Integrity | Empathy | Trust
About Us
Our Mission
- Delivery of primary Eyecare to the highest standards
- To practice Optometry at the highest professional level
- To establish lasting relationships with our patients and ensure their continuing Eyecare through the implementation of a rigorous recall system
- Maintain state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
- Staff development through Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Our Values
Integrity | Empathy | Trust
Ethics
The practice subscribes to the code of conduct as laid down by the Professional Board for Optometry (HPCSA).
Meet Our Team
Fanie Kriel
Completed the degree Baccalareus Optometriae at RAU in 1989 cum laude. Completed national service in the Ophthalmology department at 1 Military Hospital in 1990 before joining Stef Kriel in 1991. Completed Certificate of Advanced Study in Diagnostic Procedures and Pharmaceutical Application – New England College of Optometry (NEWENCO) in 1995.
From 1996-2001 completed Certificates of Advanced Study in: 1. Neural Basis of Optometry, 2. Pediatric Optometry and Binocular Vision, 3. Public Health and Clinical Medicine (NEWENCO). Awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for outstanding service by Lions Club International and accredited as 7-Field retinal photographer for DIRECT study in 2001.
Completed Certificates of Advanced Study in Cornea and Advanced Contact Lenses in 2008 and in Diabetes Mellitus in 2012.
Hobbies include photography, astronomy, mountain biking, road biking and adventure biking.
Brett Newcombe
Brett completed his optometry degree with diagnostic privileges from the University of the Free State in 2007. He joined a small coastal practice where he worked for 3 and a half years before joining us in July 2011.
In 2012 he completed two post-graduate certificates. One in advanced contact lenses, related ocular physiology and anterior segment disease, and the other in Diabetes through the Graduate Institute of Optometry in collaboration with the New England College of Optometry from the USA.
Brett passed his theory modules in Ocular Therapeutics through the University of Johannesburg in 2025 with Distinction, and is currently busy with his practical training.
Stef Kriel
Stef Kriel joined the Des Laycock practice in March 1977, the practice was established in East London in 1924.
He served as a Director of the South African Optometric Association from 1994 to 2005, twice as President and as a member of the Professional Board for Optometry at the HPCSA for twelve years, one term as Chair and two terms heading the Education committee.
He established the Graduate Institute of Optometry in 1998 and since then has offered continuing profession development courses for Optometrists in collaboration with NECO (Boston USA), in various specialty fields.
In 2003 he completed a Masters Degree in Health Professions Education at the University of the Free State (Cum Laude) where he was instrumental in developing the Optometry program.
Currently he works limited hours at both practices while involved in the development of a telemedicine platform for Optometry and Ophthalmology. His wife, Fiona has been the champion administrator of all his endeavors. Their son is a Chartered Financial Analyst and researcher for a major bank.
Wandre Reading
Started work at Kriel optometrist in 2000 and completed my National Diploma in Optical Dispensing 2009.
Order Contact Lenses Online
It has never been so easy to order contact lenses. Just fill out the form and watch the magic happen.
Order NOW!