Dr. Derek J. Melton

Dr. Derek Melton is a graduate of the East Carolina University biotechnology program with a B.S. in Biology (Molecular Biology concentration), as well as a graduate of Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN with a doctorate in Optometery.

During the early 1990's, Dr. Derek worked at the prestigious National Institutes of Health as a biochemist with the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Genetics, investigating the basic science behind different disease processes.

During his final year of optometric medical education, Dr. Derek completed internships at WJB Dohrn, VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC and Pediatric Vision Associates in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Derek and his family have returned home to Missouri to be close to his wife's family, after serving his country as an active duty Lieutenant with the USPHS Commissioned Medical Corp Reserve. Dr. Melton served as chief of Eyecare Services at the Fort Peck Service Unit in Poplar, Montana from June 2001 through June 2004. Dr. Melton is a past member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, Reserve Officers Association, Commissioned Officers Association, American Optometric Assocation, Missouri Optometric Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometery. He is a past member of the Armed Forces Optometric Society and American Public Health Association. He is currently a captain in the ready reserve component of the Biomedical Sciences Corp of the Air National Guard (United States Air Force Reserve).

Dr. Melton has a wealth of experience in the diagnosis, management and treatment of systemic and opthalmic disease processes. Contact lenses and refractive surgery options are also an area of expertise, in addition to comprehensive optometry.