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Mr Pillai is the Medical Director at Advance Vision Care (AVC), which he founded back in 2003. Today, he is considered one of UK’s most respected, highly trained and experienced Consultant Refractive Surgeons.
With over 25 years’ experience under his belt, Mr Pillai has personally performed over 30,000 eye surgeries – more than many other ophthalmologists. He is also licenced to practice both in the UK and the USA, after having worked for years with the NHS, and in Indian eye hospitals.
As one of the first eye surgeons in the country to conduct bilateral LASIK (bladeless eye surgery on both eyes), Mr Pillai still performs all laser procedures at AVC.
1. Qualifications
Today, Mr Pillai is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO), as well as the Royal College of Surgeons, and is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Membership of these bodies signals a stamp of approval within the ophthalmology industry.
Mr Pillai’s Formal Qualifications:
- 1990: Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- 1989: Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- 1988: Diploma in Ophthalmology, Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow
- 1982: Diploma in Ophthalmology, Madras University, India
- 1980: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Madras University, India
Mr Pillai’s Professional Affiliations:
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO – UK)
- Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
- British Society of Refractive Surgery (BSRS – UK)
- British Medical Association (BMA)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO – UK)
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO – USA)
- American Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS – USA)
- International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS)
- European Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS)
What’s more, Mr Pillai is one of the few eye surgeons in the UK to receive a Fellowship in both Corneal and in Refractive Surgery: one at the University of Texas in the USA; and the other at The Queen Victoria Hospital in the UK.
And – as you would expect from someone who founded his own private practice – he is helping to innovate laser eye surgery technology through collaboration with the Technolas group think tank.
2. Experience
After working as an NHS Consultant for five years, Mr Pillai founded his own private clinic, AVC, in 2003. In addition to performing laser eye surgery himself, Mr Pillai still finds the time to present at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and help train other surgeons in the UK.
Quite a few accolades help Mr Pillai stand out. Rare among them is his pioneering of the co-management approach. He gathered a network of clinical partners (all of whom are experienced and accredited optometrists) in England to act as a referral base for initial consultation and aftercare.
As a result, patients are able to receive qualified advice on their eye conditions, from an optometrist close to home. This is part of the AVC’s focus on personalised patient care.
Area of expertise:
- Corneal neovascularization (CNV), or the growth of new blood vessels in the eye
- Amniotic membrane transplantation
- Specular microscopy in uveitis
- Excimer laser surgery (such as LASIK and LASEK)
- Dry eye conditions
3. Mr C. T. Pillai Review: The Verdict
So, is Mr Pillai the right eye surgeon for you? Of course, that all depends on where you live, and what you’re looking for.
If you’re seeking laser eye surgery in London, you’ll be pleased to know Mr Pillai operates largely in the Harley Street AVC Clinic. Plus, Lasik Eyes reviewers comment on his compassionate, personable approach.
But depending on your budget, you may like to shop around. In any case, it’s always worth trying to meet your surgeon at an initial consultation to establish a good connection before the surgery.
☝ To find a top-rated laser eye surgery clinic near you, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored match and quote from a clinic you can trust.
Testimonials
From start (initial consultation) to surgery right through to aftercare, I felt completely comfortable, relaxed and confident with the whole clinical team at AVC. Even with the aftercare being done by my Optician.I am so glad and happy I went through with my treatment and 6 weeks on it has made such a life changing difference to me.I could not fault anything, only compliment and praise.
My research for treatments to dispense with contact lenses and spectacles for distance and intermediate (computer) vision included consultations at three other clinics. One asked for a deposit for its full treatment prior to the initial consultation; its optometrist recommended LASIK and said I could only see the surgeon the day before the procedure and she, not he, would answer any of my questions. The second was helpful but no surgeon was present and the patient co-ordinator wasn’t able to answer my questions; it advised a particular make of lens to replace my natural lenses. At the third, very busy clinic, I didn’t have all the tests promised. The surgeon advised another make of replacement lens, but before I could finish asking questions he said my time was up and he had to see the next patient. I subsequently discovered each clinic had a financial interest in the treatment it recommended, by way of a contract with the manufacturer of the LASIK equipment or else the replacement lenses.My experience at AVC couldn’t have been more different.I was given the full range of tests in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The surgeon, Mr Pillai, explained the results, advised why LASIK was unsuitable for me, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages for my particular requirements of the different types of replacement lenses from different manufacturers, in none of which did AVC have a financial interest. AVC used specialist surgeons for lens replacement treatment.Subsequently I asked several detailed questions by email, all of which were answered promptly. I wasn’t sure which prescription of lens would be better for my less dominant eye, and so Mr Pillai bought two so that we could choose after I’d experienced the replacement lens in my dominant eye.The standard of patient care by surgeon, nurses, optometrists, and all the AVC staff for the procedures and afterwards was top class. The outcome has exceeded my expectations. My long distance vision now is excellent, not only in daytime but also in night time conditions with none of the side effects associated with other types of replacement lens. I can now read not only 8-point text on a computer screen for sustained periods (~2 hours) without any spectacles, but in good light I can also read 8-point on paper at a normal reading distance.I don’t give praise lightly, but I wholeheartedly recommend AVC to anyone wanting a personal, tailor-made service for improving his or her vision. And the bonus? AVC was less expensive than the others!
Ever since I was about 8 I have worn glasses. I now have the ability to see without them and I can’t get over what I was missing out on.People take their vision for granted, but all I can say is thank you all at AVC for giving me what most people already have.I am so happy with all at AVC. Thank you for my sight.
Ever since I was about 8 I have worn glasses. I now have the ability to see without them and I can’t get over what I was missing out on.People take their vision for granted, but all I can say is thank you all at AVC for giving me what most people already have.I am so happy with all at AVC. Thank you for my sight.
My whole experience with AVC has been very pleasant. I have been delighted with the centre, staff and aftercare I have received. The excellent results of the treatment would encourage me to recommend AVC to friends and family.The treatment itself was painless and comfortable. I experienced very little discomfort after and was reassured by staff continuously. The immediate aftercare was excellent. Thanks to all and the trip down from South Yorkshire has been well worth it!