Dr Laurens Van der Merwe – Ophthalmologist – Brackenfell

Dr Laurens Van der Merwe – Ophthalmologist – Brackenfell

Ophthalmologist Dr Laurens Van der Merwe specialises in comprehensive eye care at the Cape Gate Corner Consulting Rooms, Brackenfell. He earned his MBChB at the University of the Free State in 2010 and subsequently achieved FC Ophth (SA) fellowship status in 2021, followed by an MMed (Ophthalmology) from the University of Stellenbosch in 2022 Mediclinic. Moreover, he holds active registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, ensuring his practice reflects the latest clinical guidelines.

Dr Van der Merwe is a general ophthalmologist with sub-specialist interests in cataract surgery, glaucoma, oculoplastic surgery, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and other degenerative retinal conditions. He has presented research on phacoemulsification outcomes at national conferences and contributes regularly to peer-reviewed journals. Outside the clinic, he volunteers in community eye-screening initiatives and enjoys trail running, which fosters the focus and stamina he brings to every procedure.

Services

Dr Van der Merwe offers a full spectrum of ophthalmology services, each delivered using the latest technology and patient-centred protocols:

• Cataract Surgery – advanced phacoemulsification with premium intraocular-lens options for rapid visual recovery.

• Glaucoma Management – medical therapy, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).

• Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment – intravitreal injections, panretinal photocoagulation, and close collaboration with endocrinologists.

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – anti-VEGF therapy and OCT-guided monitoring to preserve central vision.

• Oculoplastic Procedures – eyelid reconstruction, blepharoplasty, and tear-duct surgery for both functional and cosmetic indications.

• Corneal & External Disease Care – management of dry eye, keratitis, and corneal dystrophies with amniotic-membrane treatments.

• Laser Vision Services – YAG capsulotomy, SLT, and selective laser procedures for retinal tears and neovascular membranes.

• Pediatric Ophthalmology – strabismus correction, amblyopia therapy, and congenital-anomaly management.

• Neuro-Ophthalmology Assessment – evaluation of optic neuropathies, cranial-nerve palsies, and visual-field defects.

• Diagnostic Imaging – optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, and wide-field retinal imaging.

Each service applies state-of-the-art digital imaging and microsurgical platforms to maximise precision and minimise recovery time.

Additional Information

The ultramodern Cape Gate facility features dedicated ophthalmic theatres, an in-house OCT suite, and a laser-procedure room equipped with multimodal imaging systems Mediclinic. Furthermore, private consultation rooms and a secure digital patient portal enable online appointment scheduling, tele-ophthalmology follow-ups, and instant access to imaging results.

Dr Van der Merwe collaborates closely with optometrists, endocrinologists, and retinal-disease specialists to co-create personalised care plans. Moreover, multilingual staff provide consultations in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, ensuring clear communication for every patient. Rigorous infection-control and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols underpin every procedure, thereby minimising hospital stays and enhancing comfort.

Schedule a consultation today to experience expert, compassionate eye care that protects and restores your vision.