In a nutshell, we are Professionals who manufacture and fit individually designed artificial eyes and scleral shells. Our practice was founded in 1989 and between us we have over 50 years of experience. In a broader sense, an Ocularist will take care of your Ocular Prosthesis ( the correct term for false eye, fake eye or glass eye, artificial eye, prosthetic) and the socket, as well as related problems such as dryness, scratchiness, red swollen lids, lid laxity , upper lid retraction, deepened upper lid sulcus, conjunctivitis, PESS – post enucleation socket syndrome and many more.(see FAQ)
The traumatic experience of losing an eye, whether through trauma, pathological or congenital reasons can be eased by the knowledge, skill/expertise of our in-house team of Ocularists. Please read more about your specific condition or come and see us for a free consult to discuss your specific needs. (see micro-ophthalmia, enucleation, evisceration, phthisical eye, phthisis bulbi, anophthalmia, retinoblastoma, melanoma in our FAQ as well as patient testimonials)
Working closely with the other Professionals involved such as Ophthalmologists (Eye Specialists), Optometrists or Oculoplastic surgeons , a truly satisfactory cosmetic result can be achieved when dealing with more challenging problems resulting from severe trauma or post enucleation socket syndrome (see patient testimonials).
Our Aim: To achieve a beautifully matched Ocular Prosthesis or Scleral shell with maximum mobility and detail necessary for a realistic-looking comfortable and hassle-free result. Together with pre and post -surgery council, your aesthetic needs are met and anxiety is diminished.
Vida and Danie are part of a network of Ocularists globally , visiting as well as hosting in the field of training and bettering. Having recently qualified as a Diplomat of the ASO (American Society of Ocularists), Vida brings the latest technology to their practice (see digital iris, pupil dilation technique and digital printing), maximum motility. Vida regularly presents papers at conferences, locally and abroad (see news feed).
As parents of a young one who was either born with an under- developed eye(s) or retinoblastoma(cancer) support and knowledge/information are your friends. We are here to provide that. Come and meet our families – some babies we saw decades ago have children of their own – our support groups and sharing of experiences is invaluable. See Patient Testimonials and Useful links.
We host clinics monthly at the two Provincial hospitals in Cape Town – Groote Schuur and Tygerberg Hospital, should you need to see us at the clinic rather than at the private practice, please contact our reception for details.
