Our Doctors
Our Promise to You
St. Cloud Eye Clinic is proud to feature a team of doctors who provide exceptional eye care while going above and beyond for our patients. Each of our physicians brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as well as a gentle, compassionate approach. We believe that outstanding medical care begins with an outstanding team, and our doctors illustrate this philosophy in each and every patient interaction.
Our approach to care is simple: it’s centered around understanding and addressing the needs of each of our patients. We utilize a combination of the latest in medical technology and curated treatment plans to provide the best outcome when it comes to your eye health.
The team at St. Cloud Eye Clinic doesn’t just treat eyes—we treat people. Our doctors are skilled in the latest medical techniques and are also deeply committed to making your experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible. They take the time to explain your condition, discuss all of the treatment options available, and happily answer any questions you might have. This is our promise to you: when you leave our clinic, you will feel confident, cared for, and optimistic about what comes next.
Richard Lucius, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Bradley Anderson, M.D.
Joel Nelson, D.O.
Mitchell Harstad, O.D.
Derek Bonacci, O.D.
Dr. Richard Lucius
Dr. Richard Lucius is a board-certified ophthalmologist with almost three decades of dedicated practice in St. Cloud and the surrounding communities. With extensive expertise in cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, LASIK, and glaucoma management, he is a leader in providing advanced eye care. His surgical expertise is underscored by his experience in performing thousands of successful procedures, making him a trusted surgeon in the region. Patients benefit not only from his technical skill but also from his compassionate approach, ensuring each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique vision needs.
Dr. Lucius earned his bachelor’s degree in Natural Science and a master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of North Dakota. He furthered his education by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in ocular pathology and intraocular lens research at the renowned John A Moran Eye Center – University of Utah. He then completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science – University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Dr. Lucius is a U.S. Army veteran who takes immense pride in his service to his country, having dedicated 15 years to the Army National Guard and Inactive Ready Reserve. His commitment to his country reflects his strong sense of duty and resilience, qualities that he brings into his practice every day.
Dr. Lucius is a long-standing member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Bradley Anderson
In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Anderson has served as a member of the St. Cloud Hospital’s Medical Executive Committee for 9 years, served as the Medical Director of the St. Cloud Center for Ophthalmic Surgery for 10 years where he continues to serve as a board member, and currently serves on the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology Board of Directors.
Dr. Anderson is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has been practicing ophthalmology in St. Cloud since 2004, where he has performed tens of thousands of surgical procedures with a special interest in cataract, refractive, and oculoplastic surgery as well as glaucoma and diabetic eye management. Dr. Anderson can utilize a variety of minimally invasive glaucoma procedures at the time of cataract surgery to minimize topical glaucoma therapy dependence.
Dr. Joel Nelson
Dr. Joel Nelson is a Minnesota native who received his bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College before moving on to his medical training in Des Moines, Iowa. He then spent 4 years completing his ophthalmology training in Miami, FL at Nova Southeastern University. The last stop of his training was at the University of MN to specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of corneal disease. He is one of the only surgeons in Central Minnesota performing a variety of corneal transplant techniques, including PKP, DSEK, DMEK, and DALK. He has also been specially prepared to surgically manage intraocular lens dislocations using the intrascleral haptic fixation technique. In addition to corneal surgery, Dr. Nelson also has emphasis in his practice on the surgical treatment of cataracts and LASIK surgery. Dr. Nelson is certified to implant a variety of advanced technology lenses at the time of cataract surgery, including multifocal and light adjustable lenses. He is also trained to perform a variety of glaucoma procedures which can be utilized at the time of cataract surgery.
Beyond work, Joel enjoys spending time kayaking, camping, hiking, and gardening with his young family.
Dr. Mitchell Harstad
Dr. Mitchell Harstad specializes in comprehensive family eyecare, glaucoma, cataract, and refractive/laser surgery consultation. He has practiced in the St. Cloud area since 1985 and has been affiliated with the St. Cloud Eye Clinic since 1986.
Dr. Derek Bonacci
Dr. Derek Bonacci attended the University of Central Florida where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He received his optometric doctorate at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2009. He completed his externship rotations at Indian Health Clinics in Oklahoma and Wyoming. He has been practicing in the central Minnesota area since 2009. He joined the Saint Cloud Eye Clinic in 2017.
Dr. Derek Bonacci specializes in comprehensive family eye care, soft and specialty contact lenses, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma management, and refractive/laser surgery consultation.
Our Mission
The knowledgeable and compassionate surgeons and staff at St. Cloud Eye Clinic, St. Cloud LASIK, and the St. Cloud Center for Ophthalmic Surgery strive to provide unsurpassed medical and surgical care in an ethical manner to the local and regional community, 24 hours a day.