About

Local & Family-Owned

Minnesota Eye Institute provides complete eye care including cataract and LASIK eye surgery for patients in and around Alexandria, MN. We are local and family-owned, with more than 35 years of experience among our qualified staff.

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Our Team

Dr. Kent Carlson, MD

Doctor

Born in Litchfield Minnesota, Dr. Kent Carlson earned his undergraduate degree at St. Olaf College and his medical degree at the University of Minnesota.
After completing an internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix Arizona, he served his Ophthalmology Residency at the Herman Eye Center at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, TX.

Dr. Carlson has presented papers and has lectured extensively at national conventions. In his over 30 years of experience he has performed more than 50,000 vision correction procedures at the Minnesota Eye Institute.

Dr. Carlson is an avid sportsman who enjoys golf, hunting, and fishing. Call Minnesota Eye Institute today to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Patty Nelson, MD, FACS

Doctor

Dr. Patricia (Patty) Nelson is a board certified ophthalmologist with over 10 years experience in eye surgery. She recently moved to Alexandria, MN with her husband James Nelson, an orthopedic surgeon at Heartland Orthopedics, and her 4 boys. Both Patty and James completed their medical training in Texas, where they met, and served 8 and 9 years active duty in the US Army, respectively. Dr. Nelson specializes in cataract, refractive and oculoplastic surgery.

After her Army service, she worked at Texas Tech University, in El Paso, teaching and serving a diverse border population for 5 years. In addition to her clinical experience, she serves on the ophthalmic advisory council and young fellows governing council for the American College of Surgeons, a national organization devoted to improving care of all surgical patients. Her mission since starting medical school has been “to serve others,” and her motto is: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” We are excited to welcome Dr. Nelson and her family to Alexandria.

Justin

CRNA

Kris

Danielle

LASIK Coordinator