About Dr Steven Lapere

Dr Steven Lapere is an ophthalmologist who specializes in disorders of the retina and in cataract surgery.

He was born and raised in Port Elizabeth and completed his undergraduate medical degree at the University of the Free State  in 2006. This was followed by a two-year internship at Pietermaritzburg Hospital complex and a year of community service at Kimberley Hospital. During this time, he completed his Diploma in Anaesthetics.

His ophthalmology career began at Mankweng Eye Unit in Limpopo, where he worked as a medical officer and obtained a Diploma in Ophthalmology. He furthered his knowledge as a senior house officer in ophthalmology at the West of England Eye Unit  in Exeter in the United Kingdom. It is here that he discovered his passion for the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders. His specialist training took place at Groote Schuur Hospital through the University of Cape Town. 

On completion of his specialist training, he went on to sub-specialise with a two-year fellowship in the field of Surgical Retina, Medical Retina and Ocular Oncology at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton in Canada from 2015 to 2017.

Dr Lapere has a keen interest in academic research and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. His list of research publications can be viewed here. He is a sessional consultant at Groote Schuur Hospital and a member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa, the South African Vitreoretinal Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

When he is not treating patients, Dr Lapere enjoys spending his time cycling, hiking and kitesurfing. Cape Town offers the best of these, with optimal surroundings in all the seasons. He is married to Cherese Lapere, an anesthetists registrar at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Clinical Specialization and Services

Dr. Lapere’s expertise is divided into three primary pillars:

• Retinal Surgery: He performs high-precision procedures for vision-threatening conditions, including:

  • Retinal detachment surgery.

  • Macular hole surgery.

  • Epiretinal membrane surgery (removal of scar tissue on the retina).

• Retinal Conditions (Medical): He manages chronic and acute disorders such as:

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

  • Retinal vein occlusion.

  • Diabetic retinopathy.

  • Eye floaters, flashes, and retinal tears.

  • Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).

• Cataract Surgery: Utilizing the latest technology for premium lens replacement and vision restoration.

• Ocular Oncology: Specialist diagnosis and treatment of eye cancers, including Choroidal Melanoma.

Practice and Facilities

His primary practice is situated at 14 Palmyra Road, Claremont. Dr. Lapere utilizes specialized facilities for his surgical cases, operating at:

• Peninsula Eye Hospital.

• The University of Cape Town’s Private Academic Hospital.

• Groote Schuur Hospital (where he serves as a sessional consultant).