Our Doctors

​​​​​Dr. Bacas attended Drew University for his undergraduate studies before completing a Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry degree at the State University of New York College of Optometry. Dr. Bacas has experience in the management and treatment of many ocular diseases, with interests in Dry Eye Disease, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy. He has extensive experience utilizing the latest treatments for Dry Eyes and Glaucoma, including the newest pharmaceutical options, biologic agents, and both medical and aesthetic skin treatments. In addition, Dr. Bacas has specialized training on the latest contact lens technology, including lenses to correct for astigmatism, multifocal contact lenses, and other “difficult-to-fit” modalities.

Dr. Bacas was one of the first eyecare professionals in the U.S. to be certified by CooperVision to provide MiSight 1-Day contact lenses, the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lens for the treatment of myopia. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians, and the American Diabetes Association.

Dr. Bacas strives to provide high-quality, patient centered care. He understands the importance of ensuring that his patients leave with a complete understanding of their health by utilizing the latest technologies, providing education throughout the exam, and addressing all questions. In his free time, Dr. Bacas enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs, working on various IT projects, cooking, and playing his tenor sax.

Research Experience

• Morristown Medical Center Department of Oncology Research and Phase 1 Drug Trials
• Morristown Medical Center Department of Surgery
• Immunology Research Lab, Drew University

• Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society
• Billie M. Lyons Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to the College Community, SUNY College of Optometry
• New Jersey Academy of Optometry Scholarship
• Tri-Beta National Honors Society in Biology

​​​​​Dr. Lacotte comes to Morris Eye Associates with over 18 years of clinical experience. He is a graduate of Drew University and completed his professional training at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now Drexel University) in 2007. Dr. Lacotte is proud to be able to use eye care to improve a patient’s overall wellness through numerous pharmaceutical, non-pharmaceutical, and aesthetic treatment options! He is well experienced in the use of the latest treatments for dry eyes and ocular surface disorders, including Lumenis OptiLight, Lumenis OptiLift, and Biotissue Cryopreserved Amniotic Membranes, such as Prokera and CAM360.

Dr. Lacotte is also very experienced in numerous forms of vision correction. He has personal and professional experience managing LASIK vision correction and has a particular interest in fitting more advanced contact lenses such as scleral contact lenses and multifocal. Dr. Lacotte remains up to date on the newest developments in ophthalmic lens design and technology to better assist patients suffering from digital eye strain and other side effects of the increased use of digital devices in our everyday lives. 

In his free time Dr. Lacotte is an avid golfer. He began playing at a young age with his grandfather and has been hooked ever since. Speaking of hooked, he also enjoys saltwater fishing and spending time at the beach and around the ocean. Dr. Lacotte also likes to cook and is always looking to try new types of cuisine.

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Dr. Joyce Halper joins the Morris Eye Associates team with more than 30 years of clinical experience providing comprehensive annual eye exams. Dr. Halper formerly owned a private practice in East Hanover and prides herself on strong ties with her patients and the community. She is equally at home with new patients as well as those she has seen for years (even taking care of patients' whole families into the next generation). She successfully grew her practice into a center of comprehensive, high quality care and is proud of the relationships she built.  

In July of 2026, Dr. Halper made the decision to join Morris Eye Associates to elevate the amazing care her patients were already used to! Dr. Halper and her patients now have access to the latest technology, a broad and supportive medical staff, and other doctors onsite who can provide specialty care under the same roof – minimizing the need for external referrals and improving patient access to high-quality medical eyecare.  

In her free time, Dr. Halper enjoys spending time with her family at the Jersey Shore and visiting her grandchildren.