The staff

The Staff at Optical Emporio (Durban North, Amanzimtoti and Mount Edgecombe) are always welcoming, eager to assist with any queries and, mixed together with a wealth of knowledge, make this the ultimate optometry experience.
 
In 1991, Philip Botha opened his first practice, “Durban North Optometrists” which is situated in Docnor Medical Centre on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. He then started on his exciting new venture for his love of optometry. Two years later he opened his second practice, Optical Emporio Amanzimtoti, followed by his third in Mount Edgecombe in 2007. “Optical Emporio” has 3 alternating Optometrists – Philip Botha, Nicolette Raubenheimer and Kelly Brown.

MEET OUR OPTOMETRISTS

Philip Botha
DIP. OPTOM SA.FOA.SA MC OPTOM UK

My  name is  Phil Botha  It was a high school dream of mine to one day own my own Optometry Practice  I enjoy every minute of my work day at my 3 practices Working with the most amazing staff and colleagues makes everyday a happy day at work and together we have grown Optical Emporio into  3 Luxury Boutique Optometry practices with a unified moto :giving the utmost personalised care to our patients ! A dream come true in every sense !!! 

​I studied Optometry at Wits Technikon and The City University  of London. I did further advanced study courses through The New England College of Optometrists in Boston  USA . Having worked in London and South Africa I arrived in Durban to do a locum that was 33 years ago and the rest is history ! 
I love Optometry  there are always new scientific  technological advances and new challenges. We strive to adapt, understand and apply these . Spectacle Frame Fashions are always evolving  .My passion is to combine my knowledge of both these aspects of Optometry in Prescribing the Ultimate Pair of Spectacles for  a patient.

Nicolette Raubenheimer
B. OPTOM (UDW) MC OPTOM UK

My name is Nicolette Raubenheimer and I have lived in Durban North most of my life. I went to Durban Girls college and then studied at UKZN. I am married and have 3 boys. In my early years as an optometrist I decided to work in the UK and had to retrain again in Wales and then worked in London with some big chains for several years before heading back and getting married. I then worked for two experienced Ophthalmologists for a few years and gained a wealth of knowledge there after that I started a behavioural children’s practice before selling it back to my partner .

​I have over 22 years experience and really enjoy working with challenging cases and seeing Children. I work In  two of the Optical Emporio branches in Amanzimtoti and Durban North. I believe that whole patient care and service is of the utmost importance when dealing with customers.

Kelly Brown
B.OPTOM UDW. CAS. SA. MC OPTOM UK

My name is Kelly Brown. I am a mom of two daughters, Amy and Tayla and my husband Douglas runs his own ready mix concrete company.  I studied my optometry degree at UKZN. I am also qualified to practice in the UK.

​I have worked in optometry for 18 years, and been with Philip for over 10 of those. I love being in his vibrant practices, working between both his Durban north and mount edgecombe practices.   We provide a very personalised service and pride ourselves on that. I love meeting new people. As well as dealing with new challenges every day.

Meet Our Team

Lyn Landman

Practice Manager
Durban North

Lisa Corejees

Practice Manager
Mount Edgecombe

Hannelien Strauss

Practice Manager
​Amanzimtoti

Abegail Strauss

Optical Assistant
​Amanzimtoti

Praneshnee Maistry

Optical Assistant
Mount Edgecombe