For four decades, Dirk Booysen & Associates Inc Clinical Optometrist in Monument, has been helping the community protect one of its most valuable senses – sight.

As the practice celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is marking the milestone by giving back to residents through free eye examinations for qualifying patients.

The beginning

The practice opened its doors in 1986 at a shopping centre on Voortrekker Road before relocating to its current premises at 248 Voortrekker Road in 1996. Owner and practitioner, Dr Dirk Booysen, said the practice has come a long way since its early days.

“During the first few years, we could not rely on advertising because of the regulations at the time, so we built our practice through word of mouth. I worked at different practices in the mornings and could only see my own patients in the afternoons. After about five years, everything fell into place, and the business started to grow,” he said.

Today, around 80% of the practice’s patients are returning clients.

Their services

Dr Booysen describes the practice’s eye care services as highly comprehensive, with a strong focus on diagnosing and treating every patient’s condition.

“With decades of experience, there is very little we have not seen,” he said.

The practice offers a full range of optometry services, including comprehensive eye examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, ocular therapy, treatment of eye diseases and AI-driven oculomics. While they do not perform surgery themselves, they work closely with eye surgeons when surgical treatment is needed.

“Eye care is extremely important and can even help detect diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Your vision is one of your most important senses, especially in today’s technology-driven world. What can you do without your vision? It cannot be replaced,” he said.

He encouraged residents to have their eyes tested annually, explaining that many eye diseases show no early symptoms but can be detected during an examination and treated before they become serious.

A comprehensive eye examination at the practice takes about 45 minutes and includes a comprehensive assessment of the cornea, lens and retina using the latest corneal tomography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. It also includes an in-depth examination with a biomicroscope, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and prescriptions for glasses, contact lenses or eye drops where necessary.

Achievements over the years

Academically, the practice has built a strong reputation. Dr Booysen has published numerous academic papers as well as three textbooks, lectured at several universities locally and abroad, and has received several local and international eye care excellence awards.

“One of our greatest achievements is being able to serve the community for 40 years while providing the best service possible,” he said.

“We have trained around 20 practitioners, but one of our most rewarding achievements has been helping patients who could have lost their vision,” he added.

Dr Booysen also credits the practice’s dedicated staff for its success. Many employees have been with the practice for between 15 and 20 years, while one staff member has been there since the practice first opened.

“We have a reputation for providing only the very best eye care,” he said.

Celebrating 40 years

To mark the milestone, the practice is giving back to the community.

Every second Wednesday of the month, they will offer a free clinical eye examination, valued at R1 800, to senior citizens and residents who do not have private medical aid or health insurance.

Residents who require glasses or contact lenses will also have access to highly subsidised prices to help keep costs as low as possible.

Dr Booysen encouraged residents to book early, as appointments are limited. To make a booking, contact the practice on 011 954 1000.