One to Watch: Melanie Akau, OD, FAAO

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Please share with us your background.

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which fostered my love for sunny weather and green chile. I attended The University of Texas in Austin (hook ‘em!), where I majored in violin performance, knowing from the beginning that I wanted to pursue a career in health care or engineering. I graduated from the University of California Berkeley School of Optometry, now called the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science. I then completed an ocular disease residency in Boston at the West Roxbury Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and afterwards did a 2-year research fellowship at the Jamaica Plain VAMC. Before moving to Denver, I worked at both an MD/OD private practice and a private OD practice.

Describe your current position.

For the past 5 years, I have been a clinical instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Health Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center in the University of Colorado School of Medicine. My primary role is in medical comprehensive eye care. I am also part of the neuro-ophthalmology collaborative care team and, as of last year, I accepted a new role as medical director of staff education, partnering with our clinical administration on our in-house Ophthalmic Assistant Academy and other technician and staff education programs.

Who are your mentors?

My residency director, Lisa Fanciullo, OD, from the West Roxbury VAMC. She fostered a challenging program at a unique facility that housed the emergency department, in-patient hospital, and out-patient clinics. As a result, optometry was often the first eye service consulted on acute emergency and bedside cases. Dr. Fanciullo was a fountain of knowledge, and her commitment to her patients was inspiring.

Additionally, my OD and MD colleagues in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology have all been incredibly supportive. They motivate me daily through their curiosity, compassion, and expertise.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career thus far?

Being offered my current position! I always wanted to get back to academia, and although I had envisioned teaching at an optometry school, I am grateful for the opportunity to thrive at a medical school interacting with staff, interns, and residents with resources to further my own education.

What are some new technological advances that you find exciting? Which advances in the pipeline are you most enthusiastic or curious about?

The use of artificial intelligence, namely, its research capabilities and potential integration into the future of ophthalmic patient care.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I wake up early for a run or Peloton workout. After that, it’s all about trading off duties with my husband to get our 5- and 3-year-old children ready for school. I see patients from 8 am until 5 pm. The evening consists of eating, playing, and getting everyone to sleep by 8 pm, after which I wind down the night with an episode of The Office. Weekends are for play dates, date nights, laundry, and watching Formula 1 races.

What advice can you offer to individuals who are just now choosing their career paths after finishing optometry school or a residency?

Your first job may not be your last. There can be a lot of pressure to find the “perfect” job after school or residency. Do not be afraid to seek out other opportunities if your skill set is not honored or your work environment is not compatible with your goals or values. Treat each job not only as a place to hone your clinical skills, but also as a platform to learn more about yourself and the career and life that you want.