Precision in sight – Dr Lourens Coetzee holds up an enlarged model of the Artiplus Phakic Implantable Lens, representing a breakthrough in the correction of presbyopia.
South Africa has entered a new era of advanced vision correction—particularly for people over 40—thanks to two recent milestone procedures performed by Dr Lourens Coetzee, internationally certified refractive surgeon at Sandton Eye Clinic.
In July 2025, Dr Coetzee successfully implanted the first Artiplus Phakic IOL’s in the country. This was shortly after performing one of the first Allotex lenticule procedures in South Africa, marking two major milestones for patients seeking alternatives to reading glasses, bifocals, or conventional laser eye surgery.
These breakthroughs mean that more people in their 40s, 50s and beyond—especially those with presbyopia or higher prescriptions—can now explore more personalised, long-term solutions to reduce their dependence on glasses. It’s a glimpse into the future of personalised refractive surgery for those seeking freedom from reading glasses. After all, not having to reach for your reading glasses at a restaurant or during a meeting might just be one of the best-kept anti-ageing secrets out there.
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related vision condition that typically begins around age 40. It affects the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, making tasks like reading or using a phone more difficult without reading glasses or bifocals.
Historically, the main solutions for presbyopia included spectacles, contact lenses, PresbyLASIK, Implantable contact lenses, or lens replacement surgery. Now, two newer technologies—Artiplus Phakic IOL and Allotex—offer additional, modern alternatives designed to preserve the natural lens or cornea.
What Is a phakic implantable lens?
A small lens with a powerful impact – An enlarged model of the Artiplus Phakic IOL, representing the precise technology restoring vision in presbyopia patients.
A Phakic implantable lens is often referred to as an “implantable contact lens.” Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit on the surface of your eye, a phakic lens is gently placed inside your eye, in front of the natural lens. It works with your eye’s natural structure to correct vision, providing clear, sharp results—especially for patients with high prescriptions or thin corneas.
A phakic lens is removable, does not reshape the cornea like laser procedures do, and preserves your natural lens. This makes it a compelling option for many patients seeking long-term visual freedom.
Who Might Benefit from a phakic lens?
A clear vision of innovation – Dr Lourens Coetzee examines an enlarged model of the Artiplus Phakic Lens, showcasing the advanced technology reshaping presbyopia correction.
Phakic lenses are especially useful for patients who:
- Have very high prescriptions (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism)
- Have been told they are not ideal candidates for LASIK due to thin or irregular corneas
- Prefer a reversible procedure
- Want a lens that is invisible and undetectable once implanted
Some Phakic lenses, like the Artiplus and IPCL, are also available for presbyopia—age-related near vision loss—making them an excellent option for those who rely on reading glasses or bifocals.
Artiplus Phakic Lens: A Next-Generation Implant for Distance & Near Vision
Ground-breaking engineering by Ophtec – The Artiplus Lens, a new foldable iris fixated Phakic IOL that has been developed to allow patients to see naturally at all distances, with reduced glare and halos.
- Suitable for presbyopic patients with or without additional refractive errors (e.g. myopia, astigmatism)
- Based on the trusted Artiflex platform
- Ideal for patients who are not suitable for LASIK due to thin or irregular corneas
- Removable
Dr Coetzee implanted the first two Artiplus lenses in South Africa in July 2025, positioning Sandton Eye Clinic as one of the few centres in South Africa offering a full range of presbyopia treatments — including Artiplus, IPCL, Allotex, and PresbyLASIK — to suit different visual needs.
Allotex: A Biologic Inlay for Presbyopia Correction
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.
Read our blog on Dr Coetzee performing one of the first Allotex procedures in the country.
- Designed for reading vision correction
- Minimally invasive and reversible
- Made from human donor tissue
- Offers a smoother brain adaptation than traditional multifocal procedures
Dr Coetzee recently performed one of the first Allotex procedures in South Africa, providing a promising new option for people who are beginning to struggle with near vision tasks but still have clear distance vision.
Learn more about our Allotex procedures at Sandton Eye Clinic
Phakic Lens Options Available
Evo® ICL
Ideal for:
Myopia and astigmatism (younger patients)
Presbyopia Correction:
No
More Info
Manufactured by STAAR Surgical. Over 2 million lenses implanted globally with high patient satisfaction.
Evo Viva® ICL
Ideal for:
Distance, intermediate & near vision (over 40s)
Presbyopia Correction:
Yes
More Info
The latest ICL for presbyopia—designed to help you “see young again” by restoring near and computer vision.
Artiflex®
Ideal for:
Moderate to high myopia
Presbyopia Correction:
No
More Info
Foldable lens with a flexible silicone optic. Proven performance and trusted by surgeons worldwide.
Artiplus®
Ideal for:
Distance and near vision for over-40s
Presbyopia Correction:
Yes
More Info
Based on the trusted Artiflex platform. First implanted in SA by Dr Coetzee in 2025. Available via Ophtec.
IPCL®
Ideal for:
Broad prescription ranges, including near vision
Presbyopia Correction:
Yes (some models)
More Info
Includes toric and presbyopia-correcting models. Available via EyePharma SA.
How Do You Know Which Option Is Right for You?
How Do You Know Which Option Is Right for You?
You don’t have to decide on your own. At Sandton Eye Clinic, your consultation includes a thorough diagnostic evaluation and personalised recommendation from one of our internationally certified refractive surgeons.
Depending on your age, lifestyle, eye health, and vision needs, your surgeon may recommend:
- Laser Vision Correction (such as LASIK, PRK, or PresbyLASIK)
- Phakic Lenses (like EVO ICL, Artiplus, or IPCL)
- Allotex lenticule inlays
- Custom Lens Replacement or Cataract Surgery with a multifocal lens option (for patients over 50)
Whether you’re in your 20s with a high prescription or in your 50s exploring alternatives to reading glasses, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive consultation to determine the most suitable and safest option for your eyes.
Why Sandton Eye Clinic?
- First in SA to implant the Artiplus Phakic Lens and perform Allotex presbyopia procedures.
- Access to wide range of advanced refractive technologies.
- Team of experienced, internationally certified refractive surgeons.
- Centrally located in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Take the First Step
If you’re exploring options to reduce your reliance on reading glasses, bifocals, or high-prescription lenses, we’re here to help you discover the most suitable path to clearer vision.
Learn more about Phakic implantable lenses:
Learn more about Allotex for presbyopia:
Not sure which option might suit you? Our team is here to assist you in person. We’ll walk you through what’s possible.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational and awareness purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Glasses remain a safe option as they do not involve any medical procedure. Refractive surgery is a lifestyle choice for those seeking unaided vision and may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation is required to determine your individual suitability. According to research the cumulative risk of contact lenses may be more than LASIK.