Live without limits.
Visual freedom is waiting for you.
Take one of our personalized self-tests or visit us at Sandton Eye Clinic. ... Laser vision correction isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Sandton Eye Clinic, we offer a variety of customized procedures designed specifically for you—taking into account your unique eye anatomy, age, prescription, and lifestyle.
MBChB (UP), Dip Ophth (SA), FC Ophth (SA), MMed Ophth (UFS), FWCRS
Dr. Coetzee earned his ophthalmology degree from the University of the Free State and has since committed himself to continuous learning in this evolving field. He has undergone specialized training at leading international institutions, including:
Additionally, he has trained under world-renowned refractive surgeons such as Prof. Dan Reinstein and Dr. Arthur Cummings.
Dr. Coetzee is a board-certified fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery (WCRS)—a mark of excellence in education, training, and expertise in refractive surgery. He is also a member of the Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA), a global network of over 30 countries, where he contributes as a preceptor for the RSA Fellowship Network, training the next generation of refractive surgeons.
Passionate about advancing ophthalmology, Dr. Coetzee actively conducts research in refractive and corneal transplant surgery and presents his findings at international congresses. He also serves as a consultant for Doctors for Life and the Keratoconus Foundation, gaining extensive experience in high-volume cataract surgery and advanced keratoconus treatments, including corneal transplants.
MBChB (UP), Dip Ophth (SA), FCOphth (SA), MMED Ophth (UFS), PCEO (Kellogg)
Dr. Phatudi completed her medical degree at the University of Pretoria and specialized in ophthalmology at the University of the Free State. She is a graduate of the Physician CEO program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago—a program designed to enhance leadership in medical practice.
Dr Phatudi is an Associate Fellow of the Refractive Surgery Alliance Fellowship Network
MBChB (UCT), FC Ophth (SA), MMed Ophth (WITS)
Dr Sun’s entire academic pathway has been a testament to her quest for perfection, having achieved distinction and honours at every stage of her qualifications. She was awarded the registrar of the year prize as the top ophthalmology registrar of 2021 in the ophthalmology circuit at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Dr Sun has recently completed her Refractive Surgery Fellowship and takes pride in the science behind delivering perfect vision for her patients.
Patient satisfaction is our highest priority. ... Learn about the transformative journeys of our patients who have undergone vision correction procedures and are now free from glasses and contact lenses.
COSTS & BENEFITS
Visit our Pricing Options page for more information.
Many people wonder whether vision correction is just a luxury or a long-term investment. While the upfront cost of procedures like LASIK may seem high, it can actually save you money over time. The ongoing costs of glasses, contact lenses, solutions, and replacements add up significantly over the years.
But it’s not just about money — it’s about time. Imagine no longer needing to clean your contact lenses twice a day.
Laser vision correction can save you around 10 minutes daily, which adds up to over 60 hours each year. Add to that the time spent searching for misplaced glasses or readers, and the lifestyle benefits become even clearer.
Vision correction procedures like LASIK are usually considered lifestyle surgery, and most medical aids do not cover the full cost. However, the consultation and planning tests may be partially covered from your day-to-day benefits if you have available funds. Please note: any shortfall will be your responsibility.
Some plans do include a refractive surgery benefit, which may partially contribute to the procedure. Cataract surgery may be covered by medical aid under Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), but medical aids generally do not cover premium multifocal lenses.
After your procedure, you are welcome to submit your invoice for reimbursement if your plan includes any cover for refractive procedures. However, the total cost of surgery remains the patient’s responsibility.
For more information, please visit our costs and financing page.
UNDERSTANDING VISION CORRECTION
Yes. You can be too young, but rarely too old — it depends on your eye health. Vision correction surgery is not performed before the age of 18 because the eyes are still developing. After 18, there are various options depending on your age, eye anatomy, and vision needs.
You’re never too old to explore vision correction if you’re in good ocular health. Even patients over 55 can reduce or eliminate their need for glasses through procedures like refractive cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with multifocal lenses.
A personalised consultation will determine the safest and most effective option for your age and lifestyle.
The ideal age to consider laser vision correction is from 18 years onwards, once your vision and eye anatomy have stabilised. The earlier you have it, the longer you benefit from unaided vision.
However, there are customised options available for different life stages, including options that provide freedom from reading glasses for those in their 40s and 50s, and refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery for those over 55.
No. While LASIK is well known, there are several procedures tailored to your individual needs, including:
Your refractive surgeon will recommend the safest and most effective option based on your age, prescription, eye anatomy, and lifestyle.
No. Laser vision correction is not performed on patients under 18, as their eyes are still growing.
However, for children with progressing myopia (nearsightedness), specialised myopia control strategies such as low-dose atropine drops, peripheral defocus lenses, and orthokeratology can help slow progression and protect long-term eye health.
From the age of 40, the eyes begin to experience presbyopia—the need for reading glasses. Procedures like
PresbyLASIK, Presby PRK, Allotex or Presbyopic Implantable contact lenses can correct both near and distance vision.
Patients who previously had LASIK may require a ‘top-up’ to address presbyopia as they age.
For patients over 55 or those with early cataract changes, vision correction may involve refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery with a multifocal intraocular lens.
These procedures replace the eye’s natural lens and can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses at all distances.
You don’t need to decide on your own. A consultation with an experienced refractive surgeon includes a detailed analysis of your eye health, corneal shape, prescription, and lifestyle needs.
Based on this, the surgeon will recommend the safest procedure that offers long-term clarity and suits your goals.
Glasses are safe because there is no medical procedure involved. If you are happy to wear glasses, LASIK is not for you. LASIK is a lifestyle procedure providing unaided vision. According to research the cumulative risk of contact lenses may be more than LASIK.
No — vision correction procedures are designed to be as comfortable as possible.
For laser vision correction (such as LASIK or PRK), you’ll receive numbing eye drops and, in most cases, mild medication to help you relax. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, though you may feel some light pressure.
For lens-based procedures (such as implantable contact lenses or refractive cataract surgery), you’ll be in a hospital theatre setting and typically receive both numbing drops and light sedation. Most patients feel no pain and often don’t remember the procedure. Some scratchiness or mild itchiness is normal for a few hours afterward.
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to manage any temporary discomfort effectively.
Laser vision correction procedures take 10-15 minutes per eye while lens based procedures take about 20 minutes per eye.
Yes, but you’ll receive numbing drops and calming medication.
BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION OR SURGERY
No, you do not need to remove false eyelashes for your consultation. However, please be aware that some lashes may fall out during your vision correction procedure.
To avoid disrupting healing, we recommend only replacing false lashes at least four weeks after your procedure.
Please remove your contact lenses before your consultation. If needed, you’re welcome to bring your contact lens case and solution to remove them at the clinic. Don’t forget to bring your glasses with you as well.
Your surgeon will also advise how long before your specific procedure you should stop wearing contacts.
Yes, in most cases both eyes are treated during the same session for convenience, faster recovery, and balanced visual healing. This applies to both laser vision correction (such as LASIK or PRK) and lens-based procedures (such as implantable contact lenses or refractive lens exchange).
Treating both eyes together often reduces overall costs and minimises time away from work or daily activities.
For cataract surgery, some medical aids require that each eye is treated separately. In such cases, we follow their specific authorisation protocols and will assist you in planning accordingly.
No, the procedure cannot be done on the same day as your consultation, as additional scans and planning are required before scheduling surgery.
If you qualify for a laser procedure (such as LASIK or PRK), you can typically be booked for the next available laser list, usually around the week after your initial consultation.
For lens-based procedures (such as implantable lenses or custom lens replacement), the lenses need to be specially ordered based on your measurements.
Once payment is received, we will place the order and provide an estimated time of arrival. Your theatre date will be booked accordingly to ensure the lenses are available on the day of your procedure.
POST-PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY
No. You’ll need someone to drive you home on the day of surgery.
Most patients can safely fly within 2–3 days after vision correction surgery, depending on how your eyes are healing.
If you’re planning to travel soon after your procedure, please inform your surgeon so we can schedule your follow-up appointments accordingly. The biggest concern is not the actual flight but the fact that you may not have access to your surgeon in case of any complications.
It’s important to avoid dusty or dry environments, such as air-conditioned cabins or long-haul flights, in the first week unless absolutely necessary. If you do fly remember to take lubrication drops with you on the flight.
You can usually return to screen work within 1–2 days after procedures like LASIK or lens based surgery like cataract surgery or implantable contact lenses. However, your eyes may feel dry or sensitive, so regular breaks and lubricating eye drops are essential during the first week.
PRK patients may need a few more days before feeling comfortable on screens due to the longer healing time. Quickly checking your phone should however not cause any damage.
Yes, follow-up appointments are a critical part of your recovery. These check-ups allow your surgeon to monitor healing, detect any issues early, and ensure your vision is progressing as expected.
Skipping them could delay recovery or compromise your final visual outcome — even if your vision feels clear.
Light exercise like walking may resume within days, but avoid contact sports, strenuous exercise, or heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
No swimming or hot tubs for at least one month to prevent infection.
In the first 24 hours after your procedure, avoid washing your face entirely — the LASIK flap or surgical incisions need time to seal.
After PRK, avoid water near the eye until your bandage contact lens is removed (usually after 3–5 days).
When resuming cleansing:
You may wash your hair a few days after surgery, but be careful not to let any water or shampoo come into contact with your eyes.
We recommend leaning your head backwards in the shower or having someone assist you.
Avoid mascara and any makeup near your lash line or eyelids for at least two weeks after surgery.
These products can introduce bacteria or particles into the eye area and disrupt healing. As an alternative, consider having your eyelashes tinted before your procedure.
Yes, but apply with care:
Sandton Eye Clinic, Suite G3, Ground Floor, Mediclinic Morningside Corner Hill & Rivonia Roads, Morningside, Sandton, 2196
The first step is to find out if you qualify for our vision correction procedures.
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