Lance Nelson, MD

Laurence (Lance) Nelson, MD, is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Tanner Clinic. His practice is located on the second floor of the Layton South Building. He recently retired as commander of the 419th Fighter Wing Medical Squadron, a reserve squadron based at Hill Air Force Base. He is located at our Layton Antelope Building B on the second floor.

As commander, Col. Nelson maintained the medical readiness of more than 1,000 troops. This post followed an extended career as an active-duty officer serving as a trauma ophthalmologist around the world.

The board-certified ophthalmologist joined Tanner Clinic in 1999.

Dr. Nelson began his education at Idaho State University in Pocatello, earning his B.S. in zoology. He moved on to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he completed graduate work in medical physiology.

Dr. Nelson earned his M.D. from Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine in College Station, Texas, achieving the status of Honor Graduate for ranking in the top 5 percent. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Scott & White Temple Hospital, based in Temple, Texas. In his final year, he served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Nelson’s professional experience includes a variety of leadership roles, including Chief of Ophthalmology at Vandenberg Air Base in California, where he established an Ophthalmology Education Program rated as excellent. During his deployment to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, he also maintained satellite consultation clinics in Turkey and Italy.

Dr. Nelson is married and the father of five children. His favorite pastimes are running — and flying in F-16s.