Patient Focused — Delivering the Highest Standards of Innovative Care

Dr. Taj Nasser’s vision for patient care reflects the values and warmth of the communities he serves. For Dr. Nasser, the foundation of exceptional eye care is built on trust, empathy, and the unwavering commitment to treating every patient as if they were a member of his own family.

Understanding that eye surgery can be one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s life, Dr. Nasser is dedicated to delivering outstanding results and personalized care through a range of advanced procedures, including Modern LASIK, EVO ICL, SMILE LASIK, PRK, Custom Lens Replacement, and Laser Cataract Surgery. He believes that liberating patients from the constraints of glasses or contact lenses opens up a world of new possibilities, enhancing their quality of life in remarkable ways.

Rooted in his diverse background and enriched by his experiences, Dr. Nasser approaches each patient interaction with genuine compassion and a desire to listen, understand, and provide the best care possible. Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Nasser combines cutting-edge techniques with a personalized approach to care.  His passion lies in empowering patients to achieve their best vision, freeing them from the dependence on corrective lenses and enhancing their quality of life.

Specializing in

• Laser Cataract Surgery
• LASIK Eye Surgery
• Personalized, Tpographically – Guided LASIK
• EVO ICL Surgery
• SMILE LASIK
• Refractive Lens Exchange
• PRK
• Cross-Linking
• Surgical Co-Management
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
• Standard Cataract Surgery
• Pterygium Surgery

Committed to Excellence and Advancing the Field of LASIK & Cataract Eye Surgery

Dr. Taj Nasser specializes in refractive surgery, bringing a deep commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. With his robust academic background and dedication to excellence, Dr. Nasser significantly enhances our team’s ability to deliver top-tier care to our patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes and patient experiences.

Dr. Nasser graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from East Carolina University, where he also pursued a minor in Hispanic Studies, reflecting his passion for diverse cultures and patient populations. He then earned his medical degree from ECU, distinguishing himself with a special focus on health system transformation and leadership. His time at ECU solidified his commitment to advancing medical education and innovative care delivery.

Following his academic achievements, Dr. Nasser completed his Ophthalmology residency in New Orleans, where he was honored to serve as chief resident. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, spearheading initiatives in medical education and process improvement. His contributions were instrumental in enhancing the quality of care provided to patients and fostering a collaborative, learning-focused environment within the residency program.

Driven by a passion for advancing the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser is actively involved in clinical research, the latest surgical techniques, and patient care innovations. As one of only five EVO ICL surgical trainers in the nation, he brings unparalleled expertise in refractive surgery. Dr. Nasser’s blend of technical skill, compassionate care, and dedication to continuous improvement ensures our patients receive the highest standards of innovative care, tailored to their unique needs.

Open Letter to Patients

Dear Valued Patients,
“I can see your face, doctor!” cried a frail lady in Spanish upon removing her eye patch during a medical mission trip in Córdoba, Mexico. Traveling a long way from a remote village and functionally disabled from bilateral mature cataracts for more than 2 decades, this memorable patient and her family were in tears for her to be liberated by a quick, elegant, and life-changing procedure. I was struck in awe by the dramatic change in the quality of life for the patient and her loved ones and vividly remember how fortunate I felt to be a small part of such an amazing experience. My experience with this patient and others like her sparked substantial self-reflection, causing me to appreciate the value of sight in a more profound way than I ever had before.

Some of the happiest patients I have encountered, similar to that patient and her family, are patients who undergo refractive surgery. The tears of joy speak to how the gift of sight is one of our most guarded senses and is the biggest reason why I wanted to further sub-specialize in this amazing field. Making an impactful difference in the lives of patients by optimizing their vision is my passion and I look forward to providing high-quality care. Having undergone LASIK myself and performed refractive surgery on my family members, I am excited to be able to walk my patients through the experience and relate to them on a personal basis.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Taj Nasser

My Personal Story to Spectacle Independence

Since high school, I had always worn glasses and, for a good chunk of the time, thought it made me look cool. That eventually faded, and the constant need for prosthetic eyewear became a hassle in various aspects, especially when playing soccer or swimming. Contact lenses were the alternative, but that quickly fell out of favor as the associated intolerance and dry eye proved to be even more of an issue. Two of my siblings had undergone LASIK and would rave about how it was a “life-changing” experience. Being the pragmatic and skeptical eye surgeon in the family, I didn’t really believe it was that big of a deal. Additionally, I had read in detail about any possible complications. So, for sure, the decision to undergo an elective procedure for me was a bit challenging. Then the pandemic hit, and the masks made everything exponentially worse. I couldn’t even examine my patients without my glasses fogging. That was the last straw for me, so I decided to get an evaluation for LASIK.

The experience was phenomenal! I now completely understand what all the excitement is all about and wholeheartedly agree with what an amazing impact it has on the quality of our lives. From waking up first thing in the morning without having to reach for my glasses across the cabinet (most of the time picked up from the floor after dropping them) to not worrying about contact lenses and debilitating dry eye, it has definitely compounded my appreciation for refractive surgery. I found myself afterwards with “ghost glasses” phenomenon- where I reach to my face to adjust frames multiple times, thinking I still had glasses on… that’s what I was accustomed to, and in my mind automatically think, how else is everything around me appearing crystal clear? How incredible it is not to have to worry about fogging with masks on, whether it is in the OR while operating or even everywhere else during a pandemic. Swimming is something I enjoy a lot and for the first time in my life, I can see perfectly underwater. And the list goes on and on. I found myself saying what I’ve heard countless times from a refractive patient: I wish I would’ve done this a long time ago.

To anyone who is on the fence and wondering if a life without glasses or contacts is worth it, your friendly neighborhood eye surgeon is happy to help and discuss your individual interests and options.

Affiliations

Dr. Nasser maintains active memberships in several prestigious professional organizations, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing education and advancement in the field of ophthalmology. These affiliations include the American European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Nasser is also a member of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the American Medical Association. These connections allow Dr. Nasser to stay at the forefront of ophthalmic innovations and best practices.

Education & Experience

Undergraduate/Medical School/Residency:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude – East Carolina University
• Doctor of Medicine – East Carolina University
• Ophthalmology Residency – Tulane University, New Orleans, served as Chief Resident

Fellowship:

• World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Science, Refractive Surgery Alliance Fellowship Network, & Parkhurst NuVision LASIK Eye Surgery

Other Experience/Affiliations:

• Principal Investigator and Sub-investigator for multiple clinical trials
• Volunteer Surgeon, Himalayan Cataract Project, Ethiopia
• Volunteer Surgeon, Centro Educativo Indigena Missionary Eye Camps, Mexico

Achievements/Awards/Honors

• Best Paper of Session (2x), American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting
• Young Ophthalmic Leaders Award, American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery
• Best Paper of Session, World College of Refractive Surgery Fellowship Network Research Symposium
• Chief Resident, Tulane University Ophthalmology Department
• Best Basic Science Research Award, Tulane University
• Leaders in Innovative Care Scholar, East Carolina University
• Recognition for Outstanding Leadership and Service, ECU Ledonia Wright Cultural Center
• Elite Pirate, East Carolina University
• Local Circle Leader of the Year Award, ECU Omicron Delta Kappa
• Vmax Award, Summer Program for Future Doctors Participant at ECU

Tylock-George Laser Eye Care Gives Back to the Community Both Locally and Globally

Dr. Taj Nasser, originally from a small Yemeni village, is driven by a profound commitment to global health and the fight against preventable blindness. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of life in a third-world country, he dedicates his expertise to serving those most in need. Regularly embarking on mission trips, he provides cataract surgeries to underserved communities worldwide, helping to restore vision and bring hope to those who might otherwise live in darkness. His holistic approach to eye care—combining cutting-edge research, innovation, and a compassionate spirit—extends beyond his clinical practice to empower local healthcare professionals and ensure a sustainable impact. Dr. Nasser views these efforts as a privilege and a critical part of his mission to make a meaningful difference in global eye health.

Ready To Experience Every Moment With Clear Vision?

If you’re struggling with vision problems and want to experience a clearer and more vibrant life, Modern LASIK at Tylock-George Eye Care can be a life-changing solution for you. Take the first step towards a brighter future by scheduling your complimentary initial screening today.