and astigmatism, especially when LASIK or PRK aren’t suitable options.
During this procedure, your eye surgeon will make a tiny incision in your eye to insert the EVO ICL – a flexible, biocompatible lens that works in harmony with your eye’s natural structures. Unlike laser vision correction procedures, the EVO ICL doesn’t reshape your cornea.
Instead, it’s placed between your iris and your eye’s natural lens, working with your eye to provide clear vision. One of the most significant advantages of the EVO ICL is its reversibility.
Patients often report sharper, clearer vision with EVO ICL than they ever experienced with glasses or contacts. Plus, the procedure typically takes about 15 minutes per eye, with many patients noticing improved vision immediately after surgery.
For individuals over 40 looking for a vision correction procedure that can also prevent cataracts, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) at Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque offers an excellent solution. RLE involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL).
Our Albuquerque office features a range of premium IOLs to suit various visual needs and lifestyles. The advanced Clareon PanOptix trifocal premium lens is a popular choice, allowing patients to achieve clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. We also offer other IOL options, including the Light Adjustable Lens, which allows for post-surgical adjustments, ensuring the most precise vision correction possible.
RLE not only corrects your vision but also prevents the future development of cataracts, as the artificial lens cannot develop clouding like a natural lens. At Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque, we’ll work with you to determine the best IOL option to suit your lifestyle, budget, and visual needs.
Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque offers advanced laser cataract surgery using the LenSx femtosecond laser and ORA with VerifEye+ system. This technology ensures precise incisions, lens removal, and accurate intraocular lens (IOL) placement.
Our laser-assisted approach provides a more controlled and customized procedure compared to traditional methods. We offer various IOL options, including the innovative Light Adjustable Lens, to suit individual needs.
With this state-of-the-art procedure, patients can reclaim clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
At Juliette Eye Institute in Albuquerque, we prioritize glaucoma management as it’s the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Our comprehensive approach focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss.
We offer innovative treatments like Durysta, a biodegradable implant that slowly releases medication to lower IOP. Our services include Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery, and the new Voyager DSLT by Alcon to improve fluid drainage.
Our team provides personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle recommendations, to help manage glaucoma. With advanced diagnostic equipment, we’re committed to early detection and regular monitoring to preserve your vision, even before symptoms appear.
8801 Horizon Blvd., STE 130
Albuquerque, NM 87113
8801 Horizon BLVD STE 130
