A Clearer Future Starts With Feeling Understood

At Chu Vision Institute, we don’t expect you to have everything figured out.

We walk with you step by step, helping you understand your options so you can make a choice that feels right for your eyes, your lifestyle, and your goals. For many people, especially those with stronger prescriptions, thinner corneas, or dryness, EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) becomes the option that finally feels like the right solution.

What Is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL is a tiny, soft, flexible lens placed inside your eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism. Instead of removing tissue or reshaping your cornea, EVO ICL gently adds clarity from within.

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    Why People Love the EVO ICL Experience A Lens That Works With Your Eye, Not Instead of It

    ✔ It provides crisp, high-definition vision.

    ✔ It doesn’t cause dry eye (the cornea is untouched).

    ✔ It’s completely invisible.

    ✔ It’s designed to stay in place permanently, but can be removed.

    ✔ It offers exceptional night vision.

    ✔ It’s ideal if glasses or contacts have always felt like a burden.

    More than one million EVO ICL lenses have been implanted worldwide, and the procedure now represents one of the most trusted solutions for patients who want visual freedom without laser reshaping.

    "After my husband passed away from brain cancer, I was the only parent left.

    I needed to make sure I was the best I could be health-wise for them, but I was legally blind. After my ICL, I have perfect vision and no dry eye. Do this procedure with Chu Vision as soon as you can!"

    Liz • ICL Patient & Mom

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    Who Is EVO ICL For? If You’ve Been Told “You’re Not a LASIK Candidate,” Start Here

    Many patients considering EVO ICL have already tried to find a solution. They’ve worn thick glasses their whole lives. They’re tired of struggling to find contacts that work for them. Some feel defeated after being told they’re not a candidate for laser vision correction. EVO ICL offers hope where other procedures fall short.

    You may be an excellent candidate if you:

    ✔ Are between 21 and 45

    ✔ Have moderate to severe nearsightedness (-3.00 to -20.00)

    ✔ Have thin corneas or dry eyes

    ✔ Want clearer vision with minimal downtime

    ✔ Prefer a reversible non-laser option

    ✔ Are looking for a long-term solution that protects the cornea

    EVO ICL may not be recommended for people with cataracts, glaucoma, or certain corneal conditions, but our team at Chu Vision Institute offers more types of vision correction than anyone in Minnesota, so we’ll guide you to the best match.

    How EVO ICL Is Different

    EVO ICL stands apart from both laser procedures and lens replacement surgeries.

    Compared to LASIK / SMILE / PRK

    • No removal of corneal tissue
    • No risk of dryness caused by nerve disruption
    • Ideal for active lifestyles or careers where corneal stability is important (Example: First responders who have a high risk of eye injury)

    Compared to Custom Lens Replacement (CLR or RLE)

    • Your natural lens stays in place
    • Your depth of focus and accommodation remain unchanged
    • The procedure is fully reversible
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    The Procedure: What to Expect

    Most patients are surprised by how supported and comfortable they feel on the day of surgery. We explain every step, remain focused on your comfort, and make sure you never feel rushed or alone. Most procedures take about 10 to 20 minutes, and both eyes are completed during the same visit.

    Step 1: Comfort First

    You’ll receive numbing drops and moderate sedation. Many patients nap or feel deeply relaxed and remember very little.

    Doctor performing an exam

    Step 2: Micro Precision

    Dr. Chu will make a tiny opening and place the lens behind the iris. The incision is so small that it seals on its own. ICLs are typically placed one eye at a time.

    Dr. Chu performing an eye test for a patient

    Step 3: A Fast Return to Life.

    Vision often improves within minutes to hours. Most people return to work and daily routines within 1-2 days.

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    What Results Can You Expect? Natural, Crisp, Effortless Vision

    Patients often describe EVO ICL as the moment everything “clicked.” The first time they wake up and see the clock. The first drive without squinting. The first run, hike, or swim without glasses or contacts holding them back.

    Clinical outcomes speak for themselves:

    • 99% patient satisfaction
    • Exceptional night vision
    • Clear, stable, high-definition vision
    • No dry eye from the procedure
    • Long-term comfort and clarity

    Many patients with strong prescriptions say it’s the first time their world has ever felt truly sharp.

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    Kristen’s Story: From “Legally Blind” to Seeing the World Differently

    One year after her EVO ICL procedure, Kristen shares how vision clarity changed the way she travels, engages with life, and sees the world.

    Why Patients Trust Chu Vision for EVO ICL Expertise Matters. So Does How You Feel While You’re Here.

    EVO ICL is a highly specialized procedure. Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the procedure itself. Here’s why patients from across Minnesota, and across the country, choose Chu Vision:

    Unmatched Experience

    • Dr. Chu implanted the first ICL in Minnesota in 1999.
    • Dr. Chu has performed over 150,000 vision correction procedures
    • One of the first to offer the newest EVO technology.

    Personalized Care

    • You’ll meet with one of our doctors directly, not only a technician.
    • Your plan is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and eye health.
    • A supportive team guides you through every appointment, every question, every milestone.

    Advanced Safety & Comfort

    • Procedures take place in our federally accredited in-house surgery center.
    • Highest safety protocols and leading-edge technology.
    • A calm, friendly environment that makes you feel at home.

    A Culture of Warmth

    Our team truly loves what we do, and patients feel that immediately.

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    What Does Recovery Look Like Life After EVO ICL

    You can return to work, family, and daily activities within a day or two. You’ll use drops temporarily, avoid rubbing your eyes for a few days, and watch your vision sharpen quickly over 48 hours. For some, it continues to refine over a few weeks. For nearly all people, the outcome is life-changing.

    Liz noticed a difference in her vision just minutes after her ICL (implantable contact lens) procedure!  Her prescription was so high that she couldn't see things more than 4 inches from her face! Now she can see 20/20, easily seeing road signs and faces across the room.

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    EVO ICL All Your Questions Answered

    Is the EVO ICL visible to others?

    No. The lens sits behind your iris (the colored part of the eye) and is completely invisible. Only you and your surgeon will know it’s there.

    How long does the EVO ICL last?

    The EVO ICL is designed to stay in place permanently, but it can be removed or replaced if your vision needs change over time.

    Does the procedure hurt?

    No. Most patients describe the procedure as painless. You’ll receive numbing drops and mild sedation for comfort.

    How soon will I see results?

    Many patients notice clearer vision almost immediately, with full stabilization within a few days.

    What is recovery like after EVO ICL?

    Recovery is quick. You may notice mild light sensitivity for the first day, but most people return to work and normal activities within two to three days.

    How does EVO ICL compare to LASIK for dryness?

    Because the cornea is untouched, EVO ICL patients typically experience less dry eye than LASIK patients—a key benefit for those with dryness or contact lens intolerance.

    Is EVO ICL safe?

    Yes. The EVO ICL has been extensively tested and has an outstanding safety profile, with over one million successful procedures worldwide.

    How much does EVO ICL cost?

    Pricing depends on your individual prescription and treatment plan. Our team will review costs, financing options, and available FSA/HSA benefits during your consultation.

    Can EVO ICL correct astigmatism?

    Yes. The latest versions of the EVO ICL can correct both nearsightedness and astigmatism, providing a smooth, sharp image at all distances.

    Am I the right age for ICL?

    The ideal age range is 21–45, but some patients outside that range may still qualify. Our doctors will determine eligibility based on your overall eye health and prescription stability.

    What Our Patients Are Saying

    I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being able to see ev...

    Andrea E.

    I've never been to a medical office where the ENTIRE staff is as friendly, knowledgeable, and professional as they are at Chu. Couldn't have had a better experience for my corre...

    Rachel

    I had my ICL surgery done at Chu Vision after being referred by my local ophthalmologist, and I could not say better things about this place. From start to finish, my entire exp...

    Taylor

    Now I can go camping without needing running water to put in contacts, go swimming and open my eyes underwater, and just wake up and see the clock on my bedside table. It's thos...

    Kristen
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    Ready to See Clearly and Confidently? You Don't Have to Decide Alone

    At your consultation, our team will:

    ✔ Confirm your candidacy

    ✔ Explain each option in plain language

    ✔ Recommend what fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your comfort

    ✔ Make sure you feel informed

    EVO ICL may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Let’s explore it together.

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