Our Ophthalmologists

We are proud to be part of these professional bodies

DR LOURENS COETZEE

Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeon

MBChB (UP), Dip Ophth (SA), FC Ophth (SA), MMed Ophth (UFS), FWCRS

Clinical Leadership & Surgical Expertise

Dr. Lourens Coetzee is the Clinical Director of Sandton Eye Clinic and a specialist in cornea and refractive surgery. His approach to medicine is guided by a philosophy of adventure—whether it's scaling mountains, paddling rivers, or diving into the ocean, his relentless pursuit of excellence mirrors his dedication to precision in eye surgery.

Watch Dr Coetzee's Latest Videos:

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Dr Coetzee on Dr Nou

Education & Advanced Training

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:

Singapore National Eye Institute
European Vitreo-Retinal Training School, Bremen
Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery
London Vision Clinic
Wellington Eye Clinic, Ireland
Keranatural, Istanbul

Additionally, he has trained under world-renowned refractive surgeons such as Prof. Dan Reinstein and Dr. Arthur Cummings.

International Recognition & Teaching

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.

Research & Humanitarian Work

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.

Dr Coetzee: Areas of expertise

Dr Melody Sun

General Ophthalmologist and Refractive Surgeon

MBChB (UCT), FC Ophth (SA), MMed Ophth (WITS)

A Passion for Precision & Vision Restoration

Dr Melody Sun has a keen interest in problem-solving, managing the eye and restoring vision. This curiosity regarding surgery and the eye prompted her to embark on a medical career and later specialise in ophthalmology, which she believes embodies the art and precision of delicate surgical techniques.

Dr Sun’s career has included being a medical officer for emergency medicine, then ophthalmology, following her internship and community service.

Watch Dr Sun's latest video:

Academic Excellence & Research Contributions

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.

In addition, Dr Sun has published as one of the co-authors in the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences; and the International Journal of Clinical Trials. She recently completed her Refractive Surgery Fellowship and enjoys the science behind delivering the perfect vision for patients.

Dr Sun: Areas of expertise

Dr Precious Phatudi

General Ophthalmologist and Refractive Surgeon

MBChB (UP), Dip Ophth (SA), FCOphth (SA), MMED Ophth (UFS), PCEO (Kellogg)

Specialist in Refractive & Cataract Surgery

Dr. Precious Phatudi is a consultant ophthalmologist with a deep interest in cornea, refractive, and cataract surgery. She is particularly passionate about community ophthalmology and is dedicated to reducing avoidable blindness.

Watch Dr Phatudi's latest video:

Academic & Professional Achievements

Dr. Phatudi completed her medical degree at the University of Pretoria and specialized in ophthalmology at the University of the Free State.

She is an Associate Fellow of the Refractive Surgery Alliance Fellowship Network and 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: Areas of expertise

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Preshela Pillay

07:58 19 Apr 24

Very good friendly staff. Can see without spectacles.

Rennie Pillay

07:42 19 Apr 24

Very professional, yet friendly service.

Anja Theron

08:23 11 Apr 24

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

13:08 13 Mar 24

Anja Joosten

08:36 13 Mar 24

Kanwal Abdul ghaffar

10:34 23 Feb 24

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

10:19 09 Jan 24

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

14:19 12 Dec 23

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

21:13 21 Nov 23

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

10:14 31 Jul 23

Junaid Amir

10:37 21 Jun 23

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

Willie W

17:38 26 Apr 23

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

11:54 05 Dec 22

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

15:15 01 Dec 22

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

15:44 01 Mar 22

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 😊