Dr. 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 has returned to Missouri 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. In addition, he is an applicant to the newly created American Board of Clinical Optometry. Dr. Melton is also currently a Captain in the 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.