Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital

18/12/2025

If you are concerned about your eyes but are unsure what to do, we would recommend that you reach out for assistance.

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
*A sudden loss of vision
*Severe eye pain
*A sudden onset or worsening of a shadow or curtain over the vision, associated with flashes of light and floaters.
*Severe pain or loss of vision in an eye following an eye operation
*A chemical splash into the eye
*A firecracker injury
*A blunt or penetrating injury to the eye
*Double vision

Any minor eye ailments can be assessed by your GP, Optometrist, Pharmacist or at the local clinic.

Please note that the Hospital will be closing on Friday 19th December 2025 and reopening on Monday, 5th January 2026. There may be delayed responses to website, email or messenger enquiries over this period. However, one of our Ophthalmologists will be on call and can be contacted on 033 812 2300 in case of an eye emergency. If you don't get an immediate response, please leave a message. The Doctor may be busy in a consultation so unable to answer. Should you still not have heard back after a couple of hours, feel free to call again.

15/12/2025

SELF-CARE FOR YOUR EYES

75% of blindness is avoidable through prevention or treatment. Learning about how to care for your eyes and taking quick and easy action to prevent what you can is so important.

Self-care includes protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by using UV A & B filtering sunglasses and wearing wide-brimmed sun hats (CANSA-approved are best!). These slow the formation of cataracts and pterygiums. Eye protection goggles should be used whenever performing activities in a workshop or metalwork to prevent pieces from entering the eye.

Beyond self-care, your optometrist plays a critical role in assessing your eyes to identify any changes or progression of conditions. Sticking with a healthcare professional you trust is particularly important for continuity of care so that they can compare your eyes to previous examination findings.

Chronic conditions can have a significant impact on your eye health and vision. We recommend an annual dilated eye exam with an ophthalmologist for people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of eye disorders such as AMD or glaucoma.

The team at the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital are available if you have any questions or would like guidance. www.pmbeyehospital.co.za

28/11/2025

“I can live my life to the full, with peace of mind, knowing my eye health is being managed and my sight protected despite my chronic conditions. My regular eye checks ensure early detection and that any corrective action needed is taken.”

Regular eye checks, at various life stages, are essential to protecting your eye health especially if you have any chronic conditions. Engage with your eye health care team (which includes your GP, Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital) and see the difference an early intervention can make. That’s why we do what we do.

Life gets better when you can do things independently and safely. The things that you enjoy can be done any time you choose.

We commit to Expert Treatment and Exceptional Care.

19/11/2025

Are you enthusiastic about contributing to a positive patient experience? Do you thrive in a fast-paced surgical clinical environment? Do you enjoy working interdependently as part of a close team?

We are recruiting for an Registered Nurse in the Day Ward as a member of the nursing clinical care team.
To find out more about the position and apply, go here: https://www.pmbeyehospital.co.za/vacancies/

14/11/2025

“Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness.” remarked ophthalmologist, Dr Uys. “Good blood glucose control is the most effective way to reduce diabetic complications, including problems with your eyes.”

Diabetes affects the cells that line the blood vessels throughout your body, especially those small vessels in the eyes (microvascular system). These damaged blood vessels feeding the light sensitive areas in the retina at the back of the eye become weak, swell, leak or become blocked. The damage is not immediately obvious. You can have a normal vision while your eyes are being affected. In fact, by the time you notice a change in your vision the damage is quite advanced, so the possibility of reversing the damage is limited and the risk for vision loss is greatly increased!

Dr Uys commented, “The only way to find out how your diabetes is affecting your eyes is to have a dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist.” As soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes we recommend consulting an ophthalmologist who will assess your eyes and establish a baseline. This baseline may include photos and scans of the back of the eye to have for future reference. They will then work with you and your physician to minimise the impact diabetes has and protect your vision. An annual dilated eye examination will identify any areas of concern and treatment plans can be made.

On World Diabetes Day we encourage all those living with Diabetes to focus on the lifestyle decisions that will ensure controlled blood sugar levels. In turn, this will protect their vision to see the future clearly. Learn more and get support at Diabetes South Africa https://www.diabetessa.org.za

06/11/2025

“I can drive more confidently both at night and when there is poor visibility. I can exercise better judgement and get where I want to go”

Life gets better when you can do things independently and safely.

The things that bring meaning to your life.

At the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital we see the difference a procedure can make, on a daily basis. That’s why we do what we do.

We strive to help you be the best you can be.

We commit to Expert Treatment and Exceptional Care.

14/10/2025

We'd like to encourage you to wear your coolest sunglasses on 17 October 2025, to show your support for visually impaired South Africans. Get that R20 sticker to raise funds for this worthwhile cause!

On 17 October 2025, wear your coolest sunglasses and show your support for visually impaired South Africans.

Get your R20 sticker:

🕶️Buy digital sticker (link in bio) or
🕶️Buy a physical sticker at these participating partner retailers:

😎 Pick n Pay (*selected stores)

😎

😎

😎

😎Spar (*Western Cape selected stores)

🎁 Stand a chance to WIN R20 000 in prizes! Simply:

1️⃣ Snap a picture of yourself, your group, or your pet in your best shades.
2️⃣ Post and tag
with .

05/06/2025

The Hospital is seeking an experienced Technical Co-ordinator/ Maintenance Technician to join the team. This hands-on position would suit someone involved or experienced in building maintenance, plant maintenance, hospital or hospitality maintenance, adhering to exceptional standards and delivering service excellence.

Read more https://pmbeyehospital.co.za/vacancies

29/05/2025

Are you dedicated to supporting positive patient care and Hospital user experience? Do you enjoy a macro and micro perspective? Is working independently and interdependently something that suits you? We are recruiting for a Technical Co-ordinator.

To find out more about the position and apply, go here: https://www.pmbeyehospital.co.za/vacancies/

02/05/2025

The claims processing of some of the Medical Aid Schemes can be confusing. Our Hospital team works closely with the patient, main member and medical aid to make the process as smooth as possible for all parties concerned.

So we want to reassure you that if there is a snag in processing your claim with your medical aid, we will contact you. Sometimes the statement a member of a medical aid scheme can access does not reflect the latest progress in a claim. Please don’t be alarmed by an outstanding balance if we haven't been in touch. You are welcome to reach out to the Doctors suite or the Hospital staff for assistance if any aspect of the claim administration is unclear.

24/04/2025

Our telephone system is working. During working hours, you can call us on 033 812 2020. One of the Ophthalmologists is always on call and so, in case of an eye emergency, they can be contacted on 033 812 2300.

15/04/2025

Bonitas and Fedhealth, under the Medscheme banner, introduced a new Cataract Procedure Network on 1 April 2025. This may be a cause for concern and confusion amongst members especially with the change taking place halfway through the benefit year.

We believe it is important for each patient to retain their relationship with their Ophthalmologist/ Doctor and as such the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital will assist with accessing care for those who are affected by this change through liaising with members, the Doctors and the Schemes.