As a specialist ophthalmologist, Dr Olivia Charlotte Read has performed thousands of cataract surgeries in her 16 years of practise. Dr Read is also a specialist in glaucoma, medical retina and squint surgery. Her niche expertise includes functional and cosmetic oculoplastic surgery (droopy eyelids) as well as nasolacrimal surgery (tearing eyes).
Dr Read is passionate about her patients – from adults to children – and has access to world-class technology to ensure she can offer the very best in eye care and life-changing operations.
While her private practice is based at Bay Eye Hospital in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Dr Read also consults in Kariega (Uitenhage) every Tuesday.
Qualifications
Dr Olivia Read obtained her medical degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2000. She completed her internship at Groote Schuur Hospital and her community service at Eshowe Hospital in Northern Natal.
Dr Read worked in the Ophthalmology unit at Frere Hospital in East London, then went on to specialise at the University of Stellenbosch where she completed her registrar training, together with her MMed in Ophthalmology in 2011. She also attended an oculoplastic training course in Malta in 2014.
After moving to Port Elizabeth in 2011, Dr Read worked as a consultant at the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Provincial Hospital from 2011 until 2017. It was here that she gained vast experience due to the high patient load, and varied pathology. Dr Read also performed many surgeries at Provincial and was involved in registrar training and academic presentations.
Following her six-year service at the hospital, Dr Read went into private practice. Her rooms are located at St George’s Hospital.
To find out more about booking an appointment with Dr Read, please CLICK HERE.
Achievements.
Whilst at the Provincial hospital in Gqeberha, Dr Read established the Oculoplastic and Nasolacrimal clinic, as well as consulted on all the medical retina patients. She also ran the Outreach Unit at the Kariega (Uitenhage) Provincial Hospital, which serviced Kariega, and the surrounding areas. Dr Read and her colleague were also responsible for treating all of the hospital’s squint patients.
Meet the Team.
Personal message from Dr Olivia Read:
Seeing the eye under magnification is one of the most beautiful things, and something I could never tire of.
The sense of sight is something that most people would say is the hardest to lose. For me, restoring sight in blind or partially sighted people is one of the most special and rewarding experiences. I am passionate about my job, and I believe that it is reflected in who I am, and how I treat my patients.
As a general ophthalmologist, I have extensive experience in managing a wide range of medical and surgical eye problems. These include cataract and pterygium surgery, glaucoma surgery, treatment of medical retinal conditions such as diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration, paediatric ophthalmology and squint surgery.
My niche expertise includes functional and cosmetic oculoplastic surgery (droopy eyelids) as well as nasolacrimal surgery (tearing eyes). In order to ensure the best diagnosis and treatment for my patients, I’ve invested in state-of-the-art equipment for diagnostics and management.
Why ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology is the Queen of Specialities. It is a wonderful field within medicine as it provides such high rewards. I am able to treat all ages from young babies to those in their 90s, with life-changing results! The field itself is fascinating, the surgery is clean and neat, and the medical advances are rapid. There is never time to get bored.
Patient care is a priority
My practice is not a train station. I always ensure that I give a lot of time to each patient so that I can hear all of their worries and concerns. I allow myself time to examine my patients thoroughly, talk to them about their specific problem, and how we are going to proceed with management. I pride myself in taking the time to care for my patients, and going that extra mile to make a difference in their lives.
I offer a comprehensive eye care service in the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Kariega (Uitenhage) area.
