Our team
Our team is united by a shared commitment
to excellence, integrity, and hope.
Whether you are facing a complex diagnosis or seeking expert retinal care, you can trust us to walk with you—every step of the way.
Founded by Dr. Lara Sandri
A fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in complex retinal conditions
and rare intraocular tumours, our clinic combines advanced diagnostics
with cutting-edge therapies to preserve vision and save lives.
Dr. Lara Sandri
Vitreoretinal Surgeon & Ocular Oncologist
Dr. Lara Sandri is an internationally fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon and ocular oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of complex vitreoretinal diseases and ocular tumours, including uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma. She uniquely blends vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology expertise to provide comprehensive, vision-preserving care for patients. She is the founder and lead ophthalmologist of Retina Blue Eye Clinic in Johannesburg, where she pioneered the introduction of Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy and ocular Gamma Knife radiosurgery as globe-preserving treatment modalities for ocular tumours in South Africa. Alongside her clinical practice, Dr Sandri is actively involved in teaching and research, she regularly lectures and chairs sessions at elite ophthalmology congresses both locally and internationally. Dr. Sandri is currently pursuing a PhD on AI-driven retinoblastoma diagnosis and treatment optimization to improve outcomes in resource-limited settings. She is actively involved in the writing group for the updated harmonized treatment protocols for retinoblastoma in South Africa.
Credentials & training:
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MBBCh (WITS), 2006 - Distinction
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FCS (SA) 2009 - Part I
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FC Ophth (SA) Part I, 2010 – Neville Welsh Medal
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FC Ophth (SA) Part II, 2014
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MMed (Ophthalmology), WITS, 2015 – Distinction
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PhD Student (AI and Retinoblastoma) WITS (Present)
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Elie Dahan Surgical Excellence Award, 2014
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Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship – South Africa (2015-2016)
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Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship – Royal Liverpool Hospital (2016-2017)
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Ocular Oncology Fellowship – Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre (2017-2018)
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Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Ocular Oncologist, Retina Blue Eye Clinic (2018-present)
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Honorary Consultant, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) (2020-present)
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Dr. Monica Liu
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Monica Liu is a South African-trained ophthalmologist with a special interest in vitreoretinal diseases and ocular oncology. She obtained her undergraduate medical degree (MBChB) from the University of Cape Town in 2013 and went on to complete her postgraduate training in ophthalmology, earning her Diploma in Ophthalmology (DipOphth SA) in 2019 and Fellowship of the College of Ophthalmologists (FC Ophth SA) in 2023 at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Dr. Liu is currently being mentored by Dr. Sandri in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology, where she continues to refine her clinical and surgical expertise while awaiting a fellowship opportunity in Australia. Her professional interests lie in advancing the management of retinal diseases and ocular malignancies, with a focus on delivering patient-centred, evidence-based care.
Credentials & training:
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MBChB (UCT) 2013
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DipOphth (SA) 2019
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FC Ophth (SA) 2023
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FC Ophthal Part 1 A 2018
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FC Ophthal Part 1 B 2021
Our Supporting Network
Paediatric Oncologists
Donald Gordon Medical Centre
Charlene.killian@mediclinic.co.za
Prof. Jennifer Geel
Paediatric Oncologist
Professor Jennifer Geel, PhD, is a paediatric oncologist and clinician-scientist at the University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. She leads multiple regional and continental initiatives to strengthen childhood cancer services across Africa, including clinical care, research, training and health-system development. Her work spans the SIOP Africa Global Mapping Programme, capacity-building for multidisciplinary teams, and the development of national and regional strategies to improve outcomes for children with cancer. She has a particular clinical and research interest in retinoblastoma, early diagnosis, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance detection and decision-support in resource-constrained settings. Through collaborative leadership and advocacy, she is committed to improving access to quality care for all children with cancer across the African continent.
Dr. Biance Rowe
Paediatric Oncologist
Dr Biance Rowe is a paediatric oncology specialist at the University of the Witwatersrand, with clinical appointments at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. She has formal training in critical care within paediatric oncology and brings particular expertise in the management of medically complex children undergoing intensive cancer treatment. Dr Rowe has a strong clinical interest in retinoblastoma and is actively involved in improving early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and support for affected families. She is committed to strengthening paediatric oncology services across Johannesburg and contributing to high-quality, patient-centred care for children with cancer.
Ocularist
183 Anderson Ave, Northcliff, Randburg
011 478 0015
Nazeem Desai
Ocularist
Nazeem Desai is an Ocularist in private practice specialising in custom made Ocular and Facial Prostheses. He obtained his Bachelor of Optometry degree from Rand Afrikaans University, and subsequently completed his postgraduate training in treatment and management of ocular disease through New England College of Optometry, and then completed Ocular Therapeutics through State University of New York and UJ. He also completed his training as an Ocularist in South Africa. Nazeem is driven by a passion for crafting life-like prostheses that are life-changing to his patients. He also has a special interest in managing children with retinoblastoma. His goal is to restore their confidence and smiles.
Genetic Counsellor
1st Floor, Suite 104, Northcliff Medical Centre 251 Beyers Naude Drive, Northcliff, Johannesburg
010 595 1005
Noelene Kinsley
Genetic Counsellor
Noelene Kinsley is a genetic counsellor and has practiced in private since 2011. She developed a keen interest in ophthalmic and cancer genetics during her studies and has continued into her practice. Noelene’s passion is for individuals to understand the impact of genetics on their lives and health, and to ensure access to clinical genetic services. This resulted in her forming GC Network, a genetic counselling group practice.
Through genetic counselling Noelene helps individuals and their families to understand the role of genetics in the presentation of visual impairment and/or cancer, the manner in which the condition may be inherited and access to genetic testing. The consult is to provide information to enable individuals to make informed decisions regarding access and timing of genetic testing. Noelene is an advocate for the patient and provides support for people to make sense of genetics in their well-being.
Dr. Odette Truter
Anaesthetist
Dr Odette Truter is a specialist anaesthesiologist who qualified from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2009. She has extensive experience in holistic, patient-centred perioperative care, including anaesthesia for eye surgery.
Dr Truter is passionate about easing anxiety and creating a calm, positive hospital experience. Special interests include paediatric anaesthesia and caring for patients with special needs, with a strong commitment to safety, empathy and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Dr. Brad Yudelowitz
Anaesthetist
Dr Yudelowitz obtained his MBBCh at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2006. He spent 18 months in the department of Internal Medicine prior to choosing to specialise in anaesthesiology. He completed his Diploma and then Fellowship in Anaesthesiology at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in 2015. After 1 year as a consultant anaesthesiologist at CMJAH, he started private practice in 2016 at the Dunkeld Anaesthetic Practice.
Dr Yudelowitz has a special interest in point of care ultrasound, sedation techniques, anaesthesia for major upper GI surgery and local anaesthetic techniques for Ophthalmic surgery. He is a loving husband, father of three, enjoys mountain biking and trail running and is a amateur barista and avid reader.
Dr. Maréze van Heerden
Anaesthetist
Dr Maréze van Heerden completed her medical degree at the University of Pretoria and specialised in Anaesthesia at the University of the Witwatersrand. She has been in private practice in Johannesburg since 2009. Her main interests include paediatric eye oncology anaesthesia, adult ophthalmic anaesthesia and Orthopaedic anaesthesia
Dr van Heerden is a committed team player who works closely with theatre teams to ensure safe, streamlined care. She has a natural rapport with children and their parents, and provides compassionate, up-to-date anaesthetic care for every patient.