frequently Asked Questions

1What is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who underwent specialised training in all aspects of eye care, including eye surgery, after their graduate training. Other common descriptive terms for this speciality include eye specialists and eye surgeons. Apart from their general ophthalmology training, sub-speciality services are offered, including retinal- and glaucoma surgery and corneal refractive surgery evaluations.
2What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye care, able to perform surgeries and treat eye diseases. Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care and prescribe corrective lenses, but do not perform surgery or treat complex eye conditions.
3What warning signs do I need to look out for after eye surgery?
After eye surgery, watch for increased pain, vision changes, redness/swelling, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing/discharge, persistent dryness/grittiness, and any new or persistent symptoms. If you notice any of these or are concerned about any symptoms, contact our practice.
4Do I need a referral from a GP or optometrist to see an ophthalmologist?
No, a referral is not needed. To book a consultation for an expert diagnosis to look at the possible treatment options by calling us on 021 871 1368
5What are your practice hours?
We are open 8 am–5 pm Monday to Friday. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
6Are you affiliated with any medical aids?
Despite not being signed up with all the medical aids, we accept any medical aid and plan. The fact that we’re not signed up with some medical aids, doesn’t affect our patients and the medical aids still pays for our services. Other than a small co-payment on your first consultation, all our fees are medical aid tariffs. This co-payment allows us to do some of the administrative paperwork and claims on behalf of our patients, saving you the time and effort to do it yourself.
7What types of payments do you accept?
Debit or credit cards, cash or electronic transfers.
8At which hospital will my surgery take place?
We do the majority of our surgeries at Paarl CURE Day Hospital (link to Paarl CURE Day Hospital website) which is conveniently located in Paarl. The CURE Day Hospital (link to the general CURE Day Hospital website) group is well known for their excellent patient care and modern facilities. We do our emergency afterhours surgeries at Mediclinic Paarl. Ophthalmology patients requiring imaging and bloodwork ups for certain conditions are also admitted at this facility.
9Are eye injections painfull?
The simple answer is no. Our doctors administer anaesthetic drops and injections to numb the eye’s surface before the injections.
10Can I drive back home after my consultation or surgery?
  • Not everybody can drive home after their consultation. If your condition requires us to dilate you pupils, you will need someone to drive you home. Please enquire with reception if dilatation will be needed for your consultation.
  • You are not allowed to drive for the 1st 24 hours after surgery. This is because of the anaesthesia you received during your procedure which, together with your decreased vision shortly after surgery will impair your ability to drive.
11How long do I have to wait in the waiting room to see the doctor?
  • We continuously strive to help our clients as quickly as possible. Most of your special examinations will be done beforehand by our ophthalmic assistants. This will ensure that all the necessary imaging and scans will be ready for the doctor to review with you when you enter the consulting rooms. New patients, especially those with more complex problems, might take more time. Follow-ups and simple conditions take less time.
  • Despite having a large patient load, we’ll ensure that you don’t feel like you are on a conveyer belt. We always try and spend the necessary time with our patients to make sure they know exactly what’s wrong with them and have a clear understanding of their treatment plan going forward.
12Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Visit the Cataract Surgery page for more information
13Are eye injections painful?
Visit the ARMD page for more information