DeonOptom is a family optometrist based in Norwood, Johannesburg.
Ever feel clumsy — dropping things, bumping into door frames, or finding it hard to park straight? You could have a condition called Vertical Heterophoria (VH), a subtle but impactful binocular vision disorder that often goes undetected without a comprehensive eye examination. What Is Vertical Heterophoria? Vertical heterophoria refers to a slight vertical misalignment of…
Addressing Digital Eye Strain in the Modern South African Office Why Modern Offices Challenge Our Eyes If you really think about it, our eyes were not made to look at screens all day. Humans were hunters and gatherers, designed to look far into the distance. Staring at a computer, tablet, or phone for hours is…
In many education systems, there is a one-size-fits-all syllabus that all students are expected to follow. While this may work for some, it is far from optimal for every individual learner. Thankfully, some schools have recognised that each child is unique, with different learning styles and challenges — but catering to all of them effectively…
Prism is quite a controversial topic in Optometry. Some optometrists swear by it, while others avoid it entirely. The research out there is conflicting, and it’s understandable why opinions differ. However, based on my own training, clinical experience, and research, I strongly believe that when prism is prescribed correctly, it can have a life-changing impact…
When we think about optimising athletic performance, the focus usually falls on areas like: But one essential component is often overlooked: vision. We’re not just talking about 20/20 clarity or whether you need glasses; we’re talking about visual function and how well your eyes and brain communicate during high-speed play, pressure situations, and precision tasks.…
Experiencing dizziness on a regular basis can be incredibly frustrating and, for some, life-altering. It affects your ability to function, work, and maintain independence. For many, this symptom can result in chronic anxiety, emotional stress, and even depression. Worse still, the root cause of dizziness is often difficult to pinpoint, and in some cases, it’s…
When people hear “optometrist,” they often think “glasses.” But we are so much more than that. Optometrists are Primary Health Care Practitioners, playing a crucial role not just in vision correction, but in early disease detection, education, and overall well-being. What Is a Primary Health Care Practitioner? Primary health care practitioners are the first point…
Understanding the Label We’ve all heard the term “problem child.” I recently listened to a talk by Jenna Evelyn (@neurodiversejeneration ), and her story truly moved me. She was labelled the “problem child” throughout her school years. But the truth? She wasn’t a problem at all. She was a child with undiagnosed ADHD and sensory…
Every Season Has Its Pros and Cons Each season brings its own charm. For those prone to hay fever, sinus problems, and seasonal allergies, warmer months often mean sneezing, coughing, headaches, and congestion. With rising temperatures due to climate change, pollen counts are increasing, making allergic reactions even more severe. The Link Between Sinus Issues…
The Alarming Statistics of Vision Problems in Children Did you know that there’s a 1 in 5 chance that a child in kindergarten, grade RR, or grade R will have vision problems? If one parent wears spectacles, these odds increase significantly. By around 6 months of age, vision becomes the most dominant sense, shaping how…