May 2025
– A milestone in South African eye care is here.
Precision at its finest – Dr Lourens Coetzee holds the delicate Allotex inlay, just 20 microns thick, as the future of near vision correction comes into focus.
- Dr Lourens Coetzee from Sandton Eye Clinic in Johannesburg.
- Dr Dylan Joseph from Vision for Life Clinic in Knysna.
- Dr Johann Kruger from Tygervalley Eye & Laser in Cape Town.
Together, they will perform and oversee the first Allotex procedures in the country.
What Is Allotex – And Why Is It So Groundbreaking?
Allotex is not just another inlay — it’s a natural, biocompatible corneal solution derived from human donor tissue, precisely shaped to restore near vision.
It offers a unique alternative for people who:
- Are tired of relying on reading glasses
- Are struggling with bifocal or multifocal glasses
- Prefer a reversible, minimally invasive solution
Unlike synthetic inlays of the past, Allotex uses acellular corneal allograft tissue—which integrates naturally with the eye—providing not only visual clarity but also long-term compatibility and the potential for reversibility.
And here’s the exciting part: Allotex can be combined with other refractive procedures like LASIK to correct refractive error in addition to improving near vision for those dependent on bifocal or multifocal glasses or contact lenses.
Why This matters for South African patients
Presbyopia affects millions of South Africans, and until now, choices were limited to reading glasses, contact lenses, presbyopic laser vison correction or more invasive lens replacement surgeries. Allotex brings a fresh alternative — combining natural materials and modern science— now made available locally.
Where innovation meets vision – Sandton Eye Clinic, proud host of some of South Africa’s first Allotex procedures.
Behind the Scenes at Sandton Eye Clinic: Training & Technology in Action
Knowledge in action – Francesco Menduni from Allotex Inc. shares his expertise with Dr Lourens Coetzee during advanced surgical training.
As part of his visit, Francesco Menduni led in-theatre training with Dr Lourens Coetzee and the clinical team at Sandton Eye Clinic, demonstrating the precision and care involved in preparing and placing the Allotex inlay.
Making medical history, together – Francesco Menduni leads a hands-on demonstration of the Allotex inlay procedure, joined by Dr Lourens Coetzee and key support from OSI – bringing world-class innovation to South African ophthalmology.
Steady hands, sharp focus – Dr Coetzee prepares the Allotex inlay using a fluid-supported instrument for perfect positioning.
The Allotex lenticule itself is remarkably delicate — just 20 microns thick and 2.5 mm in diameter. During the preparation, the team observed how the lenticule is gently released from its glass slide where it’s held in place with albumin, a natural protein that acts like a temporary adhesive.
A small lenticule making a big difference– Can you spot it? The Allotex lenticule, nearly invisible to the naked eye, awaiting its place in restoring near vision.
The slide is first submerged in Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) to dissolve the albumin. Using delicate instruments, the lenticule is then manipulated free and flushed into a petri dish. From there, it is lifted with a specialised tool that centres the lenticule inside a ring — held perfectly in place by hydrodynamic pressure.
Once centred and prepared, the lenticule is ready for implantation. Much like in LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates an ultra-thin flap, under which the Allotex lenticule is carefully positioned. This precise placement alters the shape of the cornea’s front surface to improve near vision — all while preserving the cornea’s natural structure.
- This training ensures that our team is equipped with the hands-on expertise needed to deliver personalised care using this exciting new technology.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Dr. Coetzee carefully lifts the Allotex inlay with the ring instrument during one of the very first Allotex procedures in the country.
This is more than just a new treatment — it’s the beginning of an exciting journey.
With Francesco Menduni’s visit and the first successful Allotex procedures underway, we look forward to sharing patient stories, clinical insights, and the life-changing results of this innovative inlay over the coming months.
A close-up of the microscope screen captures Dr. Coetzee’s steady hands precisely placing the Allotex inlay onto the eye.
Interested in Allotex?
If you are in your 40s or 50s and finding it harder to read menus, phone screens, or books — this could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Stay tuned or contact Sandton Eye Clinic to learn more about your options.
#AllotexSouthAfrica #PresbyopiaTreatment #ClearVisionAtEveryAge
