Dean_Headshot_300x300

Dr Dean van der Westhuizen

MMed Ophth (UCT ) (2020), FCOphth (SA) (2019), MBChB (UCT) (2009), DipOpth (SA).
Dr Dean van der Westhuizen, ophthalmic surgeon in Mbombela (Nelspruit), expert in retinal & cataract surgery, co-founder of Lowveld Eye Institute. Serving Mpumalaga and cross border patients from Mozambique

doctor Information

Dr Dean van der Westhuizen is a specialist ophthalmic surgeon in Mbombela (Nelspruit) with advanced expertise in retinal and cataract surgery. After graduating MBChB from UCT, he trained at Groote Schuur Hospital, gaining broad surgical experience. A founding member of the Lowveld Eye Institute, he offers precision care in complex retinal and cataract surgery. He serves patients from Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Eswatini, and Mozambique, where services are limited, conveniently located just 2 hours from Maputo. Dean combines surgical innovation with patient-first care, continuing a legacy of excellence.

Experience

  • Consultant Ophthalmologist – Retina & Cataract Surgery
    2021–Present
    Lowveld Eye Institute, Mbombela (Nelspruit)
    Ophthalmology Registrar / Specialist Training
    2016 – 2020
    Groote Schuur Hospital & University of Cape Town (UCT)
    Medical Officer – Ophthalmology
    2014 – 2016
    Western Cape Department of Health / Tygerberg Hospital

Education

  • Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery (Clinical Focus)
    2020–2021
    Groote Schuur Hospital / UCT Division of Ophthalmology
    MMed Ophthalmology (Master of Medicine)
    2020
    University of Cape Town (UCT)
    FC Ophth (SA)
    2019
    Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA)
    Dip Ophth (SA)
    Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA)
    MBChB
    2009
    University of Cape Town (UCT)

Languages

  • English

Awards and Recognitions

  • Geoff Howes Medal – Outstanding MMed (Ophth) Thesis
    2020
    MMed (Ophth) Thesis with Distinction – Innovation Recognised
    2020

Memberships

  • Board Member – Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA)
    Fellow of the College of Ophthalmologists (FCOphth SA)
    Member – South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (SASCRS)
    Vitreoretinal Society of South Africa (VRESSA)

Registrations

  • MP7221223
    1240978