BS, University of California, Irvine
OD, SCCO
MPH, University of California Los Angeles
Residency in Primary Care/Hospital Based/Geriatric Optometry, Sepulveda VA Medical Center
Dr. Melissa Contreras earned her optometry degree at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University and completed a residency in Primary Care and Geriatrics at VA Sepulveda in California. She earned her Master’s in Public Health from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She serves as the founding Associate Vice President of the IDEA Center at MBKU and as faculty. Dr. Contreras’ work focuses on teaching and practicing cultural humility—helping healthcare providers understand and respect diverse cultural perspectives and the skills needed to deliver patient-centered care. The goal is to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities by ensuring that care is tailored to each individual's needs.