Guiding Your Journey to Clearer Vision
At our core, we believe that clear vision changes lives—empowering people to move confidently, reconnect with the world around them, and embrace every moment fully. At Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen Inc., we are proud to be part of a legacy of eye care excellence in Mpumalanga that spans more than four decades. From our roots at the Nelspruit Eye Institute to the development of the Lowveld Eye Institute, our practice has always been guided by a simple, enduring purpose:
To help people see clearly, live wildly, and thrive.
We combine surgical precision with personal connection. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited surgery, you’ll be met with warmth, clarity, and uncompromising care—from every person on our team.
Our Mission & Vision
- Our Mission
To provide specialized eye care with precision and compassion—enabling every patient to “See clearly, live wild.” - Our Vision
A future where access to exceptional eye care empowers independence, confidence, and quality of life across the Lowveld and beyond.
Where We Come From: The Legacy of Nelspruit Eye Institute
Our practice stands on the shoulders of giants. For over 50 years, the Nelspruit Eye Institute was a cornerstone of ophthalmic care in the Lowveld, originally founded by Dr. Roelie van Rooyen and carried forward by Drs. Danie Louw and Carl Wilms. This legacy was entrusted to a new generation in 2020, when Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen and Dr. Morgan Hayes took up the mantle.
Together, they have continued the mission to serve the people of Mpumalanga with integrity, skill, and heart—while also ushering in a new era of innovation and excellence in eye care.
Where We’re Going: The Future with Lowveld Eye Institute
As our community grows, so does our vision. The Lowveld Eye Institute, currently under construction in Nelspruit, represents a bold step forward. Purpose-built from the ground up, this state-of-the-art hospital will offer a multidisciplinary, integrated environment designed to deliver world-class ophthalmic care.
It will serve as a hub for:
- Subspecialty surgical services (retina, cataract, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics, pediatrics)
- Teaching and clinical collaboration
- Innovation in digital workflows and AI-enhanced diagnostics
- Seamless patient experience with a strong emphasis on comfort and continuity
The Lowveld Eye Institute reflects our long-term commitment to the region: to offer the best possible eye care, close to home.
What We Believe: Our Practice Values
We don’t just perform procedures—we care for people. Our values shape how we speak to you, treat you, and support your vision journey.
- Precision – Every detail matters, from the first scan to the final stitch.
- Integrity – Trust is earned, not assumed. We commit to honesty and transparency at every step.
- Innovation – We embrace cutting-edge tools and techniques that improve outcomes and streamline care.
- Simplicity – Eye care should be clear and understandable. We keep things direct and patient-friendly.
- Empathy – We listen, we reassure, and we tailor care to your needs, age, lifestyle, and goals.
Meet the People Behind the Care
Excellence doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built by a team.
At the heart of our practice is a group of friendly, dedicated professionals who bring skill and soul to everything they do. From the receptionist who welcomes you with a smile to the surgical assistant who guides you post-op, we are proud of the people who make this practice what it is.
Our Frontline and Support Team
- Practice Management – Ensuring a seamless, professional patient experience
- Reception and Bookings – Friendly, efficient, and always ready to help
- Ophthalmic Assistants – Well-trained, warm, and clinically excellent
- Admin and Finance – Quietly keeping everything running in the background
- Technical and Theatre Staff – Precision-focused and experienced in high-stakes settings
A Practice Built for You
Whether you’re visiting for a cataract consultation, a retinal surgery, or simply to understand your eye health better, you’ll experience:
- Unrushed consultations
- Clear explanations
- World-class diagnostic equipment
- Thoughtful surgical planning
- Continuity of care from consultation through recovery
Our goal is not just to treat your condition—it’s to partner with you on your vision journey, ensuring you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Join Us on the Journey
We invite you to experience eye care that is modern, kind, and deeply rooted in the Lowveld. Whether you’re a long-standing patient or seeing us for the first time, you’re welcome here.
Let’s make your vision clearer—and your future brighter.
Book Your Consultation →
OUR TEAM
Tersia – Theatre & Clinical Coordinator
With over two decades of experience in ophthalmology, Tersia is the heart of our clinical and theatre operations. She manages surgical bookings, authorizations, and intravitreal injection logistics with remarkable precision and care. Known for her warmth and motherly presence, Tersia goes above and beyond to ensure every patient and colleague feels supported. Her deep compassion, reliability, and commitment make her an invaluable part of our team and a cornerstone of the Eye Institute’s culture.
Michaela – Ophthalmic Assistant
Michaela is an exceptional ophthalmic assistant whose dedication and drive set her apart. Constantly striving to learn, refine, and expand her skills, she brings both academic depth and practical excellence to every patient encounter. Her precision, curiosity, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of our clinical team — a true star whose professionalism and passion elevate the standard of care at the Eye Institute.
Tayla – Ophthalmic Assistant
Tayla is a calm, caring presence within our clinical team. Her steady nature and gentle approach put patients instantly at ease, while her quiet confidence ensures every task is handled with precision and grace. Unflustered and dependable, Tayla continues to grow from strength to strength — a valued member whose consistency and compassion reflect the very essence of patient-centered care.
Marone – Receptionist & Billing
Marone is a valued new member of our team who has quickly proven herself to be dependable, efficient, and eager to learn. Calm under pressure and always willing to assist, she ensures patients’ needs and queries are met with professionalism and warmth. Her growing expertise in billing, ICD-10 codes, and practice administration adds meaningful support to both patients and the clinical team.
Martiné – Receptionist & Billing
Martiné brings energy, creativity, and warmth to the front desk. Always willing to go the extra mile, she ensures every task is completed thoroughly and every patient feels welcome. Her ability to think outside the box, combined with her hardworking and fun-loving nature, brings a vibrant spirit to the team and helps keep the practice running smoothly.
Adelade – Ophthalmic Assistant
As the newest member of our team, Adelade has already made a strong impression with her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Her passion for patient care and willingness to take on new clinical responsibilities reflect her servant-hearted nature. Though small in stature, she is proof that dynamite comes in small packages — bringing energy, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference in every patient’s experience.
Alison – Practice Manager & Clinical Associate
Alison is the driving force behind the smooth operation of our practice. With outstanding organizational skills and a strong clinical foundation, she ensures every aspect of the practice runs efficiently — from patient flow to staff coordination. A natural leader and productivity powerhouse, Alison balances strategy with compassion, looking after both the team and the patients with equal care. Her broad knowledge base, reliability, and forward-thinking mindset continue to propel the practice to new heights.
Carmi – Personal Assistant to Dr van der Westhuizen
Carmi plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless flow of Dr van der Westhuizen’s clinical and professional responsibilities. Through her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and calm efficiency, she manages scheduling, communication, and administrative demands — allowing the doctor to focus fully on patient care. Reliable, discreet, and proactive, Carmi is the quiet force behind the scenes who keeps everything running smoothly and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.