The Contact Lens Lab of SA International celebrated its 16th anniversary in July. Can you share how it all began for you and where CLLSA stands today?

The journey began when a significant gap in the South African contact lens market was identified. At that time, optometrists were frequently ordering lenses from overseas due to the lack of local manufacturing options. I seized this opportunity to enter the industry, aiming to improve the supply chain and reduce delivery times.

When I first started, I had no background in contact lenses. My previous experience was as a carpenter, managing large construction projects. This meant I had to familiarize myself not only with the lenses but also with the machinery used in their production. Fortunately, my mechanical aptitude made learning about the machinery easier. Each year, I would dismantle the lathes down to their individual components, clean every piece, and reassemble them—a time-consuming process, but essential since the manufacturer of the lathe wasn’t willing to come to South Africa.

Acquiring financing for our first lathe 16 years ago was a nerve-wracking experience, especially since we started with no clients. It was a groundbreaking machine that enabled us to produce locally designed lenses in just a day or two. Convincing optometrists that this would become the new standard was challenging, as many were still ordering lenses from abroad, skeptical that local production was feasible. To build trust, we offered free lenses to many optometrists for the first six months, which eventually led to word-of-mouth referrals.

Recently, we welcomed a new ‘Free Form’ lathe into our arsenal, and we are excited about what the future holds for our offerings to the optometric profession.

Can you elaborate on your new state-of-the-art lathe?

This lathe has been a long-term goal of mine. For over a decade, I’ve been inquiring about its cost, hoping we could eventually afford it. Last year, I had the opportunity to meet with Felix from R.E.M Vision Technologies, the manufacturer, along with representatives from Contamac, the world’s largest supplier of contact lens materials. During their visit to our lab, they inquired about the open space we had, which I explained was intended for a lathe I had been pursuing for years.

After visiting our lab and seeing our operations, they returned to discuss the need for a lathe in South Africa, vouching for our lab’s capabilities. After many years of waiting, the lathe finally arrived, and it has taken off impressively. We are learning more about it every day, like adapting to new software or computer systems. Since we already have two other software-driven lathes, grasping the basics was relatively easy.

When the new lathe arrived in August, the excitement was palpable. It represents a significant advancement for both our profession and the country, eliminating the need to import lenses. Why wait weeks and incur costs in foreign currencies when you can pay in Rand and receive out-of-range lenses in just a few days? It’s truly a no-brainer!

The new capabilities include producing quadrant-specific designs, dual sags, and front surface toric designs, among others.

What can you tell us about your product offerings and services?

One of our proudest achievements was qualifying to manufacture the Rose K range of lenses in 2014, a process that took sixteen months. We are one of only eighteen labs worldwide authorized to manufacture these lenses, which is a significant milestone for us.

We like to consider ourselves a one-stop shop. If we don’t have a particular product in stock, we will source it for our clients. Our offerings include a variety of solutions and accessories, and we have some exciting new products on the horizon, though we can’t disclose details just yet!

The Contact Lens Lab can now manufacture all lens designs right here in Johannesburg. While daily and disposable lenses are typically dominated by large corporations, we are a small business that is quickly growing and gaining ground in the industry. We have received offers from various countries wanting us to manufacture their lens designs, but we’re focusing on growth step by step. I anticipate needing another lathe within the next six months, and while that may come with its own stresses, I’m ready for the challenge!

Fortunately, we persevered through covid and the challenges that came with it, and now have a fantastic team that works great together. Our lab is currently thriving, and it feels like all the hard work over the last sixteen years is paying off. I want to express my gratitude to all our clients for their support over the years; we wouldn’t be here without you!

What do you think has been the most significant change in the past decade?

Without a doubt, the introduction of scleral contact lenses stands out; that and Rose K. We were the first lab in Africa to manufacture sclerals around 12-13 years ago, following a design provided by an American company. And the first lab in Sub-Saharan Africa to manufacture Rose K lenses. Since then, our scleral lens production has flourished, now accounting for approximately 75% of our manufacturing output.

Additionally, advancements in technology and software have revolutionized how contact lenses are produced and dispensed. From the lathes that manufacture the lenses to the cutting-edge equipment in optometrists’ practices, these tools significantly enhance patient vision. It’s crucial to keep pace with technological advancements; otherwise, one risks being left behind.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my downtime, I enjoy visiting the shooting range—it’s a perfect way to unwind! I’ve always had a passion for sports. I played various sports such as rugby, cricket, and football, and both of my brothers were professional cricketers in the UK. As the eldest, I like to think I helped guide them on which paths to avoid.

Cooking and enjoying a few beers are my favourite ways to relax. With the lab being as busy as it is, all the ups and downs over the past sixteen years have been well worth it. I look forward to what lies ahead!

Cheers!