Another world-class medical clinic has opened in the Southern Cape. The Garden Route Eye, Laser and Plastic Surgery Clinic in George is ranked as one of the most technologically advanced clinics of its kind in South Africa.
This state-of-the-art facility, which offers an extensive range of eye-care procedures under one roof, specialises in cataract operations, the treatment of glaucoma and retinal diseases as well as the Excimer laser refractive surgery for nearsightedness, astigmatism and a procedure for reducing dependency on wearing glasses.
The clinic, a valuable addition to the broad base of specialist medical services and top-class hospitals and treatment centres in the Southern Cape, has been operating to near capacity since it opened its doors earlier this year.
The clinic is attracting patients from elsewhere in South Africa as well as visitors from abroad, who, because of the simplicity and non-invasive aspects of these procedures, can combine a holiday with an operation that does not take more than a day or two for full recovery.
All procedures are done on an outpatient basis under topical or local anaethesia and patients suffer minimal discomfort afterwards. Some of the procedures are done by laser and some by a technique that utilises high frequency ultrasound.
Says Judy Boyd-Moss, an active mother of two teenage daughters, who underwent the Excimer laser procedure: "I cannot believe - it a 20-minute operation and it has changed my life! It's like someone has cleaned the windows - suddenly everything is sparkling clear. Until then, the world was a blur.
"I love horseriding, but it was always a problem with dust getting in the eyes when wearing contact lenses or the fear of falling when wearing glasses. I gave spinning classes at the gym, but was in a no-win situation. My glasses would either mist up or my contact lenses made my eyes scratchy and sore and without them I couldn't see my class!"
Judy is one of around 150 patients who have undergone this operation during the past few months.
Says ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Charl Roux: "It's the single most popular procedure, particularly among younger people, whose lifestyles are impeded by having to wear glasses or contact lenses."
It was in fact the Excimer laser, that spurred Dr Roux and fellow eye-specialist, Dr Richard Faul, to establish the clinic. "We needed a new home for the Excimer, which is a piece of equipment that needs its own theatre, and once we had made our decision everything seemed to fall in place."
With the help of architects, Smuts & De Kock, who have been involved in the refurbishment of the George Medi-Clinic as well as an upgrade of the George Hospital, they were able to create a facility that is patient-friendly without compromising on the provision of quality clinical care.
Says architect Karen Nel: "The site was perfect for this development. It's close to other medical facilities in George and being on one of the main arterial roads, is easy to find. Also, it has beautiful views towards the mountains, which we were able to incorporate in the consulting rooms and reception areas."
The clinic is fitted with the most modern equipment for eye treatments, and accommodates two eye specialists, a plastic surgeon and optometrist. The separate theatre wing includes a laser theatre room and a procedure room. There is plenty of parking space on site and, being on one level, the Clinic is particularly suitable for elderly patients.

Jackie Joubert