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Dr Chris Engelbrecht Portrait

Get to know your surgeon

Dr Christian Engelbrecht is a qualified ophthalmic Surgeon, who took over the practice of Dr Bruce Staples and joined the Bethlehem community in October 2021. Dr Staples has faithfully served the eye needs of the community in Bethlehem for more than 30 years. Upon his retirement, he will be leaving his practice in the skilled hands of Dr Christian Engelbrecht.

Registered with

Services

Cataract

CATARACT

As we grow older our natural lenses become cloudy. This blocks the light from reaching the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Cataracts are completely treatable. The cloudy lenses are removed and replaced with an artificial lens that is implanted into the eye.

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels and can affect many parts of the body. If the eyes are affected then it is called diabetic retinopathy. This is a potentially blinding condition. Therefore, patients with diabetes require regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by raised pressure inside the eye. This pressure causes damage to the optic nerve that exits the back of the eye. The diagnosis is made by examining the optic nerve and measuring the pressure in the eye.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age related macular degeneration (AMD)

This is when the retinal pigment epithelial cells in the eye stop functioning optimally. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. AMD is usually associated with old age and smoking.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment

This is when the retinal tissue pulls away from the underlying supporting tissue. It usually starts due to a small hole or tear in the retina. This causes a localised detachment but can progress rapidly to a complete retinal detachment.

Pterygium

Pterygium

This is a common condition occurring in hot, dry areas. It is usually associated with sunlight exposure. It results in a small lump of tissue next to the cornea.

The Work Environment

Theatre

Eye surgeries are performed in theatre under sterile conditions. An operating microscope is used to provide optimal visualisation during the procedure. Most eye surgeries are done under topical eye drops or local anaesthetics to provide a pain free experience. We make use of a day theatre, meaning most patients don’t have to spend the night in hospital. Most surgeries are performed by minimally invasive techniques with microsurgical equipment through self-sealing sutureless wounds.

Diagnostic equipment

Modern diagnostic equipment is used to assist in early diagnosis and effective follow-up, providing the best possible care. We use optical coherence tomography (OCT), Sheimpflug imaging (Pentacam), visual fields (Humphrey) and fundus photography, among other special investigations.

Testimonials

Get in touch

Address

Bethlehem Medical Centre

4 De Leeuw Street

Bethlehem

9701

Working hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday to Friday