Oculoplastics and lid tumours

This is one of my areas of specialty, because it’s something I’ve had the most experience with in my early years as an ophthalmic surgeon. I have previously reconstructed lids and orbits before I left South Africa. This is basically constructing artificial ocular implants and lids for people who have lost their eyes due to trauma or tumours. For them, it’s fantastic from a self-esteem point of view, and it’s wonderful to be involved in this kind of work.

What is oculoplastics?

Oculoplastics deal with the area of the eye socket – the eyelids, tear ducts and the periorbita. An oculoplastic surgeon will also be skilled in reconstructing the eye and associated areas of the face.

There are a number of reasons why someone would need an oculoplastic surgeon – an injury, the repair of tear duct obstructions, cysts or a disease that affects the eye and eye socket.

Eyelid surgery

The precision required for eyelid surgery appeals to my need to do things ‘just right’. I’ve reconstructed entire eyelids due to trauma or injury, repaired droopy eyelids, removed tumours and then reconstructed eyelids.

There are many reasons why a patient might require eyelid surgery. However, I’m not a plastic surgeon – I’m an ophthalmologist who wants to improve the lives of my patients. If cosmesis is involved, it’s to provide an individual with self-confidence – the ability to just enjoy their everyday life.

Prestigious award

Dr Levitz has been awarded the prestigious Muthusamy medal for outstanding achievement, awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, for the years 1999/2000.