Refractive Laser Screening
Expert assessment and guidance for safe vision correction.
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen provides comprehensive screening and assessment for patients considering refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK, or implantable lenses.
What Is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery reduces or eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses by reshaping the cornea or implanting corrective lenses inside the eye. It can correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Common procedures include:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Surface laser treatment, often used for thinner corneas.
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): The most well-known laser surgery, with quick recovery.
- ICL / IPCL (Implantable Collamer/Phakic Lenses): Tiny lenses placed inside the eye, often for higher prescriptions or when laser surgery isn’t suitable.
Why Screening Matters
Not every patient is a candidate for refractive surgery. Careful assessment is essential to ensure safety, suitability, and long-term results.
At your screening, we perform:
- Pentacam corneal mapping – detailed 3D scan to check corneal thickness and shape.
- Comprehensive refractive checks – to confirm your prescription and stability.
- Ocular health evaluation – to rule out conditions such as keratoconus, dry eye, or retinal disease.
Based on your results, we will advise you honestly on your suitability and the safest surgical option.
How the Process Works
- Step 1: Local Screening – Your full assessment is done at the Lowveld Eye Institute in Mbombela.
- Step 2: Surgery Referral – If you’re suitable, we arrange referral to a trusted refractive surgery centre. Currently, there is no excimer laser in Nelspruit, so surgery is performed in larger centres (usually a one-day visit).
- Step 3: Local Follow-Up – Your aftercare is done back home in the Lowveld, so you don’t need to travel for routine checks.
This ensures expert guidance and care without repeated long-distance travel.
Looking Ahead
While refractive surgery is currently referred out, the Lowveld Eye Institute plans to acquire advanced excimer laser technology in the future — making laser eye surgery more accessible to patients in Mpumalanga.
Why Choose Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen?
- Independent advice – honest, specialist assessment with no bias toward a specific procedure.
- Comprehensive testing – Pentacam and refractive diagnostics on-site.
- Convenience – follow-up in Mbombela, avoiding multiple long trips
Book Your Refractive Screening
Considering laser vision correction or implantable lenses? Start with a safe and thorough screening.
Contact us to book your refractive assessment with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen at the Lowveld Eye Institute.
