Derek J. Melton, O.D., F.A.A.O.

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 Optometry. Dr. Melton grew up in the hills of western North Carolina.

During the early 1990's, Dr. Melton 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, Armed Forces Optometric Society and American Public Health Association. He is a past member of the American Optometric Association, Missouri Optometric Association, National Guard Association of Indiana, and National Guard Association of the United States. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Melton is currently a captain in the ready reserve component of the Biomedical Sciences Corp of the Air National Guard (United States Air Force Reserve).

As an optometric physician, Dr. Melton has a wealth of experience in the diagnosis, management and treatment of systemic and ophthalmic disease processes (including minor surgical procedures). Contact lenses and refractive surgery options are also an area of expertise, in addition to comprehensive optometry.

Kayla S. Melton, O.D.

Dr. Kayla Melton is our practice manager, and although she provides the majority of her patient care services at Kneibert Clinic in Poplar Bluff, MO, her constant guidance is evident in all aspects of Melton Eye Care's daily operations. She served as assistant chief of eyecare (civil service) with the Public Health Service from 2001 to 2004 in NE Montana and serves on the Parks Board, Library Board and Disability Board (all of Poplar Bluff, MO).

Mrs. April Costin, Optician

April is our office operations manager and oversees all aspects of service to this southeast Missouri community. She was born in Oran, MO and has lived in SE Missouri her entire life. She has an associates business degree from Metro Business College. She has been working in the eye care field for about 6 years (2 years with Melton Eye Care). She and her husband have one beautiful daughter. Her husband's family has managed the Twinplex in Dexter for many years.

Mr. Albert Parson

Mr. Parson, or 'Al' as we all know him, has been a God-send to our practice and helped to improve its everyday function, appearance and efficiency. Al has many years of supervisory experience and we haven't found much in this office that he hasn't been able to help us with since coming on board with us back in September.

Mrs. Laurie Layton

Laurie has come to us from the education field and is very knowledgeable in the basic sciences, having taught anatomy, physiology and biology. Her professionalism in the day-to-day operations of our front office and optical dispensary are much appreciated.