meet the team

Optometrist

Dr. Melissa Dugan, OD

Dr. Melissa Dugan is a board certified optometrist from New Orleans. She provides comprehensive eyecare with special interest in dry eye disease and glaucoma management.

Dr. Dugan graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2008 and went on to receive her doctorate in optometry at the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2013. After completing externships at the Birmingham VA, Eyecare Associates of New Orleans and Palm Beach Eyes of Boynton Beach, she started her career in private practice in Boynton Beach, FL. There, she worked for over a year providing comprehensive eyecare while also training to specialize in hard-to-fit contact lenses for patients with corneal diseases and post corneal transplants.

Dr. Dugan moved back home in 2014 and spent four years in a high-volume ophthalmology practice gaining valuable experience in disease management of ocular conditions including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, corneal diseases and glaucoma. After her time in ophthalmology, Dr. Dugan moved back over to primary eyecare and developed a passion for dry eye disease.

Dr. Dugan is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Association of Louisiana and the New Orleans Contact Lens Society.

Dr. Dugan is excited to be able to provide excellent eye care to the lakefront area where she lives with her husband Patrick and three children Lainey, Ellis and Margot. Her vision is to provide a personal eyecare experience with cutting-edge technology and a modern approach to dry eye disease management.

Office Manager | Optician

Erica

Meet Erica Ellis, an experienced optician with over 6 years of expertise in the optical field. Erica is a New Orleans native, and she combines a deep understanding of vision care with a rich background in retail management including 10 years with Anthropologie.

Optician and Ophthalmic Technician

Dawn

Dawn is an Optician and Ophthalmic Technician with a lifelong passion for helping people see their best. Originally from the Baton Rouge area, she has called Metairie home since 2019.

With over 12 years of optician experience, Dawn brings extensive knowledge, steady hands, and a warm, patient-centered approach to every encounter. Dedicated and compassionate, she loves combining her technical skills with her love of people to make every patient’s visit clearer and brighter. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys tending to her rose garden, spending time outdoors, and hunting and fishing with her family.

Ophthalmic Technician

Sophie

Sophie is an Ophthalmic Technician with a passion for healthcare and helping others. Originally from Bucktown and a Chapelle High School valedictorian, she is now studying Biology Pre-Medicine at Loyola University New Orleans, with plans to go to medical school.

Receptionist

Heather

Heather is the newest team member of Lakefront Eyecare. She brings over 14 years of experience in medical office administration, including 5 years in the ophthalmic field.

As the welcoming face of our practice, she combines her extensive knowledge of healthcare operations with a genuine passion for eye care. Heather enjoys connecting with patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported from the moment they walk through the door. She currently resides in Metairie and loves being part of the local community. Her friendly demeanor and organizational skills help keep our office running smoothly every day.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday
8:30am - 4:30pm

Tuesday
8:30am - 4:30pm

Wednesday
8:30am - 4:30pm

Thursday
8:30am - 4:30pm

Friday
8:30am - 12:30pm

Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Lakefront Eyecare

135 W Robert E Lee Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70124

(504) 766-0313