One to Watch: Anith Pillai, OD, FSLS, FIAOMC

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Please share with us your background.

I grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, and during the last 2 years of high school, I took part in the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science program. I earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Early on, my interests were in mathematics and computer engineering, and I was an engineering major at the beginning of my undergraduate studies. I switched to optometry after working for an optometrist when my engineering internship was over, and I graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Describe your current position.

I’m in private practice with my business partner, David Chau, OD, at Evolutionary Eye Care, in Houston. We offer vision therapy, low vision therapy, treat keratoconus, fit specialty contact lenses, offer myopia control using orthokeratology, and treat ocular surface disease (OSD). I personally focus on specialty contact lenses and myopia control.

Who are your mentors?

Several individuals have had a huge influence on my career, some of whom may not even realize it. Julianne Knowles, OD, one of the attendings at optometry school, taught me many valuable lessons. Joe W. DeLoach, OD; Zanna Kruoch, OD; and Marcus B. Gonzales, OD, at Cedar Springs Clinic headed one of my externship sites and completely changed my outlook on the profession. Laurie Sorrenson, OD, FAAO; Kevin L. Gee, OD; Bobby W. “Chip” Wood Jr, OD; Craig Thomas, OD; and Thomas P. Arnold, OD, FSLS, all helped me grow as an optometrist.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career thus far?

I am grateful for many things, from patient experiences to individual accolades. The most memorable experience to date remains that of opening my practice with Dr. Chau. To have a vision of how we wanted to practice, what we wanted our patient experiences to be like, and then being able to build that vision, is still the most memorable.

What are some new technological advances that you find particularly exciting? Which advances in the pipeline are you most enthusiastic or curious about?

Being primarily focused on specialty contact lenses and myopia control, I’m most excited about innovations in these areas. I am looking forward to further advancements in corneal topographers and tomographers to improve empirical lens designs. In the world of OSD, there is so much research and new technology coming out, especially for in-office treatments. The research in light-based technologies interests me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Describe a typical day in your life.

For me, most days I see patients for scleral lens fits, orthokeratology, or OSD. I might also have a few comprehensive examinations, which often might lead to a patient also needing one of our specialty services. Outside of patient care, I am usually doing administrative work for the practice, reading articles in journals, brainstorming marketing ideas, and working on future lectures.

What advice can you offer to individuals who are just now choosing their career paths after finishing optometry school or a residency?

Think about how you want to practice, and work toward that goal. Attend conferences, read articles, and most importantly, learn from other doctors. Reach out to your colleagues, learn from their expertise and their mistakes, and seek their guidance. The knowledge you can get outside the lecture hall is often more valuable than what you get inside.