Our Team

Dr. Chariton grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Management and a Minor in Business Management from Brigham Young University-Provo. He later received his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Colorado Optometric Association.

Dr. Chariton completed his clinical internships at David Grant USAF Medical Center on Travis AFB, Pacific University College of Optometry, Elemental Eyecare, and the Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Bend, OR. His internships have provided experience and expertise in primary care, contact lenses, ocular disease, surgical co-management of cataract and LASIK patients, pediatric vision care, vision therapy, and rehabilitation.

Dr. Chariton is passionate about providing his patients with the best possible eye care. He believes that good vision is essential for a healthy, active, and productive life. He is committed to providing his patients with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their eye care.

Dr. Chariton enjoys spending time with his wife and five children and taking advantage of the many outdoor recreational activities available here in Chaffee County.

Dr. Melzer grew up in Denver and graduated from Columbine High School. She attended Colorado State University and received degrees in International Studies and Spanish. She then graduated with honors from Pacific College of Optometry and completed her four years of optometric training with clinical rotations at the Lexington, Kentucky VA and the Indian Health Service in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as private practices in Connecticut and Colorado. Dr. Melzer spent 9 years working at an ophthalmology practice in Denver before relocating to Salida. 

Dr. Melzer provides comprehensive eye care including annual eye exams, specialty contact lens fittings, and co-managing cataract and refractive surgeries. Dr. Melzer also has extensive experience treating dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic 
retinopathy. 

Outside of work, Dr. Melzer and her partner, Wilson, enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking and skiing. They currently have an ‘urban homestead' where they have 4 beehives, 6 pet chickens and a large vegetable garden. 

Samantha has been a Certified Medical Assistant for 10 years and in her current role as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for 7 years. She loves helping everyone and making them laugh with her jokes.

She loves Chaffee County for the beautiful mountains and snow! She thinks of herself as just a small-town girl who loves her family and her dogs.

Justin has been working in the customer service industry for over 7 years now and has completed a nationally recognized Leadership Training Academy. He thoroughly enjoys having a job that allows him to help and serve others. He has been working with Dr. Chariton since October of 2022 as an Optometric Technician and believes he has finally found his calling. He loves everything about his job. He loves helping people, constantly learning more about the eyes and body, and working with an amazing team that truly cares about our patients.

He enjoys living in Chaffee County because it offers pretty much everything he could ever want to do outdoors, and Salida still has that small-town feel he’s always known and loved. His true outdoor passions are rock climbing and canyoneering, and he loves taking trips to Utah for its incredible slot canyons.