About the practice
A single-ophthalmologist practice in Brits, working from Mediclinic Brits since 2010.
Dr Jeshal Patel
Dr Patel qualified MBChB and holds the Fellowship of the College of Ophthalmologists of South Africa, FC Ophth (SA). He trained in ophthalmology at Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, and has worked at St John Eye Hospital at Chris Hani Baragwanath.
He opened this practice in Brits in 2010 and operates at Mediclinic Brits. He lives in the area, and Brits was a choice rather than a posting.
His surgical work is mainly cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and injections into the eye. He performs viscocanalostomy, a form of glaucoma surgery that few surgeons in South Africa offer. He continues to develop the procedure and teaches it to other surgeons in South Africa and abroad, including hands-on teaching in other centres. He also sees paediatric glaucoma, ocular trauma and medical retina.
Consultations are in English and Afrikaans.
The team
Lettie
Reception and administration. She also handles Workmen's Compensation claims.
Catherine
Reception. Assists with appointments, special investigations and procedures.
Mathapelo
Clinical assistant.
Ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician
These three are often confused, and it matters when you are trying to work out who to see.
| What they are | What they do | |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmologist | A medical doctor who then trained for years in the eye specifically. | Diagnoses and treats eye disease, prescribes medicine, and operates. |
| Optometrist | A university-trained eye care professional, not a medical doctor. | Tests sight, prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses, screens for eye disease and refers on. |
| Optician | Trained to make and fit eyewear. | Makes up and fits glasses to a prescription. |
Most people need an optometrist for their glasses and an ophthalmologist only if something is medically wrong. The two work together, and your optometrist will send you here if you need medical or surgical treatment.
Speak to the rooms
Phone 012 252 8018 or 012 252 8123, WhatsApp 068 630 1580, or email info@eye-care.co.za.