Dr Vanessa Thunstrom was born and raised in Durban, where she matriculated from Durban Girls’ College. Her undergraduate studies were at Stellenbosch University, followed by specialisation at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal under the tutelage of Professor Peters. Following her graduation of the FCS (Ophth) exams she stayed on as a consultant in the department to further her skills and experience in retinal surgery. She was awarded the Justin van Selm medal for excellence in her final qualifying exams. She has been in practise exclusively at Life Entabeni hospital since 2006. She runs a solo practise and prides herself in running a personal, accountable ophthalmic practise. Her fields of expertise include medical and surgical retinal conditions ( retinal tear, detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular hole, epiretinal membrane), cataract surgery , glaucoma diagnosis and management , keratoconus management with corneal cross-linking.
She is ably assisted in her practise by 2 staff members who pride themselves on personal, efficient assistance to manage the administrative issues associated with managing your eye disease.
She is married with 2 children and has a wide field of hobbies including running, gardening and wine tasting.
She is affiliated to the following societies:
- Ophthalmological society of South Africa
- South African Vitreo-retinal society
- Health Professions Council of South Africa