Samin Odhwani doesn’t stay in one place for long. As a Major League Pickleball (MLP) Commissioner, his job takes him from an outdoor tournament in Austin one weekend to an indoor venue in New York City the next. For years, that meant packing contacts, glasses, and solutions for every climate and lighting condition imaginable — and still struggling to track a fast-moving ball under stadium lights at night.
After his EVO ICL procedure at Tylock Nasser Vision, that struggle is gone.
A Life Changed, On and Off the Court
“The surgery has been life changing,” Samin said. “It’s giving me the chance to be able to play at all times of day, at all times of night, indoor, outdoor. Wherever I go, I’m actually able to see.”
For someone whose livelihood depends on sharp, reliable vision in constantly changing environments, that freedom wasn’t a luxury — it was a necessity he didn’t know he was missing.
Weighing the Decision: EVO ICL vs. LASIK
Like many considering vision correction, Samin’s biggest hesitation was simple: would it actually work?
“I have something I know I can use — contact lenses or glasses,” he said. “To totally take a chance on doing something different, and is it going to work?”
After weighing both procedures against his lifestyle and career demands, Samin chose EVO ICL. “I think the trade-offs, given where I’m at in my life, were definitely worth it,” he said.
The Moment It Became Real
For Samin, the impact of the procedure hit almost immediately.
“I walked into the hallway, and I almost inherently wanted to reach for my glasses — and I was like, wait a second, I don’t need those anymore,” he said.
The next morning brought a second moment that stayed with him. Waking to see his two-year-old daughter, he reached out of habit for his contact lens case — and realized he didn’t need it. “I just woke up and I could see the world,” he said.
Recovery That Fit a Busy Life
As a CEO managing a demanding schedule, Samin worried about how recovery would fit around his travel and work. What he found was that staying disciplined actually made the process move faster.
“If you’re able to stay disciplined with what you need to do, it actually gets recovered pretty quickly,” he said.
His Advice for Anyone Considering the Procedure
Since his own procedure, Samin has referred several friends, family members, and fellow pickleball professionals to Tylock Nasser Vision. His advice for anyone on the fence:
“Weigh the benefits versus the concerns. When you really distill it down, the benefits severely outweigh any of the concerns you might have — because you can wake up and see the world again. It’s a short-term loss for uncapped upside in terms of joy and happiness.”
Ready to See Life Without Limits?
Whether you’re chasing a fast-moving ball across the country or just want to wake up and see your family clearly, EVO ICL may be worth exploring. Schedule a consultation with Tylock Nasser Vision today and find out if it’s right for you.
FAQ
What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a vision correction procedure that places a small, biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors — an alternative to LASIK for patients who want freedom from glasses and contacts.
How is EVO ICL different from LASIK?
Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, EVO ICL adds a lens inside the eye without removing corneal tissue. Some patients, including those with thinner corneas or higher prescriptions, may be better candidates for ICL than LASIK.
What is recovery like after EVO ICL?
Many patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within hours of the procedure. Full recovery typically involves a short period of precautions, and staying disciplined with post-op guidance can help the process move smoothly.
Is EVO ICL reversible?
Yes. Unlike corneal reshaping procedures, the ICL can be removed or exchanged if needed, since no eye tissue is altered.
Who is a good candidate for EVO ICL?
Active individuals, athletes, and people with demanding travel or work schedules often find EVO ICL appealing because it eliminates the daily maintenance of contacts and glasses. A consultation with Tylock Nasser Vision can determine candidacy.
