About Me

Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, is a TEDx speaker, eye doctor, and world-renowned key opinion leader recognized for her expertise in dry eye disease, specialty and scleral lenses, keratoconus, presbyopia, mindful leadership, and burnout prevention. Dr. Barnett has authored more than 400 articles and books and delivered over 600 lectures worldwide. A founding board member of the Intrepid Eye Society, she also serves in leadership and advisory roles across several professional organizations, advancing education, innovation, mentorship, and leadership in eye care.

Dr. Barnett is the author and editor of Specialty Contact Lenses and Contemporary Scleral Lenses: Theory and Application, which features insights and contributions from leading international experts. Her work has been featured in medical journals, professional magazines, and consumer publications such as The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Prevention Magazine, and Good Housekeeping.

Dr. Barnett is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She specializes in mindful leadership, wellness, and effective communication, empowering individuals to become their best selves in both their personal and professional lives.

Dr. Barnett is most proud of being awarded the EB Game Changers Award from Eyecare Business, the Legends Award from AOA CLCS, the Scleral Lens Practitioner of the Year from the Scleral Lens Education Society, the inaugural Theia Award for Excellence for Mentoring by Women In Optometry, and was granted the Most Influential Women in Optical from Vision Monday.

Dr. Barnett hosts the Clearly KC and Starting Strong podcasts. She is the founder of EyeVida, innovative beauty replacement cues.

She is passionate about helping people improve their lives by optimizing vision, health, and wellness through personalized care, innovation, education, mentorship, and coaching.