JHB WEST - June 22

A clear vision
Growing up, Suzanne Smith was set to become either a heart surgeon or a ballerina.
Then came the choice … she happily traded her tutu and pointe shoes for sneakers
and scrubs. Not as a heart surgeon though, but as an ophthalmologist.
Although no one in her family had any interest in the
medical field, Dr Suzanne Smith on the other hand
always had a fascination with the human body. Add
a healthy dose of passion to help people, and the
decision came easy. Yes, she loved ballet and excelled
as a ballerina, but it was becoming a doctor that made
her heart beat a little faster.
“During my Zuma year, I worked in a rural hospital in
the Free State. I was busy with caesarean sections and
in the theatre next door ophthalmologists were doing
cataract surgery. In between cases, I went to watch
what they were busy with. A-ma-zing! The surgery and
the delicate work they were doing were incredible …
and that’s putting it mildly. I was hooked and started
studying for my primary exams in Ophthalmology.
Thereafter I applied for a position to specialise in
Ophthalmology, gained heaps of experience whilst
working with a professor, and went into private care.
“During my journey, I met Dr Irene Freed, also an
ophthalmologist. Once she completed her government
time we started VisuSense. Now we have three
practices – at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Netcare
Pinehaven Hospital and at West Rand Eye Centre.”
Experienced in a host of skills with impressive
names – cataract removals, general ophthalmology
surgery (removal of pterygiums, growths, lid repairs,
trauma, strabismus etc), glaucoma management
and all aspects of medical ophthalmology (diabetic
retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertensive
retinopathy, dry eye, infections and uveitis), Suzanne
treats children and adults.
Some of these conditions are also listed as the most
common vision problems South Africans struggle
with, among them cataracts, glaucoma, macular
degeneration (an eye disease that causes vision loss) as
well as allergic eye disease and dry eyes.
“Cataracts require surgery, macular degeneration
often needs regular eye injections, and glaucoma can
be treated both medically and surgically. Glaucoma,
although never cured, can be very well controlled
with treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Most of these conditions can be rectified with
treatment, especially with early detection. That’s
why it is so important to go for routine eye tests and
examinations! A lot of us take our sight for granted;
therefore, do the same for your eyes as you would
do in the case of other systemic illnesses. And wear
proper protective eyewear. Always.”
Suzanne added that the saying, “the eyes are the
windows to the soul”, is quite true; however more in
the sense that medical conditions can be picked up
during an eye exam.
“High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol,
and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus and thyroid problems can be picked up
on a fully dilated eye exam. Life-threatening
conditions such as brain tumours and even
carotid stenosis can also be picked up during
a comprehensive eye exam.”
When Suzanne is not busy saving eyes,
she shops. A self-confessed shopaholic she
feels that retail therapy brings her loads of
happiness. From clothes, decor, art and food
to sneaker shopping. A little birdie told us she
has 30 pairs in all the colours you can think of!
But it is not only shopping that brings her joy
– quite the homebody, she and hubby Gerrit
have loads of fun with their three-year-old
toddler Freya and three-weeks-old baby boy,
Callum. And when the couple, who are huge
foodies, really want to treat
themselves, they head
to Roots Restaurant at
Forum Homini for a finedining
experience. Because
balance, right?
One thing is certain, this friendly
doc with the sassy sneakers
is passionate about many
things, but to make
you see clearly
surely tops her
list. Details:
visusense.com
10 Get It Magazine June 2022