Enjoying hobbies without glasses after cataract surgery

Vision Challenges Influencing Hobbies and Life Before Cataract Procedure:

Before my multifocal cataract surgery, I was fully dependent on glasses to see and read clearly. Not having to wear glasses anymore is very liberating and freeing, especially in my line of work where I am dealing with babies and pre- school children who constantly touch or grab at my glasses. It was quite a challenge trying to prevent them from touching or pulling at my glasses, often getting them dirty or damaged.

First Impressions With Improved Vision:

Being able to exercise without glasses is just so much easier and doing needlework and creative hobbies is an absolute pleasure again. It is the best gift you can give yourself if you are in the position to do so. I am truly grateful to have learned about refractive cataract surgery and would strongly recommend it to anyone who is a suitable candidate for such a procedure.

Disclaimer: This story is based on a personal experience shared by one of our patients who completed a questionnaire and provided consent for their story to be shared. The content has been edited from their questionnaire for clarity and is intended to offer insight into their journey with Cataract Surgery. Every patient’s experience is unique, and individual results may vary. We hope this testimonial helps those considering the procedure by providing an authentic, first-hand account of the transformation Cataract Surgery can offer.

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Kyle Goncalves

8 months ago

Doctor Lourens Coetzee is super professional. 5 star service @ Sandton Eye Clinic. I had the PRK procedure done 29 months ago in September 2023 and I am so happy. No more waking up in the morning to put on contact lenses and having to remove them before going to sleep. I certainly don’t miss wearing my prescription glasses. Laser vision correction was definitely worth it. I highly recommend Doctor Lourens Coetzee @ Sandton Eye Clinic ( Mediclinic Morningside).

Louis.P. Linde

I would like to thank the entire team at Sandton Eye Clinic for their outstanding service and professionalism. From start to finish, everything was handled with efficiency and care. My mom’s cataract operation went smoothly, and the aftercare she received was exceptional. The staff were supportive, kind, and always willing to help, which gave us great peace of mind. Communication throughout the process was absolutely on point — clear, timely, and reassuring. We are truly grateful for the excellent care provided and would highly recommend Sandton Eye Clinic to anyone seeking quality eye care.

Irshaad Mahomed

9 months ago

In April 2024 (approx 21 months ago), I had my PRK surgery done at the Sandton Eye Clinic. I am delighted to have chosen Dr Coetzee and the Sandton Eye Clinic for this life changing experience. The entire team was very friendly and Dr Coetzee kept me calm through the entire procedure. The team also kept in contact with me after the procedure to ensure that recovery was going well, and answered all the questions that I had. If anyone is considering LASIK/PRK, I would highly recommend choosing the Sandton Eye Clinic for the consultation and procedure.

Mishumo Dzhivhuho

I waited for over two hours before even seeing a doctor or having any tests done. I first went in December and thought it might be better when I returned in January, but it was actually worse. The scheduling is extremely poor. Do not go there expecting them to stick to appointment times — you will wait and wait.

Stynerus Erasmus

1 year ago

I had an incredible experience at Sandton Eye Clinic throughout my entire PRK laser eye surgery journey. From the very first consultation to my post-operative care, the communication was clear, thorough, and incredibly professional. Every step was explained in detail, which made me feel confident and well-informed. The service was exceptional—the team was always welcoming, efficient, and genuinely caring. I never felt rushed or like "just another patient." They took the time to answer all my questions, address my concerns, and provide the support I needed at every stage. The overall care I received was outstanding. The doctors and staff went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and recovery. My vision is now better than I could have imagined, and I’m so grateful for their expertise and dedication. If you're considering laser eye surgery, I highly recommend Sandton Eye Clinic. You’ll be in excellent hands!

Rumandi Potgieter

Sandton Eye Clinic has truly changed my life. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. My LASIK journey began at Menlyn Eye Clinic, and I had my procedure done at Sandton Eye Clinic — and honestly, both teams made me feel like part of the family from the very beginning. The staff are incredibly professional, warm, and attentive. Every step of the process was well communicated, and I felt completely supported and confident throughout. The level of care and personal attention I received made the entire experience so easy and stress-free.

Preshela Pillay

2 years ago

Very good friendly staff. Can see without spectacles.

Rennie Pillay

Very professional, yet friendly service.

Anja Theron

The best decision ever. You will not regret going to Santon Eye Clinic for Lasik eye surgery. It is life changing. Doctors and staff are super friendly and helpful every time.

Petro Lourens

3 years ago

Anja Joosten

Kanwal Abdul ghaffar

Absolutely loved the service at both the Menyln and Sandton eye clinics. The staff at both clinics are very professional and organized. The doctors and staff made sure that I was greatly taken care of - be it consultation or the procedure itself. They guided me well throughout the process. The staff also personally followed up to see whether I was experiencing any symptoms after the procedure. I would definitely recommend their services. The surgery was painless, quick and so worth it. I have also been for 2 follow-ups after the procedure. Everything is looking great I can actually see better than the 20/20 vision level. It is now an absolute bliss not having the need to wear glasses. I would wholeheartedly like to thank Dr Precious Phutudi for the smooth experience .♥️

Nadia Omar

It’s been a week since my Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) surgery and I cannot describe how I feel. Waking up and just being able to SEE without glasses or contact lenses is life changing. I have struggled with my vision since I was 13, it has really affected EVERY aspect of my life, activities I could do, the amount of make up I could wear, driving at night, failing my eye tests at the licensing department, the list is endless. I CAN’T BELIEVE ITS ALL IN THE PAST! With each passing day my vision gets clearer and clearer. I still find myself looking for my contacts lenses in a mirror sometimes - I really can’t believe it. I cannot thank the team at Sandton Eye Clinic enough. You have honestly changed my life & with so much love and kindness too ❤️ They are just the best

Francois Chapman

There's only a few life-changing decisions that I've made in my life, and getting LASIK surgery was definitely one of them. I cannot express the gratitude I have for the freedom of not wearing glasses or contact lenses. The team at Santon eye clinic don't just help people see better, they help them enjoy life more.

Richard Watson

I spent extra to go to the expert because it’s my eyes. You want the best, right? I just bought glasses again, a year after my op. It’s nice that I see “better” but I would have preferred more information on what the outcome would feel like. I got two settings due to my age. One eye for distance and one for reading. I’m a computer professional. My reading eye can’t see my screen clearly (it’s better at iPhone distance but not amazing). It annoyed me for a year and I kept making excuses. My distance eye can’t really see distance clearly. I guess it’ll adjust into the range that it does over time, but for now it’s a bit off and an optometrist said it’s not really good enough for a driving test. I did a driving test and barely squeaked through. I’m always a bit wary driving in less than ideal conditions and I’ll probably take glasses to my next test. Bought expensive glasses, one pair for computer and one for driving. Much happier. But this is exactly what I was trying to avoid, right? Learnings: - Ask exactly what you’ll experience. The difference between my two eyes wasn’t “a bit”. There’s no overlap. It’s pretty stark, and it was a surprise. - Be involved in the setting the doc chooses for you. Like, skill up and don’t just trust. We’re trained to trust medical professionals. Trust but verify, be more involved than I was. Recommendation for the business: Take more time in selecting the outcome. Give people take-home material. Set up lenses so they know what it’ll look like after the op - left will look like X, right like Y, this is the distance it’ll work best for, stereo will be good at distances from A to B but not C. 3 stars because it’s much better to be able to do sports without glasses. Much more functional and can get by. That’s very cool. And I have no idea but all signs are that the operation was technically excellent. A couple of optometrists have said the cut is very good. He’s also a really good guy you’ll enjoy interacting with. Part of the reason for this review is because I know they’re very good and will hopefully use it to make the business better. So: technically very good but I was a bit disappointed and could never shake the feeling it’s not what I was sold.

Joel Mapheto

Junaid Amir

Staff is very friendly and Dr Coetzee is excellent, would highly recommend to anyone looking for treatment for Keratoconus.

Willie W

Best money ever spent. Yes, expensive, but every cent worth it. The doctor spends time, treats you like a person. Service well done, satisfied with the procedure and will recommend a thousand times over.

Melissa Steyn

4 years ago

If you are looking for exceptional service, Sandton Eye Clinic is the place to go. Ilka went above and beyond to try find the best solution for me, exploring all possibilities and answering all my question. I am yet to go for the surgery but to date they have been very accommodating to me. I look forward to my eye surgery in January.

Yolindi Kok

Honestly, I don't think a Google Review will do any justice. I've been wearing glasses from a very young age & recently that changed when I came across the Sandton Eye Clinic. The staff is efficient & friendly. Dr Melody Sun is informative & was very caring when she preformed the LASIK procedure as I was rather anxious, she sure knows how to put one at ease. I had my procedure done 30 / 11 / 2022 & the next day was clear as light. Forever grateful towards the Sandton Eye Clinic & Dr Melody Sun as her & the team changed my life! THANK YOU 😊

Elease Pretorius

5 years ago

From being a bat to a SUPER SEE-er! Going to Sandton eye clinic is the best thing someone can do for themselves. The staff is amazing! They are friendly, professional and knowledgeable. They take you step by step through everything you need to do and know. And the best feeling, I didn't feel like a number, I felt like a person ♡ ...their only client. And the present they gave me was unbelievable. The present of sight 👀. Being able to see, to truly see, the beautiful world we live in. I have no words. Just thank you 😊

Monique van Jaarsveld’s Cataract Story: Liberating and freeing