Ophthalmic surgeons:
- Dr. Chris Engelbrecht
- Dr. Almer Engelbrecht

A 30-year legacy of trusted vision care

Built upon the foundation established by
retired founders Dr Bruce Staples and Dr Bennie Muller, the practice is now led by specialist brothers
Dr Christian Engelbrecht and Dr Almer Engelbrecht.

Supported by a team of 8 clinical and administrative professionals, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with sub-specialised microsurgery to deliver compassionate, evidence-based eye care to Bethlehem and surrounding communities.

Meet Our Team

Dr Christian Engelbrecht

OPHTHALMIC SURGEON &
VITREORETINAL SPECIALIST

MBChB (Wits, Cum Laude) | MMed Ophth (UFS, Cum Laude) | FC Ophth (SA) | Vitreoretinal Fellow (Sydney)

Clinical Focus: Medical & Surgical Retina, Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma, Oculoplastic surgery, Corneal Disease.
Sub-Specialty Expertise: Completed the prestigious Graham Lovett Vitreoretinal Fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital, gaining specialised training in complex retinal detachments, macular surgery, and vitreous pathology.
Surgical Experience: Has performed thousands of intraocular surgeries, complemented by extensive surgical outreach work across regional South Africa.

Driven by a passion for sight restoration that began at St John Eye Hospital, Dr Christian brings international surgical standards home to the Free State. Outside the practice, he enjoys wildlife and exploring the outdoors with his family.

Dr Almer Engelbrecht

OPHTHALMIC SURGEON

MBChB (UFS) | FC Ophth (SA) | MMed Ophth (Wits) | FC Ophth (SA)

Clinical Focus: Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Management, Corneal Conditions, Strabismus (Eye Misalignment), Retinal Disease.
Academic Background: Completed specialist residency through Wits University. Published researcher on pediatric corneal conditions (vernally keratoconjunctivitis) in the South African Ophthalmology Journal.
Surgical Experience: Experienced in a broad range of ophthalmic procedures, combining a background in emergency medicine with thousands of successful eye surgeries to deliver precise, compassionate care.

Dr Almer balances academic rigor with an empathetic, patient-centered approach to visual preservation. In his free time, he is an avid outdoorsman and family man.