Transform Your Vision, Transform Your Life!
Imagine a life without glasses or contact lenses! Whether you’re 18 or 80, refractive surgery can open a whole new world of clarity and freedom. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about improving your vision through refractive surgery in South Africa.
“I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead; I lift my eyes and all is born again”
In The Spotlight
Refractive Surgery in South Africa
South Africa has become a leading hub for refractive surgery, offering patients access to internationally trained surgeons, advanced diagnostic technology, and state-of-the-art treatment options. Whether in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or smaller medical centres across the country, patients can expect world-class care tailored to their individual needs. From LASIK and PRK to advanced lens-based procedures, South African clinics provide safe, effective, and life-changing solutions for those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses—all within a healthcare system known for its expertise, professionalism, and warm patient care.
Beyond the exceptional medical care, patients often combine their surgery with the opportunity to experience South Africa’s incredible lifestyle and attractions. From breathtaking coastlines and wine estates to vibrant cities and cultural landmarks, refractive surgery here is not just about improving vision—it’s about enhancing quality of life in a truly memorable setting. This combination of medical excellence and unique lifestyle appeal makes South Africa a standout choice for both local and international patients.
Procedures
Let’s Talk About Refractive Surgery That’s Best for Your Age
Refractive surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—your age, eye health, and lifestyle all play a role in choosing the right procedure. As we age, the structure
and function of our eyes change, which is why different surgical options are recommended for different age groups.



Your Surgeon
Choosing a Refractive Surgeon in South Africa
Your eyes deserve expert care—and when it comes to laser vision correction or lens-based surgery, choosing a Refractive Surgeon in South Africa can make all the difference. Refractive Surgeons are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating visual errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and age-related presbyopia using procedures like LASIK, PRK, ICL, and Custom Lens Replacement.
In South Africa, where access to advanced technology is growing rapidly, many Refractive Surgeons offer the same world-class equipment and precision techniques found in leading international eye centres. What sets them apart is their deep understanding of the local health context, medical aid structures, and patient expectations—ensuring a smooth and affordable experience. These surgeons conduct thorough assessments and pre-screenings, to determine the best procedure for your age, eye condition, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a young adult tired of glasses or an older patient exploring cataract surgery with a vision upgrade, a Refractive Surgeon will guide you with skill and care through every step.
Clear vision, clearer future!
Busting The Myths
When considering refractive surgery, it’s natural to have plenty of questions and concerns. This transformative procedure can feel like a big step, and with so much information (and misinformation!) out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions people ask and addressed popular myths about refractive surgery. Whether you’re wondering about safety, results, or recovery, you’ll find the clarity you need right here!
Let’s set the record straight and help you make an informed decision about your vision.
Many ophthalmologists and refractive eye surgeons in South Africa and globally have opted for LASIK themselves or for their family members. That speaks volumes about their confidence in the safety and success of the procedure.
Dr. Stephen Slade, a world-renowned refractive surgeon from the U.S., had LASIK himself and was one of the first to perform the procedure. Locally, several top South African eye specialists and refractive surgeons, have undergone LASIK, choosing the very procedure they offer to patients.
While presbyopia may occur around 40, PresbyLASIK can still correct distance vision, and there are tailored procedures available for patients over 40, including blended vision.
Cataract surgery is still possible and effective after LASIK. Surgeons use advanced tools to account for changes in corneal curvature.
While LASIK doesn't stop age-related presbyopia, techniques like monovision LASIK can improve near and reading vision for many patients.
Temporary dryness can occur post-surgery, but it typically resolves within weeks. Surgeons in SA screen for dry eye and treat it proactively.
Light exercise can resume within 1-2 days. Contact sports should be avoided for a couple of weeks. Surgeons provide detailed guidance.
With older technologies, some patients experienced halos or glare. New-generation lasers used in SA greatly reduce this risk.
Most patients report feeling only slight pressure during LASIK. Numbing drops are used, and recovery is typically quick and comfortable.
LASIK has never been a direct cause of blindness in healthy candidates. Complications are rare and manageable when performed by a registered refractive surgeon. In South Africa, serious sight‑threatening complications occur in under 1% of cases, and flap‑creation issues that may require aborting the procedure are around 0.1% .
You can safely fly within 24–48 hours post-surgery. Cabin pressure does not affect your eyes.
Vision Without Limits: Your Essential Insight into Laser Eye Surgery
In the ever-evolving world of laser eye surgery, staying informed is the key to making confident, well-informed decisions about your vision. That’s why we’re bringing you Vision Without Limits, a monthly blog packed with the latest industry updates, breakthroughs, and expert insights—all designed to empower you on your journey to clearer vision.
I Can See Clearly Now
Real Lives. Real Vision. Real Change
The moment you open your eyes and realise you’ll never need glasses again… it’s more than surgery—it’s freedom.
"I immediately noticed the much better vision in both my eyes and every day they got better. It was wonderful to not need my glasses or contact lenses anymore. LASIK is a great procedure and a blessing."

"Laser vision correction made everything I do from acting on set, dancing, and DJ-ing, a whole lot easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable! The less I have to worry about my sight, the better I can focus on my performance."

"My LASIK procedure was quick and painless. And there's not a day that I've regretted doing it. I would recommend anyone to do it too."

"Since my PRK procedure, I drive confidently at night without seeing starbursts, enjoy cooking again without the fogged-up glasses, and explore makeup techniques now that my eyes are no longer hidden behind glasses."

"I had LASIK two years ago after a lifetime of glasses—it was quick, painless, and truly freeing. Everyday life, from my wedding to motherhood, is so much easier without glasses."

“As a pilot, being able to fly without reading glasses has been a game-changer.”

“As both a refractive surgeon and a patient, choosing PresbyLASIK was an easy decision. It restored my near vision — and gave me back visual freedom in my daily life.”

“Now, more than 20 years later, I still believe it has been one of the best long-term decisions I have ever made.” - Yolandie Coetzee

“I remember the moment the eye patch came off – it was the first time since I was 16 that I could see without spectacles.”

Lianie May