The Umhlanga Eye Institute is a state-of-the-art Day Surgery Centre.

Our doctors have special interests and consult from various locations around Durban.

You will need to obtain authorization from your medical aid before the day of surgery. The staff in your doctors rooms will be able to assist you with this, if required. Please take note of the following:

• What costs will be covered
• Which exclusions will apply
• What is your co-payment or deductible as per medical scheme rules

• ID book
• Medical Aid Card
• Authorization number from your medical aid (your doctor’s office will assist you with obtaining this)
• Any medication that you take regularly

We will try to give you an admission time that is close to your surgery time.  In some cases, we will need to ask you to come earlier to allow us to prepare you adequately for surgery.

You must have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to all surgery (even minor procedures and surgery under local anaesthetic).

Do NOT apply eye make-up on the day of surgery

Some tablets may be taken on the day of surgery. Your doctor will advise you on this.  If you are asked to take medication on the day of your operation, these should be swallowed with a small sip of water only (do not eat or drink anything else).

You will be discharged by either your surgeon or the anaesthetist.

Instructions for post-operative care will be given to you. Some of the medication may be supplied, depending on your medical aid.  Some medical aid plans will not allow us to give you medication to take home, and you may be given a prescription to collect your medication after discharge from your pharmacy

You will be given contact details for advice in the case of emergencies

You should never drive a car within 24 hours of an anaesthetic or sedation.