Cataracts. Diabetic eye disease. Glaucoma. Together they take the sight of thousands of South Africans every year, and nearly all of it could have been prevented or treated, if it had been found in time. Sight loss is quiet. It happens gradually enough that you adjust to it without noticing.
Who we help
- Anyone with diabetes, you need your eyes screened every year, whether or not your sight has changed
- Adults over 40, the age at which glaucoma and cataracts start to appear
- People with blurred vision, glare at night, faded colours, or a cloudy patch in their vision
- Children struggling at school, squinting, headaches, sitting close to the board. It’s often eyesight, not attitude
- Anyone with sudden vision loss, eye pain, flashes or floaters, that’s urgent
What to expect
- The eye test. Vision measured, eye pressure checked, and the back of the eye examined.
- Glasses, if that’s the answer. Prescription and dispensing through our optometrist.
- Specialist referral, if it’s medical. Our ophthalmologist handles cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.
- Surgery here if you need it. Cataract surgery is performed in our theatres, usually a day case.
- Medication from our pharmacy on the way out, so you’re not chasing eye drops across town.
Cost and medical aid
Optometry benefits differ from your main medical benefit, we’ll check both. Cataract surgery is usually covered by medical aid subject to authorisation, which we handle. Cash patients: ask for the fixed fee upfront.
Your specialists
Our ophthalmologist and optometrist consult on site. Consulting days and contact details are in our hospital directory.
Questions people actually ask
What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist tests your vision, prescribes and dispenses glasses, and screens for eye disease. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and surgeon who treats eye disease and performs operations such as cataract surgery. You’ll often see both.
I have diabetes. How often should my eyes be checked?
Every year, without fail, even if your vision seems perfectly fine. Diabetic retinopathy damages the retina silently, and the damage is not reversible, but it is preventable if caught early.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. It’s done under local anaesthetic with the eye numbed, it takes well under an hour, and most patients go home the same day.
Will medical aid pay for my glasses?
Usually through an optometry benefit, which is separate from your hospital benefit and often limited. We’ll check exactly what you have before you choose frames.
My child says they can see fine but the teacher says they’re struggling.
Children rarely know what normal vision looks like, so they don’t report a problem. If they squint, sit close to the board, get headaches, or the marks have slipped, get their eyes tested. It’s a fifteen-minute answer.
When is an eye problem an emergency?
Sudden loss of vision, a sudden shower of floaters or flashes, severe eye pain, or an eye injury. Don’t wait for an appointment, come in.
Related departments
Book an eye test, 012 798 7000