HUGHES QUALITY EYECARE

Ashley Hughes, OD

Melanie Ballard, OD

Eyecare the way it should be.

Dr. Hughes is a northwest Ohio native. In fourth grade, she became interested in optometry. Throughout high school and college, Dr. Hughes worked for a local practice as an optometric technician and office assistant. Her curiosity and passion continued to grow.

Dr. Hughes graduated summa cum laude in 2014 from Hiram College with a major in neuroscience & religious studies and minor in biology. She went onto complete her Doctor of Optometry from The Ohio State University College of Optometry; in 2018, she graduated cum laude. During her time at OSU, Dr. Hughes was a member of American Optometric Student Organization (AOSA), Beta Sigma Kappa (ΒΣΚ) honor society, Epsilon Psi Epsilon (ΕΨΕ) professional fraternity, and American Academy of Optometry student fellowship. She continues to be a member of the American Optometric Association and Ohio Optometric Association.

Upon graduating, Dr. Hughes started Hughes Quality Eyecare in 2018. She practiced as an independent doctor at Walmart and Sam’s Club in Zanesville. In her free time, she filled in at a private practice located in South Zanesville.

In November 2019, Dr. Hughes took the next steps to advance her optometric career by purchasing Dr. Robert Kreuter’s practice in Lancaster, Ohio. Dr. Hughes’ interests are ocular disease (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy) and contact lenses.

In her free-time, Dr. Hughes enjoys spending time with her family (Jesse-husband and puppy-Lacey), traveling, going to antique shows, and crafting.

Meet Our New Doctor!

Dr. Melanie Ballard, originally from Conneaut, Ohio , began her academic journey at Otterbein University in central Ohio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Life Science, concentrating in molecular biology, and worked in that field for several years before pursuing optometry.

In 2008, Dr. Ballard earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, graduating cum laude and as a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society. She further specialized by completing a residency in Anterior Segment and Corneal Disease, as well as Pre- and Post-Operative Patient Care.

Dr. Ballard has extensive experience in ocular disease management , which she uses to enhance her comprehensive practice in primary eye care. She is committed to sharing knowledge about visual and ocular health to meet patients' lifestyle needs and ensure their vision remains well into the future.

In addition to her work at Hughes Quality Eyecare, Dr. Ballard also currently serves as a traveling optometrist, helping to meet the eye care needs of patients in nursing homes around the state.

In her personal time, Dr. Ballard enjoys being outdoors, including camping, gardening, and taking walks to experience nature. She also enjoys reading, video games, learning new line dances, and spending time with her husband, cat, and family.

Emma

Meet Emma, the friendly face who will help you find your next perfect pair of glasses! As an optician at Hughes Quality Eyecare, Emma is passionate about helping every patient achieve clear vision and find eyewear they love. She expertly guides you through the process, from selecting the right frames to ensuring your lenses meet the exact technical specifications of your prescription.

Emma is exceptionally skilled with numbers and details, a professional trait she credits to her prior experience in the banking world. This background gives her a meticulous eye for accuracy, whether she's taking precise measurements or helping you navigate insurance and billing with ease.

When Emma is not at work, she is home to her boyfriend, Clayton, and their three beloved dogs, who keep life busy and full of unconditional love! Look for her in the kitchen on weekends—she loves to bake delicious treats—or enjoying quality time spent with her friends and family. Emma's dedication and warmth make her a wonderful part of the Hughes Quality Eyecare experience!

Taylor

Meet Taylor, the dedicated Optometric Technician at Hughes Quality Eyecare. Taylor plays a vital role in ensuring that our patients receive top-notch care during their exams, special testing and new contact wearer education. With a background in healthcare as a State Tested Nursing Assistant at a local hospice facility, she has a deep commitment to enhance the well-being of others.

When she is not at the office, she likes to embrace her adventurous spirit as a devoted fiance and mother. She is a mother to three energetic boys Keegan, Branson and Beau. Together, they love exploring the great outdoors, visiting new places and creating cherished memories along the way. In addition to her love for nature, she has a passion for thrifting, baking, and crafting, which allows her to express her creativity and share her delights with family and friends. With her upbeat attitude, Taylor will always work hard to ensure our patients have the best care and vision while working alongside Dr. Hughes.

Kelli

Meet Kelli, our dedicated lead receptionist at Hughes Quality Eyecare. With over 25 years in the

medical field, she always goes the extra mile to make your check-in and check-out easy and

pleasant. She spends a lot of time assisting our veterans with their glasses making sure they

get the best care when they arrive at our office. Kelli loves spending time with her wonderful

husband, children, and their adorable dogs. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her happily

baking, as she enjoys collecting cookbooks. Kelli’s warm personality and dedication make her a

key part of the team, ensuring everyone feels welcome and cared for at the clinic.

Skelly

Meet Skelly, a familiar, grinning face when you visit us. Our Office Manager Skelly joined the Hughes Quality Eyecare family for Halloween and decided she liked the staff (and the clear lighting!) so much, she decided to stay.

Skelly ensures that every patient's visit is seamless and stress-free. She has a calcium-strong grip on our daily operations and is dedicated to keeping things perfectly organized. She loves seeing all our patients, especially the ones who appreciate a good funny bone joke!

Lacey

Say hello to Lacey, our sweet and spunky Shih Tzu who is here to brighten your day! As a dedicated member of our team, Lacey is here every day, often found napping near the front desk or quietly patrolling the reception area for ear scratches.

She specializes in stress reduction, tail wags, and providing unconditional love to everyone who walks through the door.