Corneal & Refractive Surgery

Eye Care Infrastructure in Botswana

• Ophthalmic nurse‑led services are the backbone of eye care, particularly outside major cities. These nurses manage pre‑ and post‑operative care in district and primary clinics, under ophthalmologist supervision, and support community outreach.

• There are two tertiary eye-care centers in Molepolole and Serowe. Staffed by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and ophthalmic nurses, they offer surgical services including cataract, glaucoma, eye injuries, paediatrics, diabetic retinopathy—and importantly, corneal and refractive surgery.

• Botswana’s national eye health initiative (VISION 2020, supported by Addenbrooke’s Abroad) has boosted capacity: thousands of children’s vision screenings, spectacles provision, diabetic retinopathy detection, and improved equipment maintenance.

🧑‍⚕️ Specialists in Corneal & Refractive Surgery

• Medlane Day Hospital (Gaborone) recently advertised for a Senior Ophthalmologist – Corneal & Refractive Surgery with 20+ years of experience. This suggests they offer advanced refractive and corneal procedures through highly skilled surgeons.

• BrightView Eye Clinic in Gaborone lists services in cornea, oculoplastic, pediatrics, neurology, etc. While not explicit about refractive laser surgery, their specialization in cornea indicates they may perform corneal procedures.

🔍 Refractive Procedures Available

Botswana’s eye-care services include:

• LASIK, PRK, and SMILE – laser procedures reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

• Corneal transplants for corneal disease or injury.

• Possibly phakic intraocular lenses, clear‑lens extraction, and lens exchange procedures for refractive correction.

💰 Costs & Medical Tourism

• At least one medical tourism provider lists “laser eye surgery in Botswana,” indicating some fee-based private offerings. Precise pricing isn’t public—likely arranged via consultation and depends on procedure type, clinic, and surgeon expertise.

✅ Summary Recommendations

If you’re considering corneal or refractive surgery in Botswana:

1. Choose a well-equipped tertiary center—Molepolole, Serowe, or Gaborone—where ophthalmologists and nurses collaborate.

2. Ask if they offer LASIK/PRK/SMILE and whether they have corneal specialists or visiting international surgeons.

3. Clarify costs and pre/post‑op care plan—including follow‑ups by ophthalmic nurses in your area.

4. Consider private clinics like Medlane or BrightView for cutting‑edge refractive surgery.