Optometrist: Karen Greeff

Zoe Karsten
  • 3 Weeks Ago - 2024-08-27 00:00:00
Karen Greeff is a qualified optometrist and has been operating her business, Value Vision Optometrists, for the past 14 years. She detailed what an optometrist is by explaining: "I am a healthcare professional specialising in eye care and vision health".
Greeff describes her primary role as examining patients' eyes to diagnose vision problems, eye diseases and other conditions related to the eyes. “Through a series of tests and assessments, I determine the prescription for corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.”
During a typical eye examination, she said she checks for "refractive errors like nearsightedness, hyperopia and astigmatism".
"Using specialised equipment, I measure how light focuses on the retina and evaluate the overall health of the eyes," Greeff said, adding that she also screens patients for common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. “Early detection of these conditions is crucial for effective treatment and preventing vision loss.”
The seasoned optometrist said she also treats vision issues and dry eyes: “I educate my patients on proper eye care practices. This includes giving advice on maintaining good eye hygiene. I often discuss lifestyle factors that can impact eye health, such as nutrition, screen time and UV exposure.”
Greeff graduated in 2006 from the University of Johannesburg with a bachelor of science in optometry. Obtaining this degree involved extensive coursework in anatomy and physiology, optometry, binocular vision, contact lenses, paediatrics, ophthalmic optics and pathology as well as clinical experience, she said.
She noted that she also collaborates with other healthcare professionals. “I work with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex eye conditions."
Lastly, Greeff summed up her career focus: “In essence, my goal as an optometrist is to ensure my patients maintain optimal vision and eye health. My focus is on improving their quality of life through clear and comfortable sight".