WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT

The Practice

Medical and surgical eye care for adults at Netcare Garden City Hospital, Mayfair West, Johannesburg.

HOW IT WORKS

From referral to recovery

Step 1

Referral

Most patients are referred by a general practitioner, optometrist, or another specialist. Self-referrals are also accepted for general eye assessment. Emergency and trauma cases are always accepted.

Step 2

Booking

Please call the practice on 011 830 0205 / 011 830 1177 / 011 495 5003 to schedule an appointment. The reception team will conﬁrm the date, time, and any preparation required. Reminder calls are made the day before your appointment.

Step 3

Consultation

Your ﬁrst visit includes a full assessment of your vision and eye health. Most examinations are done through an undilated pupil using the practice’s imaging and scanning equipment, and dilation is only required in speciﬁc cases. If dilation is necessary, the team will arrange it for another day or advise you to arrange transport home.

Step 4

Diagnosis and management

Dr. Ephraim will discuss the diagnosis with you, explain the management options, and, where surgery is required, walk you through the procedure, the pre- and post-operative instructions, and the recovery process. Written post-operative instructions are provided in every case, with emergency contact details included.

CONDITIONS TREATED

What we treat

Cataract

A clouding of the natural lens of the eye, most commonly age-related. Dr. Ephraim assesses cataracts and performs small-incision cataract surgery (phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation). The procedure takes around fifteen minutes and is done as day-case surgery at Netcare Garden City Hospital.

Glaucoma

A common condition in South Africa, and a preventable but potentially blinding disease if undetected. All patients seen at the practice are screened for glaucoma. Treatment is straightforward and may include medication, laser, or surgery, depending on the type and stage.

Macular degeneration

An age-related condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula), most commonly seen in patients over the age of 50. Treatment options depend on severity and progression, and on the patient's general health. Where treatment is appropriate, it is available at the practice.

Diabetic eye disease

An age-related condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula), most commonly seen in patients over the age of 50. Treatment options depend on severity and progression, and on the patient's general health. Where treatment is appropriate, it is available at the practice.

Dry eye and ocular surface disease

Common at Johannesburg's altitude, and one of the most frequent reasons patients present. Diagnosis is made on examination with the slit lamp, and treatment is tailored to the underlying cause : typically simple to manage once correctly identified.

Keratoconus

A genetic condition in which the cornea thins and bulges outward. Early diagnosis matters: if caught early, corneal cross-linking is available at the practice to slow or halt progression. Dr. Ephraim also manages keratoconus conservatively where treatment is not yet indicated.

Vitreoretinal conditions

Including retinal detachment (often occurring spontaneously in highly short-sighted patients, or after trauma) and vitreous haemorrhage in diabetic patients. Vitreoretinal surgery is offered at Netcare Garden City Hospital.

Ocular trauma

Garden City Hospital is a major trauma facility, and Dr. Ephraim manages a significant volume of eye injuries : from sports-related and motor vehicle accidents to assault and penetrating trauma. Management may be surgical or conservative, depending on the extent of injury.

PROCEDURES PERFORMED

Cataract surgery

Small-incision phacoemulsiﬁcation with intraocular lens implantation

Glaucoma management

Medical, laser, and surgical

Intravitreal injections

Macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema

YAG laser capsulotomy

Treatment of posterior capsule opaciﬁcation after cataract surgery

Pterygium surgery

Excision of pterygium (a benign growth across the front of the eye)

Corneal cross-linking

For keratoconus

Vitreoretinal surgery

Including retinal detachment repair and vitreous haemorrhage

Ocular trauma surgery

For blunt and penetrating eye injuries

General ophthalmic assessment and refraction

Please note: The following procedures are not performed by Dr Ephraim, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and orbital surgery are not on this list.

What to bring

Your referral letter, if you have one
Your medical aid card and details of your scheme
Your current glasses and any previous glasses prescriptions
A list of your regular medications, including eye drops
Any previous eye records or test results
Your ID document

If you are unable to drive, please arrange for someone to accompany you. Although most examinations at this practice are performed through an undilated pupil, dilation is occasionally required. Patients will be advised before attendance if dilation will be required.

Medical Aids

The practice is fully contracted in to all major South African medical aids. Online claim submissions are processed on the patient’s behalf, and beneﬁts are veriﬁed before each consultation or procedure. Patients are informed in advance if any restriction on their account would affect the planned consultation or procedure.

Elective surgery and routine consultations follow the standard medical aid process. Emergency and trauma cases are always accepted and managed ﬁrst, with the account settled in accordance with the relevant scheme’s rules.

Dr. Ephraim consults at Netcare Garden City Hospital, Johannesburg

011 830 0205 | 011 830 1177 | 011 495 5003