Dr. Anith Pillai: Leading the Way in Specialty Eye Care Innovation

Dr. Ryan Corte
Jul 10
3 min read

Balancing the chaos of a newborn and the demands of a thriving multi-location practice, Dr. Anith Pillai took a moment to sit down with me on the Ryan Reflects podcast. What followed was a raw, inspiring story of ambition, reinvention, and grit.

A Detour from Engineering

Dr. Pillai didn’t always envision himself in optometry. A math and science enthusiast, he started out studying electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. But after an internship at a major oil and gas company, he had a realization, this wasn’t the life he wanted. Faced with a difficult decision and cultural expectations from his Indian upbringing, he pivoted, choosing a field he had only casually considered: optometry.

That leap of faith proved to be the right move. “I fell in love with it immediately,” Dr. Pillai recalled. Though his entry into the profession was based on little more than instinct and a positive relationship with his childhood optometrist, the hands-on patient care and interpersonal connection sealed the deal.

Building Something Bigger

Fast forward to today, and Dr. Pillai co-owns Evolutionary Eye Care in Houston, three thriving locations specializing in ortho-K, dry eye, scleral lenses, and vision therapy. His partner, Dr. David Chow, focuses on vision therapy and TBI, while Dr. Pillai leads the charge in anterior segment care and specialty contacts.

Their story started in optometry school with a shared vision: gain clinical experience, regroup in five years, and open a practice. And that’s exactly what they did, grinding through the early years with long hours, relief work, and personal investment, often asking, “How long until we go broke?”

The turning point? COVID. Like many, they were forced to reassess and pivot. Two-doctor days became the norm. Their focus tightened. The practice exploded.

The Power of Passion and Persistence

Their success didn’t happen overnight. “We didn’t crush it in year one. Or year two. Or even year three,” Dr. Pillai emphasized. It took time, reinvestment, and an unrelenting commitment to their mission. But what kept them going was a love for the work, not just the business side of it, but the life-changing outcomes specialty care provides.

One standout moment? A young ortho-K patient who struggled for over a year to get started. After finally adapting to the treatment, he returned with full correction and a smile that lit up the room. “I gave him a hug. I almost teared up,” said Dr. Pillai. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Dr. Anith Pillai on Supporting the Profession

Mentorship played a pivotal role in Dr. Pillai’s journey. From externship leaders to local colleagues, those early influences shaped his mindset about collaboration, professional growth, and giving back. Now, he does the same, offering his time and insights freely to peers looking to break into specialty care or simply seeking inspiration.

Dr. Pillai also underscored the importance of supporting state optometric associations: “Think of it as malpractice insurance. Without advocacy, we could lose the ability to practice.”

What's Next for Dr. Pillai?

Dr. Pillai is still in clinic five days a week, but he’s beginning to explore how he can spread awareness and elevate more doctors in the specialty space. Whether through education, mentorship, or advocacy, one thing is clear: he’s just getting started.

“If you have a vision and a passion, that’s everything. But if you’re only in it for the money, it’ll be tough to survive.”

Connect with Dr. Pillai: