James H. Merritt, MD

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James H. Merritt M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and has dedicated his career to ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery in adults and children.  A native of Dallas and fifth generation Texan, Dr. Merritt formed Oculoplastic Associates of Texas in 1991. Dr. Merritt has been named a D Magazine “Best Doctor” over 13 times for his work at Oculoplastic Associates of Texas.

EDUCATION:

Dr. Merritt completed medical school, ophthalmology residency, and his oculoplastic surgery fellowship at The University of Texas of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. While waiting on his wife to complete her residency in psychiatry, Dr. Merritt broadened his training with an additional fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology. 

LIFE AND CAREER:

Prior to his entry into private practice, Dr. Merritt was the director of the Oculoplastic and Orbital Service at Southwestern Medical School here in Dallas. Dr. Merritt is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The Texas Ophthalmology Association, The Texas Medical Association and Dallas Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Merritt's interest in international ophthalmology has allowed him to travel, teach, and operate in Germany, Argentina, Peru, Turkey, Croatia, and Israel. He has trained numerous international ophthalmologists.

Dr. Merritt’s medical family includes his wife Susanna, a psychiatrist and former Dean of Student Affairs at Southwestern Medical School, oculoplastic surgeon daughter Helen Merritt MD, who joined Oculoplastic Associates of Texas in 2019 and ocularist (artificial eye maker) daughter Sara Merritt who works in Fort Worth.

TEACHING

Dr. Merritt serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas and Children’s Medical Center.   He also currently serves as chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Texas Health Resources Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.