For optometrists and doctors
Practical information for colleagues referring a patient to the practice.
The practice
Single-ophthalmologist practice at Mediclinic Brits, established 2010. Dr Jeshal Patel, MBChB, FC Ophth (SA). Surgical work is predominantly cataract, glaucoma and intravitreal injections, with paediatric glaucoma, ocular trauma and medical retina alongside.
Glaucoma, and where this practice differs
Dr Patel performs viscocanalostomy — non-penetrating glaucoma surgery in which Schlemm's canal is opened and widened without creating a full-thickness fistula, and without a filtering bleb.
For a patient in whom bleb-related complications would be particularly unwelcome, that is a specific reason to refer locally rather than to Pretoria or Johannesburg. Few surgeons in the country offer the procedure. Dr Patel continues to develop it and teaches it to other surgeons in South Africa and abroad, including hands-on teaching in other centres.
Case selection matters, and not every eye suits it. If you have a patient you think might, he is happy to see them and give you a straight answer either way.
Worth referring
- Raised intraocular pressure, a suspicious disc, or a field defect you want confirmed.
- Glaucoma progressing despite maximal medical therapy.
- Cataract affecting the patient's daily function.
- Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema or retinal vein occlusion needing intravitreal treatment.
- Paediatric glaucoma, or a child you are concerned about.
- Ocular trauma.
How to refer
Phone the rooms on 012 252 8018 or 012 252 8123, WhatsApp 068 630 1580, or email info@eye-care.co.za. There is no form to complete.
Where you have them, a brief note of your findings, current drops, IOPs and any fields or imaging saves the patient repeating tests and helps a great deal.
Urgent cases: phone rather than email, and say it is urgent.
Speak to the rooms
Phone 012 252 8018 or 012 252 8123, WhatsApp 068 630 1580, or email info@eye-care.co.za.