Stephen COOK

Dr. Stephen Cook (MBBCh, FCS (Ophth(SA), FGS is a General Ophthalmologist based in East London, South Africa.

Dr. Cook works in private practice. He also holds a position as a lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, and as a part-time Consultant at the Frere-Cecelia Makiwane Hospital Complex. Dr. Cook’s areas of specialization include Glaucoma Surgery, Vitreoretinal surgery, and Oculoplastic Surgery. He has served on the National executive comittees of these fields.

Dr. Cook has interests in the development and delivery of screening services. He developed the Glaucomascore model, a tool designed to aid non-medical graders in identifying Glaucoma and informing appropriate referrals to Ophthalmology. He developed the “Screen for life” program, which emphasizes the importance of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening as a biomarker for systemic neuro-vasculopathy as a medical imperative at the primary care level. He has an active interest in employing AI to derive ocular and systemic outputs for occult disease.

In the surgical arena, Dr. Cook specializes in the interface between Vitreo-retinal and Glaucoma surgery, with particular expertise in the placement of tube shunts during vitreoretinal procedures. His advocacy for the concept of prophylactic tube shunts in non-glaucomatous eyes sparks valuable discussions within the field.

He is a family man, an avid sports enthusiast who engages in activities such as stand-up-paddle surfing, doubles squash, padel and raquetball. He enjoys pottery, photography, poetry, and fly-fishing. His contributions to both the medical field and his personal interests showcase a remarkable individual dedicated to improving healthcare and enriching his life through diverse experiences.