Services
CLINIC DAY
Patients will visit the practice on Wednesday will benefit from our clinic day for best value for money. These are the customers who do not have medical aid support. The comprehensive consultations will be at exactly the same standard. These will be mainly from the surrounding community members such as pensioners and lower income people but is also open to any patient wanting eye care and spectacles at the best affordable rate. We offer packages of complete spectacles and prescription lenses at very affordable tariffs.
Please Note: All ‘Clinic Day’ Visits MUST Be Booked In Advance
General Examination
EYE EXAMINATIONS
Regular eye examination should maintain a high clinical standard in terms of the assessing and addressing of the full range of potential visual aspects. Comfortable clear vision is essential for everyday living, and at Pieterse Optometrists we envisage the establishment of long term relationships with our patients in order to optimize vision, the pro-active identification and treatment of identified symptoms and the meeting of individual lifestyles and visual requirements.
Our general eye exam is a 45-minute full comprehensive eye test which includes refraction assessment , an I-wellness screening , intra ocular pressure measurements, fundus photos and more. We also do a dry eye evaluation and scan for keratoconus and ocular allergies.
Pieterse Optometrists have done extensive research to look for suppliers who offer excellent products and a good turn-around time. We also go out and look at seasonal promotions so keep an eye out on our social media to benefit from these.
This comprehensive consultation includes the following:
• Pretesting auto refraction and vertometry of previous habitual spectacles
• Cardiovascular screening tests: blood pressure measurement (patients over the age of 38)
• Measurement of intra-ocular pressure which make part of the glaucoma screening and which is asked for by various medical schemes.
• We perform other tests like retinoscopy, slit lamp examination, vision acuity without spectacles and vision with the new tested refraction,(non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic with pupil dilation where necessary) as well as binocular evaluations.
Our Technology for Examinations
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY – OCT
We embraced OCT scanning to evaluate the ocular surfaces, scan and photograph the eye and its structures. Early detection is key, making early diagnosis of Keratoconus, diabetic retinopathy, possible glaucoma or even macular disease.
FUNDUS PHOTOGRAPHY
A Retinal Fundus photography forms the core of retinal health examination located at the back of the eye. Good Quality retinal imaging gives our optometrists a broad overview of the blood vessel health, the optic nerve, the macular area and even the effect that Keratoconus can have on how patients see.
Pieterse Optometrist is also registered for the Discovery diabetic screening program, we monitor and screen for diabetic retinopathy. Early detection is key to prevent vision loss, People with diabetic retinopathy are often not symptomatic making it so important for us to do a regular eye screening.
The 3 most common eye complications of diabetes:
Cataracts
Clouding of the lens of the eye.
Diabetic retinopathy
Damage to the blood vessels in the retina (Most commonly seen).
Glaucoma
Complication of the optic nerve causing loss of peripheral vision.
Diabetic retinopathy means that the retina layer which is situated very deep in the eye starts to bleed and this is one of the serious complications of diabetes which can eventually leads to blindness if untreated.
At least 50 % of patients develop some kind of diabetic retinopathy at 5 years or more after the onset of their diabetes. 3 out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes have already developed complications by the time they are diagnosed
Tonometry
Pieterse Optometrist, the Intra ocular eye pressure is carefully considered using a Tonometer and reviewing your optic nerve health scans. High intra ocular pressure may indicate inflammation, the presence of glaucoma or even pigment dispersion syndrome.
Specialty Contact and Scleral Lenses
We offer advanced contact lens options to assist patients with various eye conditions.
Willem Pieterse specializes in visual solutions for problems associated with keratoconus, post corneal surgery complications and rehabilitation of irregular corneal cases. Caring for an exceptionally large contact lens patient base, specialized contact lens fitting for irregular corneal cases has become a passion and interest in his profession. Advanced contact lens options such as EyeprintPro scleral lenses provide exceptional comfort and vision, improving the visual functionality when normal spectacle correction is unable to do so.
Keratoconus or other conditions such as post lasik complications or corneal transplant surgery may lead to severe visual challenges. At Pieterse Optometrists we are passionate to find solutions for patients with Keratoconus or clients presenting with high refractive corrections.
Keratoconus patients are also often helped by referring them for crosslinking and scleral or corenal RGP lens options can then be discussed for best vision and comfort.
What is Keratoconus?
Why scleral lenses for Keratoconus or other corneal complex cases?
At Pieterse Optometrists we fit custom specialty lens options (4 international lens designs):
Eyespace scleral lens using the Eyespace software
Eyeprint Pro lens ( USA Impression based technology)
Zenlens design (USA Specialty scleral lens design)
ROSE K CORNEAL LENS DESIGN.
“Rose K corneal RGP lenses is by far one of the best available lens designs, at Pieterse Optometrists we custom each patient fitting making use of the Rosek lens lens design options.
The lens options mimic the corneal shape to improve comfort for patients with a better vision and stable outcome. The Rose K design gained approval from the United states FDA and have a range of options to help with many different corneal presentations.
The Rose K2 lens with front surface aberration control provide superior vision, the lenses are manufactured in the UK and have become the most used and frequently prescribed brand of lens options for the irregular cornea in the world.”
Testimonials
"I started wearing small Hard corneal contact lenses when I was 17 for Keratoconus, I was very grateful for them and although not comfortable I loved that they improved my vision. Willem fitted me with the new option and I have now worn a scleral contact lens contact lens for one year. I can confirm my vision is very clear and it is so comfortable sometimes I fall asleep with it still in my eye. I am so happy with my wonderful scleral contact lens, it is my best possession."
MRS C SMITH – Age 75
"After my Cross-linking for my Keratoconus, I decided to go for hybrid lenses, only because there was no one near me that did scleral contact lens fitting and Hybrids were recommended. Although Hybrid’s worked, I always wanted the new scleral contact lenses. At that stage I searched the web and came across Pieterse Optometrists. I was surprised to see they specialize in scleral contact lenses and Keratoconus. When my second pair of Hybrid contact lenses was done, I decided to make the trip up to the West rand. I was welcomed by friendly staff and was surprised at the amount of detail and thoroughness of the scleral contact lens fitting. Needless to say, I am extremely happy with my new scleral contact lenses. The scleral contact lenses are very comfortable and my vision is excellent. If I could rate Willem and his team, out of 10, I would give them 21."
MR COETZER – Age 40
"I was referred because of my Keratoconus and I was apprehensive about contact lenses. I waited for several months before booking an appointment, then I learned about scleral contact lenses and thought it could be something to try. The scleral contact lenses were a bit different at first but with time they became easier to put in and really my vision has improved significantly. The Staff Ester and Lerato are amazingly friendly and were very helpful and provided support every step of the way. The Optometrist Willem Pieterse is very knowledgeable and supportive, the MOST positive optical experience I’ve ever had. Thanks."
DANIEL RENNA – Age 46
"I started wearing small Hard corneal contact lenses when I was 17 for Keratoconus, I was very grateful for them and although not comfortable I loved that they improved my vision. Willem fitted me with the new option and I have now worn a scleral contact lens contact lens for one year. I can confirm my vision is very clear and it is so comfortable sometimes I fall asleep with it still in my eye. I am so happy with my wonderful scleral contact lens, it is my best possession."
MRS C SMITH – Age 75
"Being diagnosed with keratoconus after schooI I wore RGP lenses for more than a decade. Following a cornea transplant I was lucky enough to have sufficient vision in the one eye to enable me to stop wearing RGP lenses. Over time my vision deteriorated to the point where I had to consider wearing RGP lenses again. Seeking a different solution I found Pieterse Optometrist online through their website. The scleral lenses Mr Pieterse fitted me with is just brilliant. The difference in comfort compared the RGP lenses is simply indescribable. A big thank you to Willem and the team at Pieterse Optometrists. You have made a big difference in my life."
MR BRITS – Age 44
"I did have hard contact lenses before and was not happy with the comfort but I have found scleral lenses to be much better. The team at Pieterse Optometrists have been incredibly friendly and helpful. My new scleral lenses are a big improvement in vision and comfort ; so far no regrets!"
MR PARKINSON – Age 39
"I was previously diagnosed with Keratoconus and had cross-linking surgery done on my left eye which was unsuccessful, this then lead to having Kera-rings inserted into my left cornea/eye. This slightly improved my vision but did not make a significant difference. Scleral lenses have drastically improved my vision, I am most aware of it during my lecture classes, because of the scleral lenses I no longer need to sit right in front in class in order to see the lecture slides! I can sit at the back and have a very comfortable view at the class."
TAKALANI – Age 21
"I have suffered from Keratoconus for the past 14 years and did try spectacles and hard contact lenses. When I was younger Hard Contact lenses were extremely uncomfortable. My experience with the new imported scleral lenses are very comfortable and my vision has really improved dramatically. Thank you so much for helping me."
JAMAL – Age 26
"For the last 20 years I have had Keratoconus and have been almost blind. My vision is poor with spectacles but Since being fitted with the scleral contact lens , it has been life changing and I can see the smallest detail now and even see in the night . I can only imagine the possibilities once the right eye is fitted with the lens as well.Thanks to Willem and his team. What a Great solution for Keratoconus and poor vision."
SELVA – Age 67
"I was diagnosed with Irregular cornea’s , had cross-linking done in September 2017 and was referred by Dr Raman Abdullah. Mr Willem Pieterse has a special intrest in advanced corneal cases and has been helping me every step of the way, even though I was nervous for scleral contact lenses for Keratoconus. After a few visits I could see clearly, proper training was given accordingly. This is a life changing experience for me, I love the journey accompanied by Mr Willem and his staff. Thank you for excellent service, I appreciate your help."
JOSHUA – Age 14
"I was referred by Optometrist David Richards for RGP hard contact lens option called a sclera contact lens at Pieterse Optometrists, after diagnosis of Keratoconus; I struggled with terrible vision,couldn’t see far and struggled with driving. At first I was very nervous and did not know what to expect from the first visit. After putting on the scleral lenses I felt vision was clear and was very comfortable. These lenses have changed my life dramatically, improving my vision significantly and I can recommend it to anybody who is considering scleral. The service at Pieterse Optometrists was excellent and they made me feel comfortable. Can they help to improve your vision with Keratoconus? For Sure!"
ITUMELENG – Age 27
Eyespace Scleral Lens
The EyeSpace Scleral contact lenses from part of our imported customized scleral lens range, a larger-diameter, gas permeable contact lenses linking in with our Eyespace software. We often refer to these lenses as our go to product with Keratoconus patients since the lenses are customized to vault over the entire corneal surface. The Eyespace lens is designed and manufactured in Australia with great precision.
Why EyeSpace Software?
Advanced contact lenses designing has never been more scientific and precise. At Pieterse Optometrists EyeSpace Software link in with your K5 corneal topographer to optimize scleral designs. As a result of using real corneal data, the software program provides more accurate results. The Eyespacce software enable us to design a unique customized lens for every patient.
EyePrint Prosthetics impression based scleral lens:
EyePrint Ocular Surface Impression Process, developed by Dr Christine Sindt, OD, has empowered us to tackle some of the most complex cases. These scleral lens options are Manufactured in the USA by Advanced Vision Technologies. The flagship product, the EyePrintPRO™ is now available at Pieterse Optometrists to assist our patients with ocular challenges, often complex optics, and highly irregular corneal surfaces to enjoy the vision, comfort, and ocular health benefits of customized visual correction.
The exciting method of EyePrint Impression Process captures the exact shape of a patient’s eye, the impression is then scanned by a 3D analyzing device providing the information to match the elevation differences on the eye surface with an exact fitting scleral contact lens.
At Pieterse Optometrists we also utilize a scleral lens product called EyefitPro for less complex cases but still provide a unique benefit to fit cases after corneal transplant surgery.
We grateful for the opportunity to take hand with passionate colleagues abroad, they have greatly improved contact lens technologies and provide life changing vision, ocular protection and comfort to assist patients.
Zenlens scleral Design:
Zen lens design is the newest addition to our scleral lens options we offer.
When designing customized scleral lenses at Pieterse Optometrists we often need different scleral designs to find a solution for every patients need. The Zenlens scleral made in Europe and in the USA has a unique design and is often used for concave and smaller scleral profile eyes. The Bi elevation Zenlens is an award-winning lens design that often provide a superior fit.
MYOPIA CONTROL & ORTHOKERATOLOGY
What is Myopia?
Myopia develops when the eye’s axial length become too causing light to focus in front of the retina, creating a blurred image. For myopic patients, distant objects appear out of focus while nearby objects remain clear. Its important to intervene myopia progression when this condition develops during childhood, especially when the eye show rapid growth. Myopia can be easily corrected using corrective spectacles or contact lenses.
What is Myopia Management?
Natasha Pieterse is a Pediatric Optometrist and is dedicated to help with pediatric children’s eyecare. We do effort to inform our community about myopia control at a school going age.
When considering myopia management we assist parents with tools and treatments to slow down the myopia progression
Environmental adjustments
Ortho K options or Specialised soft contact lens options
Pieterse Optometrists currently offers different customized treatment options to halt the progression of myopia. We closely monitor the progression every 8-12 months to customize our treatment plan for effective management.
- Profiling and myopia goal Questionnaire
- Binocular Work eye examination
- Cycloplegic refraction
- Topography and Corneal thickness assessment
- Action plan discussion for myopia management
Pieterse optometrists is a Myopia Management practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
The prevalence of Eye disease with increased high myopia:
High myopia often leads to great concerns and serious eye disease, like retinal disease and glaucoma. The following chart shows the increased risks of eye disease when myopic compared to non-myopic patients. Early intervention is key to slow or even halt the progression of myopia in children.
Spectacles only correct for your child’s blurry distance vision, they don’t stop their vision from continuing to deteriorate.
Eye Disease | -2.00D | -4.00D | -6.00D |
Myopic Maculopathy * | 2.2x | 9.7x | 40.6x |
Retinal Detachment ** | 3.1x | 9.0x | 21.5x |
Glaucoma * | 2.3x | 3.3x | 3.3x |
What is Orthokeratology?
At Pieterse Optometrists we are super excited about Ortho-K (short for Orthokeratology). For the last 10 years we have been doing orthoK a specialty and custom designed breathable contact lenses that gently reshape your cornea whilst sleeping.
Orthokeratology is completely different to the general contact lens available in South Africa and it should be clear that this is a FDA approved contact lens for night time wear. The specially made contact lens is worn for 6-8 hours at night during which time the lens gently alters the first layer of the cornea called the epithelium. Ortho K is unique since there is no permeant change to the cornea and these lenses are worn every night instead of daily wear lenses.The eyes’ shape will revert back to their original state within two to four weeks once you stop wearing you’re the lenses.
Upon awakening, the corneas are the correct shape to accurately focus light, enabling visual clarity without the hassle of contact lenses or glasses during the day!
The ortho k lenses are comfortable, easy to care for, and offer relief from the problems sometimes associated with full time contact lens wear like dryness, allergies, and foreign bodies getting on or under the lenses.
Who can use Orthokeratology lenses?
Ortho-K is great alternative for kids and adults with the following prescriptions:
-1.00D to -6.00D of myopia
+1.00D to +2.00D of hyperopia
Up to -4.00D astigmatism
One crucial criterion for ortho K is that the corneal surface astigmatism should be similar to your spectacle refractive correction. Corneal health and the corneal Topography shape will be carefully reviewed before the patient is considered for this contact lens option.
Your child’s chances of Myopia Progression are mainly determined by genetics as well as lifestyle habits. Pieterse Optometrists understands how Myopic Progression can be treated and managed from a young age.
We use the latest technology such as Ortho-Keratology and Myopia specific lenses.
Testimonials
"Heard about Ortho- Keratology (Ortho K ) contact lenses through a friend. This Contact lens corrects your vision while you sleep removing the need for spectacles during the day. I was looking for a better alternative to laser eye surgery. The process has been quick and easy and I am highly impressed with the results after just 2 weeks. Highly recommend Ortho k contact lenses to anyone looking at getting rid of their glasses as an alternative to Lasik eye surgery."
BYRON – Age 25
"My son was diagnosed with Myopia -4.50 and needed to stop myopia progression and this is considered bad for a 10 year old. I researched and came across Pieterse Optometrists who does Ortho-K lenses . I was nervous at first because this is my son’s eye but we took the step and have no regret. It was the best thing ever; I cannot explain how overjoyed we all were to have my son “see perfectly” without the need of spectacles during the day. I would definitely recommend Ortho- k to anyone and everyone to stop myopia progression and be spectacle free! It’s definitely a life changing step but in very positive way, to have my son see what I see is priceless. I also totally recommend Willem Pieterse, he is passionate and that is very rare. He cares and he is so patient. I will travel all the way from Durban just for a visit because I value his expertise. The staff is equally as passionate and caring. Thank you so much Pieterse Optometrists."
CASHRIQ – Age 10
"I’m a high school student and I didn’t like glasses so preferred contact lenses, I had a minus 6 myopic prescription! Willem Pieterse is my first Optometrist and my experience with him has been great. I’ve grown with him and been a patient of his for 4 years now. I find the ortho k contact lenses easy to use and prefer them over soft contact lenses. I just put them on when I sleep and take them out when I wake up. Now I don’t need spectacles anymore during the day, and I see great. They also make it easier for when you want to swim."
TUMELO – Age 17
"I am in my 30's and have been wearing spectacles for most of my life before I was introduced to Orthokeratology. Previously I had a -6D myopic prescription, and constantly used either specs or soft contact lenses during the day to function. These are the benefits I found with Ortho-K: Peripheral vision: previously this was limited due to my poor eyesight. Ortho K gives me great vision. Convenience: Wow, no need to wear spectacles or contact lenses during the day! I can swim and there now no need to take contact lenses with; no risk of them being washed out. Comfort: Dry eye is something of the past! The aircon at the office used to dry out my eyes on the days that I wore daytime contact lenses - No longer an issue! Security: When I wake up at night I can still see with my Ortho-K lenses, hence no more thumbing around in the dark for glasses. The world is a bigger place since I always had a "reduction in since" effect with the spectacles; no I see things in real size. This has been worthwhile and really a life improvement for me. Thanks."
DEON
Pediatric Eye Care
Pediatric Eye Exams
We cater for every member of the family. Good eye care starts off from a young age where good habits help to maintain good vision. Younger eyes have difference norms and different things need to looked at when testing a younger patient’s vision. We are able to assist you to help your child.
Biolink and cognitive development
Biolink Brain Training is a Non-Pharmaceutical program that focusses on improving cognitive and executive function skills such as planning, organisation, critical thinking and memory. Our approach is unique as it goes beyond treating symptoms and aims to address the underlying issues by offering neuro-cognitive training and development.