D Moodley Optometrist in Richards Bay is making eye care accessible to all.

Understanding that vision is vital to daily life, the practice offers a range of affordable cash packages, ensuring excellent eye care is within reach for all patients.

“We accept all medical aids and are a network optometrist to Discovery Health, GEMS and Bonitas. Our services are charged at medical aid rates to minimise any co-payments,” says optometrist Divani Moodley.

The combination of personalised care and flexibility in payment options is what sets them apart.

“We tailor-make glasses and contact lenses to suit every individual’s needs and affordability.”

Whether it’s custom-made glasses or specially ordered contact lenses, the team ensures each option balances both functionality and affordability.

Using world-renowned spectacle labs and suppliers that offer the latest technology in lenses, they provide the latest advancements in lens technology, guaranteeing optimal vision and comfort.

“Our patients are always impressed by the excellent service and care they receive.”

At D Moodley Optometrist, quality eye care doesn’t have to come at a high cost — it’s accessible, professional, and designed with the patient in mind.

Commemorating Eye Care Awareness Month (20 September – 17 October), Divani shares some insight about the main eye health concerns:

Cataracts

What are the key ways people can prevent or slow down cataracts, and what treatments do you offer?

Eating healthily, maintaining good sugar levels, exercising, adopting a healthy lifestyle and attending regular eye exams.

Cataracts are best managed at an early onset as this reduces the chance of post-operative complications arising. We monitor the maturity of cataracts closely at each examination and refer to an ophthalmologist, if necessary.

Signs of cataracts can include blurry/cloudy vision, double vision, glare, poor contrast and halos around lights.

Certain chronic conditions also cause cataracts to mature sooner.

Cataracts can also be present without symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are important.

Glaucoma

Why is early detection so important, and how do you screen for it at your practice?

Glaucoma is better managed at an early onset where the visual field is preserved and eye pressure is well controlled. At a late stage, damage to the structures in the eye is irreversible.

We monitor any changes at the back of the eye/optic nerve and measure the pressure in the eye at every visit.

Diabetic retinopathy

What regular eye health steps should diabetic patients take, and what care do you provide?

I recommend an eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic patients must report any noticeable vision changes immediately, even during the course of the year.

We offer diabetic screening programmes where the fundus (back of the eye) is photographed, monitored and managed accordingly. We also offer at-home screening tools for diabetic retinopathy and, of course, work closely with ophthalmologists in treating our diabetic patients.

Myopia in children

Have you seen more cases of near-sightedness in children, and how can parents help prevent it?

Definitely. With more kids doing home schooling in the area and device usage in children being greater than ever, myopia is a real concern.

Parents can look out for signs such as peering (squeezing eyes together) to try to see better, poor school performance, headaches, eye strain and fatigue. Children might also want to sit closer to screens, and rub their eyes more frequently.

Annual routine eye exams are advised from the age of five and myopia is managed bi-annually.

Device usage should be minimised and breaks should be taken in between. Blue light protection lenses must be used when using devices to eliminate the harmful spectrum of light emitted from electronic devices.

It is especially important to note that myopia can be hereditary, progressive, and continue to deteriorate well into early adulthood.

What are the most common eye health myths you’d like to clear up for the public?

Spectacle usage does not worsen your vision, spectacle prescriptions do not weaken over time, however, it’s your vision that changes and warrants annual eye examination.

You do not need to wait for a problem with your vision to arise, or feel pain in the eye, to have an eye exam. It should be done annually.

How often should people have a comprehensive eye exam at different ages or risk levels?

Ideally, once a year. Children with myopia are monitored every six months, and diabetic patients should also be screened every six months.

Drivers should attend to any vision changes they encounter soonest to avoid the risk of causing accidents as driver’s licence renewals are too far apart.

Briefly describe your practice/clinic and the services you offer in eye care

D Moodley Optometrist Inc is an independent, private practice situated in Richards Bay CBD next to SARS in The Boulevard Medical Centre. Services offered include adult and paediatric vision screening, spectacle and contact lenses, driver’s screening for the traffic department, prescription and non-scripted sunglasses, safety glasses, eyecare accessories and lens cleaning products (eye drops, etc.)

How can people book screenings or get more information about your services?

We are available on WhatsApp: 079 4452041, email: dmoodleyoptometrist@gmail.com or telephonically on 035 7897805. Visit our Facebook page: D. Moodley Optometrist