CAPE TOWN – A state-of-the-art laboratory has been officially opened in Durbanville, which marks the beginning of a new era in vision correction.
The EyeSpace flagship laboratory — a first of its kind in Southern Africa — supports the production of custom-made medical devices designed to address serious visual impairment where standard spectacles or soft contact lenses may not be suitable.
Conditions such as keratoconus, irregular corneas following surgery, severe dry eye and high refractive errors can significantly affect daily function, says Charl Laäs, manufacturing director at EyeSpace.
“For many patients, conventional vision correction options provide limited benefit, leaving them with reduced visual acuity and quality of life,” he says.
Special interest in complex contact lens fitting
The opening of the laboratory on 22 October was attended by Theresa Uys, Ward 112 councillor and Mayco member, as well as Sandy Govender, vice president of the South African Optometric Association, members of Lions Club International, and leading eye care professionals with special interest in complex contact lens fitting.The laboratory operates under a certified quality management system and utilises state-of-the-art equipment, including the Schneider CNC Lathe, Contamac biocompatible materials and the Lambda-X Nimo Evo metrology system, to produce lenses with consistent precision, material integrity and optical performance. Each device undergoes controlled design verification, and release processes to support clinical safety and efficacy, Laäs says.
Three specialised lens types
The facility enables the manufacture of three specialised lens types, each intended for specific clinical indications. This includes EyeSpace Scleral, a large lens that rests gently on the white of the eye and holds a thin layer of fluid over the cornea.
“It is suitable for people with severely distorted corneas, such as those with advanced keratoconus or after corneal transplants. They provide clear, stable sight and protect the eye surface, often when surgery is the only other option,” Laäs says.
EyeSpace Bespoke Corneal is made-to-measure rigid lenses shaped to match each person’s unique corneal map. “They correct blurred or distorted vision caused by irregular eye shapes — giving sharp, comfortable sight where standard lenses fail.”
Forge Ortho-K is special overnight lenses that gently reshape the front of the eye while you sleep. “Children and young adults with progressing short-sightedness wake up able to see clearly all day without glasses or contacts, and the treatment helps slow further worsening of their vision,” Laäs says.
“At the heart of this facility is the Schneider CNC Lathe, the gold standard in ophthalmic manufacturing. This is where precision meets artistry, enabling us to craft contact lenses with unmatched accuracy — every single time.
But precision means nothing without performance. That’s why we use Contamac polymers — the most advanced biocompatible materials in the world. They don’t just let oxygen flow freely to the eye; they set the global benchmark for safety, comfort, and durability,” he says.
Patients with limited alternatives
With distribution through more than 2 000 partnered clinics, including major hospitals and academic institutions worldwide, the laboratory strengthens access to specialised vision correction for patients with limited alternatives.
Lachlan Hoy, managing director of EyeSpace, said: “For more than 12 years, we have had the privilege of partnering with the optometrists of South Africa to deliver specialty contact lenses — corneal, scleral, and ortho-K — that help patients see and live better. I’m thrilled to announce the next step in that journey: the opening of our new manufacturing laboratory in Durbanville. This investment represents more than just growth — it’s a statement of our belief in the future of South African optometry. By building local capability and innovation, we’re ensuring that practitioners have access to world-class products, made in South Africa, for South Africans.”
