MELISSA R. ZHAO

Dr. Melissa Zhao believes in treating patients like they are family. She was born and raised in the United States island territory of Guam (HAFA ADAI!). Her upbringing emphasizes personal connections and a strong work ethic that focuses on individualized patient care. 

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Dr. Zhao received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. She then went on to get her Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, California. Her technical skills were refined in a series of clinical externships at the United States Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan, Veterans Affairs Southern Nevada Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Dzlith-Na-O-Dith-Hle Health Center (an Indian reservation) in Bloomfield, New Mexico. 

 

She has since worked in a variety of optometric modalities including private practice, hospital optometry at Kaiser Permanente Downey, and ophthalmology co-management. She cares for geriatric patients by performing mobile eye examinations at skilled nursing facilities around Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Dr. Zhao is licensed and certified in the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and diagnostic treatment of ocular diseases.

 

Over the years, she has developed a special interest in dry eye and has opened a dry eye clinic at Pacific Optometry Group. 

 

In her spare time, Dr. Zhao enjoys cooking, watching Korean dramas, listening to reggae music, and is a self-proclaimed Matcha connoisseur. She is married and has two fur babies. 

 

 

Memberships 

• California Optometric Society

• American Optometric Association 

• Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce

 

Education

• Bachelor's of Science in Biochemistry (cum laude), Santa Clara University 

• Doctorate of Optometry (cum laude), Southern California College of Optometry