Dr Mark Deist

Refractive & Corneal Surgeon  |  Sandton, Johannesburg

I'm Dr Mark Deist, a specialist ophthalmologist focused on one thing: restoring clear, glasses-free vision for patients with complex eyes.
If you've been told you're "not a candidate" for LASIK, have keratoconus, high myopia, or early cataracts — there's usually still an option.

At Sandhurst Eye Centre, I use bladeless Z8 NEO laser technology and AI-designed intraocular lenses to give patients a full range of vision they can trust.
 

Why Patients Choose Me

1. I handle complex cases others refer out

For 20+ years I've managed keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, corneal transplants, and high prescriptions up to -12.00 (and in some cases even more). If your cornea is thin, irregular, or dry, I'll tell you honestly what's safe and what isn't.

2. I use the Ziemer Z8 NEO

Sandhurst Eye Centre is one of the few centres in South Africa with the Z8 NEO femtosecond laser. It's bladeless, low-energy, and designed for precise cuts on complex corneas. I performed one of the first full cohorts of robotic FLACS procedures in SA in January 2026.

3. I focus on premium vision outcomes — not just 20/20 Vision

Night driving, reading without glasses, working on screens all day. The goal isn't just to pass the eye chart. I use Premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) like Rayner Galaxy and Alcon Puresee, selected with AI modelling to match your lifestyle and visual needs.

4. You speak directly to me

I personally review every suitability case during consultation. If you're not a candidate, I'll tell you why — and what your real options are.

 

My Approach

Every patient gets a 45-minute diagnostic workup: topography, OCT, biometry, and a discussion about what you actually use your eyes for.
I don't push surgery if you don't need it. If glasses or scleral lenses will give you better vision with less risk, I'll say so. If surgery is the right path, I'll explain exactly what I recommend and why.

 

Areas of Expertise

•    Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with Premium IOLs: For patients 45+ who want to reduce dependence on glasses
•    Keratoconus Management: Corneal crosslinking, CAIRS, and specialty IOLs to stabilise and improve vision
•    Corneal Transplants: DALK, DMEK, and PKP for advanced keratoconus and corneal scarring
•    Complex Cataract Surgery: Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery for patients with high astigmatism or previous refractive surgery
•    ICL Surgery: For younger patients with thin corneas who aren't suitable for laser

Qualifications & Experience
•    MBChB, FCS Ophth, MMed Ophth
•    20+ years in refractive and corneal surgery
•    Member of SA Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
•    Trained on Ziemer Z8 NEO, LenSx, and VisuMax platforms
•    Performed 1 000+ refractive lens exchange and cataract procedures
 

What Patients Say
"Dr Deist explained why RLE was better than LASIK for my eyes. 3 months later I haven't worn glasses once." — J.M., 52
 

"I have keratoconus and thought I'd need a transplant. Dr Deist stabilised it with CXL and got me back to 20/40 with specialty lenses." — A.K., 28
 

Our Commitment to You
 

We believe patients with complex eyes deserve access to the best technology available — not because it's impressive, but because it changes outcomes.
 

That's why we invested in the Ziemer Z8 NEO femtosecond laser, one of a small number of units in South Africa. Combined with AI-assisted IOL selection and a thorough diagnostic process, it means we can offer a level of precision and personalization that most centres simply can't.
 

When you come to Dr Deist, you can expect honest advice, state-of-the-art care, and a surgeon who is personally invested in your result.
 

Book a Consultation
If you want to know whether RLE, ICL, or keratoconus treatment is right for you, book a consult.