Retinal diseases tend to affect specific age ranges and demographics, i.e. the very young and the old age groups, diabetic patients, nearsightedness, recent/previous eye surgery, previous eye trauma, and ocular inflammation.

Yes, because the retina is made up of nerve cells that detect light to eventually form an image in the brain, a disease in this layer of the eye can cause blindness.

A referral is preferable but not necessary, especially in the case of a sudden or recent decrease in vision. Bookings are, however, essential.

It is advisable to arrive at least half an hour earlier for your consultation. This is to allow enough time for the screening tests, specialized investigations, and eye dilation (temporary eye dilating drops may need to be administered into your eyes in order to complete the retinal examination) to be done in time for your retinal consult. It is worth noting that for new patients, filling in the online "new patient registration and medical history" form will greatly reduce your waiting time(s).

Expect to fill in forms (if the new patient registration and medical history have not been filled out online) before the retinal specialist sees you. All your screening tests will have been done by the time the retinal specialist sees you. He will take a relevant history, examine you, and correlate your findings to arrive at a specific diagnosis, after which an appropriate treatment plan will be discussed with you.

Retinal surgery is typically done under local anaesthesia, which may be uncomfortable at first but completely painless once the anaesthetic is active and working.

Yes, retinal disorders are among a limited set of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). Private paying patients are also encouraged to consult and get a procedure-specific quotation, if needed.

No, most retinal procedures are done as day-cases in theatre (e.g. retinal detachment repair, macular hole repair, etc.) or done as in-rooms procedures (e.g. intraocular injections, retinal laser, etc.).

Down time from retinal procedures is procedure dependent. Retinal lasers and intraocular injections require no down time, whereas retinal surgery varies depending on the case, with a range of one week (e.g. vitreous haemorrhage surgery) to about four weeks (e.g. diabetic retinal detachment repair).

It is advisable to have a companion drive you or take you home after a retinal consult/procedure because your eyes may have been dilated in order to facilitate the consultation and/or procedure.

Medical aid rates are charged as stipulated on the practitioner's medical aid contract. Co-payments may be applicable either if the medical aid doesn't cover the whole/entire reimbursement amount for the procedure, OR if the medical aid doesn't settle the scope of the work done/completed. This is procedure-specific, as in some instances, the extent of the retinal work completed is well above and beyond what the medical aid agrees to settle.