Melanie N. Truong-Le, DO, OD
Specialties: Ophthalmology, Neuro-Ophthalmology
Gender: Female
Biography: I went to medical school to become a “DOOD”. The word makes me smile, but it also marks a journey shaped by transformation and gratitude.
Born near the end of the Vietnam War, I grew up in the shadow of my parents’ courage. They left behind everything they loved so their children could have a chance to dream freely. That sacrifice became my compass. Raised in Kansas, I learned early the value of resilience, humility, and service.
I began my career as an optometrist, drawn to the beauty of sight and the joy of teaching. But after losing a loved one to a neurologic illness, my purpose deepened. I returned to medical school, trained as a neurologist, and ultimately found my calling at the intersection of both worlds—neuro-ophthalmology.
Today, I am profoundly grateful to practice in a field that bridges vision and the brain, science and humanity. Every patient reminds me why I chose this path: to see clearly, serve deeply, and honor those who made my journey possible.
My Approach to Healthcare
My approach to patient care is to be individualized and realize that it is such a privilege to be present for another person's vulnerabilities. That is a level of trust that is given without reservation, and I do not take it lightly. I truly enjoy understanding the pathophysiology of diseases & health and work diligently to explain things that appear complex and hard to decipher. I enjoy that challenge like I enjoy learning math and finding a solution to a problem that seems unsurmountable. I believe that the key to any patient care is the "presence" and I seek to be present for all of my patients and the people in my life. It is that simple.
Practice Locations
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1
Lakeland Medical - UMMC
764 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 View Location |
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2
UMMC Colony Park North
124 UMMC Way, Ridgeland, MS 39157 View Location |
Accepted Insurance Plans
The University of Mississippi Medical Center accepts all plans, but may not be an in-network provider with your plan. We encourage you to contact your insurer and ask if the plan is in network with UMMC. Always contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage information.
Network Participation - 2026
MississippiCAN and CHIP [Managed Care programs promulgated by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid]
- Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
- Magnolia Health (Centene)
- TrueCare
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace [Individual plans offered on healthcare.gov]
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health (Centene)
- Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
- UHC Marketplace (Madison only)
Medicare Advantage
- Devoted Health Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP
- HealthSpring Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
- Humana: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
- United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
- WellCare (Centene) Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
Commercial - Group and Individual
- Aetna Plans: PPO, HMO [Includes all facilities except UMMC Madison]
- BCBSMS Plans: BlueCardPPO, State Health Plan (AHS), Federal Employee Plan (FEP)
- Cigna Plans: PPO, HMO
- United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO (Includes plans administered by UMR, UnitedHealth Group's wholly owned third-party administrator (TPA) subsidiary)
Transplant Only Networks
- Optum Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, VAD
- Emerging Therapy Solutions (ETS) Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
- Interlink Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T
- Celtic Plans: Ambetter, WellCare, Magnolia Health MississippiCAN, Magnolia Health CHIP • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT
- Cigna Lifesource Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
Dental
- Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
- Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial
Vision
- Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
- Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial
Rental Networks (Utilized by self-funded employer group plans and third-party administrators (TPAs))
- Mississippi Physicians Care Network (MPCN) [If MPCN is present on a Member/Subscriber ID, all UMMC facilities and providers are in-network regardless of TPA.]
- First Choice Health Plan
- Claritev (formerly Multiplan)
- Zelis
Government Programs
- Humana Military Plan: Tricare
- United Healthcare Plan: Veterans Affairs Community Care Networks
Plans and Payors UMMC is not in-network with as of April 1, 2026
- Oscar Health Plan: ACA Marketplace [Final negotiations taking place now. Anticipate in-network participation, effective June 1, 2026.]
- Cigna (Connect EPO) Plan: ACA Marketplace
- American Health Advantage Plan: Medicare Advantage
- Patrius Health (BCBSMS) Plan: Medicare Advantage
- Aetna Plan: Medicare Advantage
Education
| Board Certification: | Psychiatry & Neurology, Neurology |
| Fellowship: | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary |
| Fellowship: | University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics |
| Graduate School: | Pennsylvania College of Optometry |
| Medical Education: | Texas College Of Osteopathic Medicine |
Experience
Current Positions
| Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mississippi Medical Center - Ophthalmology | 01/2025 - Present |
Specialty Certification Licensure
| Licensure, Mississippi Medical License | 07/2025 - 06/2026 |
| Certification, ABPN Neurology |
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Fellow Distinction, North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society | 2025 |
| Frank B. Walsh Case selected 2024, North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society | 2024 |
| Best Abstract by a Fellow Award 2019 “Reflex Upper and Lower Eyelid Movements in Response to Light Stimuli”, North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society | 2019 |
| International Headache Academy Scholarship, International Headache Academy | 2019 |
| Stephen Damm Memorial Award For excellence and compassion in paent care in Neurology presented by the Stephen Damm Family, UTSW Neurology Residency | 2018 |
| Parkland Neurology Resident of the Year, Parkland Hospitals & Clinics | 2018 |
| Arnold P Gold Humanism Award Recognion of exemplary service, integrity, clinical excellence, and compassion, UTSW Arnold P. Gold Humanism | 2018 |
| International Headache Academy Scholarship, International Headache Academy | 2018 |
| Frontiers in Headache Research Scholarship Research project – “Correlaon of Visual Funcon and Naonal Eye Instute Visual Funcon Quesonnaire in Subjects with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.” , American Headache Society | 2017 |