Dr Suzanne Mari Smith’s journey in ophthalmology began during her community service at Botshabelo District Hospital in the Free State. It was here that she witnessed the transformative power of ophthalmic care, sparking her interest and love for the field. This experience, coupled with her natural curiosity and passion for helping others, continues to drive her today. She matriculated from Eunice High School for Girls (2003) and qualified as a Medical Doctor from the University of the Free State in 2008. Subsequently, she did her two-year internship at the Bloemfontein Academic Hospital Complex in all areas of medicine, including surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and internal medicine.

In 2012, Dr Smith embarked on her career in Ophthalmology as a medical officer at St John’s Eye Hospital in Soweto. In mid-2013, she began her specialist training, spending 4 years in the exceptionally busy hospitals of St John’s Eye Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke, Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital and Lenasia South Hospital. Under the guidance of renowned Prof. Grant McLaren (glaucoma, oculoplastics and orbital surgery), Prof. Trevor Carmichael (corneal specialist) and Prof. Ismail Mayet (paediatric ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon), she gained extensive experience in treating a wide variety of patient diseases, both rare and common, and received excellent teaching and surgical training within this system.

Dr Suzanne Mari Smith is a general Ophthalmologist with experience in cataracts, general ophthalmology surgery (removal of pterygiums, growths, lid repairs, trauma, strabismus etc), glaucoma management and all aspects of medical ophthalmology (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertensive retinopathy, dry eye, infections and uveitis). She is also committed to ongoing professional development, regularly attending conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

Suzanne’s dedication to her work and patients is unwavering. Suzanne’s passion for her work and patients is evident in her willingness to always go the extra mile for them.

Her love for nature and animals is a testament to her compassionate nature. She cherishes her time with her husband, precious daughter and son, and also enjoys the company of friends and the outdoors.