About the Author

Dr. Melynda Gagliardi graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Science before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2022. She then completed a competitive residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts, gaining clinical experience at renowned institutions including Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary and BostonSight. During her residency, she developed advanced expertise in fitting specialty and scleral contact lenses, particularly for patients with corneal disease and irregular corneas.

In recognition of her clinical excellence, she received the 2022 Johnson & Johnson Award of Excellence in Contact Lenses. Dr. Gagliardi is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an active member of the Gas-Permeable Lens Institute’s Rising Stars Committee.

Dr. Gagliardi’s clinical interests include scleral lenses, corneal disease, dry eye management, and myopia control. She recently published an article in the Journal of Ophthalmology on the role of scleral lenses in managing ocular surface disease. You can read the article here: Download the full article (PDF).