Optometrists in Durban CBD and Ladysmith

Quality eye care, tailored to you.

Thorough eye tests, eyewear chosen around your needs and your medical aid handled for you. Personal attention at every step, in Durban CBD and Ladysmith.

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Reception at AmaQaphelo EyeCare Durban CBD

Durban CBDEThembeni Medical Centre

Since 2020Caring for KwaZulu-Natal communities

7,000+Patients cared for

AllMedical aids accepted and claimed directly

2Practices: Durban CBD and Ladysmith

How we can help

Everything for your eyes, under one roof

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Eye tests

A complete check of your vision and eye health, explained clearly by our optometrist.

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Prescription glasses

Single vision, bifocal and multifocal lenses, with anti-reflective, photochromic and blue-light options.

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Frames and sunglasses

A curated range for every face, style and budget, from everyday classics to fashion frames.

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Reception desk at AmaQaphelo EyeCare Durban CBD

Driver's licence screening

A quick vision screening for your licence application or renewal. Walk in, no booking needed.

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Also available: Repairs and adjustments while you waitSchool and workplace screenings

The AmaQaphelo eye test

An eye test, done properly

Your eyes say a lot about your health. That is why our comprehensive eye test is a full examination, not a quick read of letters on a wall. It can include:

Your history and lifestyleHow you use your eyes at work, at home and on the road.
Vision and prescriptionAccurate testing for distance, reading and screen use.
Eye pressureA screening check used to help detect glaucoma early.
Eye health examinationA close look at the front and back of the eye with professional equipment.
A clear explanationYour results explained in plain language, with time for your questions.

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Your visit

Cared for from booking to aftercare

Every step is designed to be simple and respectful, at both practices.

Request a time

Send a request online or message us on WhatsApp. We reply to confirm your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome too.

Your eye test

A thorough examination with our optometrist, explained in plain language.

Choose your eyewear

Expert help finding frames and lenses that suit your face, your work and your budget.

Collection and aftercare

We let you know when your glasses are ready, fit them properly and check in afterwards.

Medical aid

Your benefits, handled for you

We accept all medical aids and claim directly from your scheme. Cover depends on your scheme, plan and available benefits, and we check these with you so you know about any shortfall before you commit. Many optical benefits renew in January, so it is worth using yours before the year ends.

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GEMSDiscoveryBonitasMedshieldMomentumFedhealthPolmedand all other schemes

No medical aid? Pay over up to six months, interest-free. Ts&Cs apply.

Eyewear

Frames you will love wearing

Visit either practice to try on our latest frames and sunglasses, with expert advice on what suits you. See new arrivals on our social pages.

See new arrivals on Instagram

Celebrating the launch of EThembeni Medical Centre, home of our Durban practice

About AmaQaphelo

Rooted in community since 2020

AmaQaphelo EyeCare was founded in Ladysmith in 2020 by a KwaZulu-Natal optometrist with one belief: quality eye care should not be a privilege. Today we care for patients at two practices, in Ladysmith and Durban CBD.

Every patient is different, so we take the time to understand your eyes, your work and your lifestyle, and we bring the same standard of care to every patient, whichever practice you visit.

Our mission is to deliver consistently exceptional eye care experiences in the communities we serve, and to put the patient first at every touchpoint.

Patient experience firstEvery visit seamless, dignified and on time, from booking to collection.

Care tailored to youAdvice, lenses and frames chosen around your needs, not a one-size-fits-all package.

Accessible qualityHigh-quality eye care, priced and located for the communities we serve.

Consistent excellenceThe same standards and procedures at every AmaQaphelo practice.

Community impactSchool screenings, programmes for pensioners and health fairs through the year.

Local youthOur team is drawn from, and developed in, the communities we serve.

Our practices

Visit us in Durban or Ladysmith

Walk-ins are welcome during trading hours. Appointments are available from 09:00, Monday to Saturday.

Durban CBD

Shop 5, Mercury House, EThembeni Medical Centre
320 Anton Lembede Street, Durban Central

Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 17:00
Saturday: 08:00 to 13:00
Sunday and public holidays: Closed

Call 031 002 7221 or WhatsApp 060 258 8403

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Ladysmith

Ladysmith Medical Centre
271C Murchison Street, Ladysmith (uMnambithi)

Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 17:00
Saturday: 08:30 to 13:00
Sunday and public holidays: Closed

Call 036 631 1425 or WhatsApp 060 258 8403

Request in Ladysmith Get directions

Appointments

Request an eye test

Choose your practice and a preferred time. Your request opens in WhatsApp, ready to send. Your appointment is confirmed once we reply with an available time, during trading hours.

No account or app neededJust WhatsApp, which you already use.
Medical aid optionalShare your scheme now, or bring your card on the day.
Prefer to call?Durban CBD 031 002 7221 · Ladysmith 036 631 1425

Eye emergency? For sudden loss of vision, an eye injury, a chemical in the eye or severe eye pain, do not book online. Go to your nearest hospital emergency unit now. For a chemical splash, rinse the eye with clean running water for at least 15 minutes.

Practice

I need

Preferred day

Preferred time

First name

Medical aid (optional)

Send my request on WhatsApp →

This opens WhatsApp on your phone with your request filled in. Nothing is sent until you press send. We use your details only to arrange your appointment. Privacy notice

Questions

Good to know

Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp 060 258 8403.

Do you accept my medical aid?

Yes. We accept all medical aids, including GEMS, and claim directly from your scheme. What is covered depends on your scheme, plan and remaining benefits. We check your benefits with you and explain any shortfall before you decide.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome during trading hours. An appointment gives you a set time, which usually means a shorter wait. Driver's licence screening is walk-in only.

How long does an eye test take?

Appointments are booked in 30-minute slots. Allow a little longer if you would like to choose frames.

When will my glasses be ready?

It depends on your prescription and lenses. We confirm the timing at your eye test and let you know on WhatsApp as soon as they are ready.

Can I pay over time?

Yes, there is an option to pay over up to six months with no interest. Ts&Cs apply.

Do you see children?

Yes, routinely from five years old. For younger children, send us a message and our optometrist will advise.

Do you do school or workplace screenings?

Yes. We arrange on-site screenings for schools, companies and community groups. Send us a message to plan one.

Privacy notice

How we look after your information

We collect only what we need to care for you, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Last updated October 2026

Who is responsible for your information

AmaQaphelo EyeCare (Pty) Ltd, Reg. No. 2021/824456/07, with practices in Durban CBD and Ladysmith. Questions about your information go to our Information Officer at amaqaphelo@gmail.com.

What we collect

When you request an appointment: your first name, WhatsApp number, chosen practice, service and preferred time, and your medical aid scheme only if you choose to share it. At your visit we record the details needed for your eye care and medical aid claim. Please do not send ID numbers or medical details over WhatsApp; we take these in person.

Why we use it

To arrange and confirm your appointment, send reminders, claim from your medical aid, tell you when your glasses are ready and let you know when your next eye test is due. We do not sell your information. Reply STOP on WhatsApp at any time to stop reminders.

Who can see it

Our practice team, your medical aid when we claim on your behalf, and the service providers that run our messaging and records, who must keep it confidential. We share information with anyone else only where the law requires it.

How long we keep it and how we protect it

We keep your information only for as long as we need it for your care, or as long as the law requires for health records, and we limit access to the people who need it.

This website

This website does not use tracking cookies or advertising pixels. It loads its fonts from Google, which receives your device's IP address. Your request is only sent when you press send in WhatsApp.

Your rights

You can ask to see, correct or delete your information, or object to how we use it, by emailing amaqaphelo@gmail.com. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can complain to the Information Regulator at inforegulator.org.za.