Dr. Kevin Merkley

Medical Director, Joffe MediCenter Houston

EDUCATION

A native of Utah, Dr. Merkley excelled in his undergraduate studies at Utah State University in Utah. After successfully completing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Brigham Young University, and a brief career in business, Dr. Merkley recognized his true passion and commitment were to medicine. With his stellar academic credentials, Dr. Merkley was accepted at the University of Utah, where he completed his medical degree. Following an internship at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Merkley completed his ophthalmology residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Given his interest in corneal surgery, Dr. Merkley went on to earn a prestigious fellowship position in corneal and anterior segment surgery at the University of California, Irvine. Through these diverse experiences over many years, Dr. Merkley was able to both learn from, and work with, some of the most experienced and renowned ophthalmologists in the country. With his expertise in refractive and corneal surgery, it is little wonder that Dr. Merkley has lectured at national meetings on eye care, and has participated in a number of important ophthalmic clinical studies.

EXPERIENCE

Having performed over twenty thousand laser vision correction procedures over a fifteen-year period, Dr. Merkley is among the most experienced refractive and corneal surgeons in the United States. Among the thousands of patients who have entrusted their eyes to Dr. Merkley are fellow doctors, pilots, military personnel, athletes, and Dr. Merkley’s own friends and family members. As a passionate advocate for the wonders of laser vision correction, Dr. Merkley is proud to say that he has personally had LASIK on his own eyes, and loves the lifestyle that comes with being less dependent on glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Merkley has published extensively in such leading, peer-respected journals as the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of Refractive Surgery, and the Western Journal of Medicine, among others.

ASSOCIATIONS

Dr. Merkley is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and is a fellowship-trained LASIK Specialist. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Merkley’s professional affiliations have enabled him to stay at the leading edge of surgical innovation and technology.

PERSONAL

Dr. Merkley was raised in Utah, and is a proud father of six children. He and his wife, Patricia, are thrilled to call Houston home, and are excited to integrate themselves deeply into the community. Every day Dr. Merkley is thankful for the wonders of LASIK, and the freedom it has provided to him and his lifestyle. When not helping his patients improve their lives with better vision, Dr. Merkley’s hobbies include fishing, hiking, skiing, camping, reading, travel, and spending time with his family.