Dr. Melissa K. Helfrich began practicing Optometry in 1993. She is an honors graduate of University of Missouri St. Louis School of Optometry, and an honors graduate of Washington University with degrees in Biology and Psychology, and membership in MENSA.
Dr. Helfrich was in private practice in Highland, IL, and an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Optometry and 4th-Year Clinic at the St. Louis School of Optometry before moving her practice to Fairview Heights in 2002, and now relocating to Belleville in 2016. She was chosen to serve on a National Quality Assurance Committee for Optometry, and was recognized for her work on this committee in 2008 and as Optometrist of the Year in 2009. Dr. Helfrich is one of the few doctors in the area who specializes in Pediatric Vision Care. She has worked extensively with infants’ and children’s vision and has served as a lecturer and trainer for the State of IL Early Intervention Program.
Dr. Helfrich and the Contact Lens Center Staff specialize in fitting the newest contact lens designs. Dr. Helfrich is also certified in the medical diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, including eye emergencies.
Dr. Helfrich grew up in Millstadt, where she and her husband live. They have 4 adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys music, gardening, reading and travel.