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!). With over 10 years of experience, her focus is on compassionate, individualized patient care. She is committed to using evidence-based medicine to bring the latest advancements in ophthalmic technology to Pacific Optometry Group. 

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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 strong interest in dry eye management, recognizing its impact on patients' quality of life and is dedicated to finding effective, realistic solutions for her patients experiencing this condition.  

 

Dr. Zhao is also passionate about giving back to the community, having participated in multiple mission trips to the Caribbean and is a rotating provider for ECN Purpose Mobile Eye Clinic to provide essential eye care to underserved populations. 

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Outside the office, Dr. Zhao enjoys cooking, snowboarding, listening to jazz music, and is a self-proclaimed Matcha connoisseur. She is married and has one fur baby. 

 

 

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