Dr TC Botha l Ophthalmologist l Refractive Surgeon

15/09/2025

Amniotic Membrane can be donated post-birth and prepared into tissue grafts for treating burns, wounds, ulcers, and some eye conditions.
WHAT IS AMNION?
The amniotic membrane is a thin-walled sac that surrounds the foetus inside the placenta. It holds the fluid within which the baby can develop and grow until birth.
WOUND HEALING PROPERTIES OF AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE:
Amnion is composed of a diverse collection of stem cells, growth factors, anti-inflammatory factors, and immunosuppressive cytokines, and has been used in wound care since 1910.
The amniotic membrane:
▪ is non-immunogenic (will not be seen as a ‘foreign’ material)
▪ enhances the wound healing process
▪ reduces scar tissue formation, inflammation, and pain when applied to a wound
▪ provides a matrix for the accumulation and proliferation of new cells
▪ provides a biological anti-bacterial barrier that protects injuries from infection
Ophthalmologists use amniotic membrane as a treatment for eye injuries and conditions, such as:
▪ persistent epithelial defects and non-healing corneal ulcers,
▪ corneal perforations and descemetoceles,
▪ bullous keratopathy,
▪ corneal disorders with associated limbal stem cell deficiency, and
▪ conjunctival reconstruction
AMNION DONATION
▪ Amnion is collected AFTER a live birth which has been delivered by an elective caesarean section.
▪ Neither the mother nor the foetus is harmed or affected in any way.
▪ It is a legal requirement for the mother to volunteer to donate her placental tissue.
▪ Donors do not need to pay towards any costs associated with donating.
For more information on amnion and/or to find out more about becoming a donor please speak to your medical doctor or email Bay Tissue Institute (BTI): admin@baytissue.co.za.
BTI is a Port Elizabeth based, non-profit organisation registered to harvest and supply amnion tissue (https://baytissue.co.za/).

31/08/2025

Do you have vision problems, such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism? Do you rely on spectacles or contact lenses to see clearly?
LASIK surgery has become a popular alternative for those who wish to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Here are just a few reasons why.
If you would like more information on this procedure, please visit: https://www.drtcbotha.com/refractive-surgery/lasik-surgery.
Alternatively, you can contact your nearest Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, or book a consultation with us by contacting us on 041 880 1402 or at reception@drtcbotha.com.
Don’t let glasses or contact lenses hold you back from being the best you that you can be!

08/08/2025

International Ophthalmology Day | 08 August 2025
Today we celebrate the profession of Ophthalmology and salute Ophthalmologists worldwide for their dedication and contribution to medical and surgical eye care.
Thank you for your commitment to developing the complex clinical and surgical skillset and expertise required to protect and enhance our precious gift of sight!!

31/07/2025

Global Vision Correction Month | 01-31 July 2025 👀🌎
Global Vision Correction Month was established in 2019 by the Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the FDA approval for LASIK surgery.
This initiative highlights the incredible advancements in vision correction and celebrates how these advancements have transformed the way that millions of people see and experience the world around them.
Over the past 25 years, LASIK surgery has advanced significantly - becoming safer, more accurate, and more customisable than ever before. Furthermore, advancements in other modern vision correction procedures (in the form of corneal refractive surgery and implantable contact lenses) have also made clear vision more accessible than ever before.
If you would like to explore your surgical options for better vision, contact your nearest Ophthalmologist, or book a consultation with us by contacting us on 041 880 1402 or at reception@drtcbotha.com.
Don't let refractive errors hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest!!

30/06/2025

Lenie’s Cataract Surgery 🌱
Since Grade 1, Lenie had to wear corrective lenses for severe hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. In her 70’s, Lenie’s cataracts began to further affect her vision. She was an excellent candidate for cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery offers the significant benefit of correcting refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This works by replacing the clouded lens with a precisely chosen intraocular lens (IOL).
Undergoing cataract surgery was not only a means to remove Lenie’s cataracts, but also an opportunity to correct her life-long refractive errors.
At 74 years of age, Lenie no longer has to wear corrective lenses when doing what she loves most - hiking! She can walk with confidence and fully experience the beauty of her surroundings.
In this video, www.drtcbotha.com/about/testimonials, Lenie shares more about her cataract surgery experience.
Thank you Lenie Nell for taking the time to share your story. You are an inspiration!
We wish you countless kilometers of hiking, and many years of clear vision, ahead ✨

27/06/2025

Cataract Awareness Month | 01-30 June 2025
Despite their prevalence, many misconceptions prevail about cataracts.
Since June is Cataract Awareness Month, we are taking the opportunity to clear up some of the more common myths about cataracts and cataract surgery.
If you suspect that you may have a cataract, do not hesitate to consult your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. Alternatively, you can book a consultation with us by contacting us on 041 880 1402 or reception@drtcbotha.com.

05/06/2025

Cataract Awareness Month | 01-30 June 2025
Presently, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world!
Although most cataracts are related to aging, cataracts can also be congenital, secondary to other health conditions (such as diabetes), or caused by trauma to the eye/s.
Cataracts can be resolved with a standard surgical procedure during which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).
At 30 million procedures per annum, cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedure worldwide. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, typically takes less than an hour, and has a high success rate.
If you suspect that you may have a cataract, contact your nearest Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. Alternatively, you can book a consultation with us by contacting us on 041 880 1402 or reception@drtcbotha.com.
Don't let cataracts hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest!!

19/03/2025

A Life-Changing Cataract Surgery 🌱
Since Grade 1, Lenie had to wear corrective lenses for her severe hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. In her 70’s, Lenie developed cataracts which further affected her ability to see clearly.
As a Refractive Surgeon, Dr TC Botha saw Lenie’s procedure not only as a means to remove her cataracts but also as an opportunity to correct her life-long refractive errors.
At 74 years of age, Lenie no longer has to wear corrective lenses when doing what she loves most - hiking! She can walk with confidence and fully experience the beauty of her surroundings.
Thank you Lenie Nell for taking the time to share your story. You are an inspiration!
We wish you countless kilometers of hiking, and many years of clear vision, ahead ✨

11/02/2025

Do you have vision problems, such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism? Do you rely on spectacles or contact lenses to see clearly?
Undergoing LASIK surgery has become a popular choice for those who want to say goodbye to spectacles and contact lenses.
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that uses a state-of-the-art laser to change the shape of the front surface of the eye (the cornea) so that it focuses light properly.
The procedure is largely painless with excellent and consistent results. The effect is seen almost immediately, recovery time is minimal, side effects are minimal, and risk factors are very low.
If you would like more information on this procedure, please visit: https://www.drtcbotha.com/refractive-surgery/lasik-surgery.
Alternatively, you can contact your nearest Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, or book a consultation with us by contacting us on 041 880 1402 or at reception@drtcbotha.com.

Ophthalmologist

31/01/2025

Introducing Dr Lizelle van Wyk, our incredible Medical Officer!
Dr van Wyk was born and raised in Port Elizabeth. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a doctor and realised early in her medical career that she would enjoy working in a specialised field.
Dr van Wyk completed her MBChB degree at Stellenbosch University in 2018. After working as a General Practitioner for a few years she joined the Dr TC Botha team as a Medical Officer in July 2024.
Dr van Wyk provides clinical assistance to Dr Botha and performs many doctor-related administrative tasks within the practice. Her friendly demeanor, medical experience, and sincere passion for improving patients’ quality of life ensures that our patients receive the highest quality of care and makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
Thank you for everything that you do Dr!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year | 2025!! 🎉
It is time to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome new beginnings.
As we step into this fresh new chapter, let us be reminded to embrace each moment with love, kindness, and authenticity.
Wishing you and your family a 2025 filled with success and happiness ✨

30/12/2024

Presbyopia is a progressive condition where the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects is gradually lost. It occurs naturally with age and is caused by a decrease in the flexibility of the lens of the eye.
Presbyopia typically becomes noticeable in your early- to mid-40s and continues to worsen until around age 65. Common symptoms include eyestrain or headaches after reading or working close to a computer, difficulty reading small text, and needing to hold objects at arm's length to properly focus on them.
There is no way to stop or reverse the natural aging process that causes presbyopia. However, it can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, lens implants for presbyopia, or refractive surgery.
Presbyopic LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that is specifically designed to treat presbyopia. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea and improve the eye's ability to focus on near objects. The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes, and most patients experience improved vision within a few days.
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact your nearest Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. Alternatively, you can book a consultation with us by contacting us on 041 880 1402 or reception@drtcbotha.com.
Don't let presbyopia hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest!!