Palesa Matsaneng

Palesa qualified with a B.Tech Optometry degree from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in  2008 with a keen interest in contact lenses and ocular pathology. 

She began her career working in Gauteng and the Free State where she later acquired and  rebranded Phafuli Family Optometrists (PFO) in Ladybrand, Free State. Together with Prof.  Wayne Marias, renowned ophthalmologist, who generously offered his time and expertise,  their collaboration enhanced the range of services offered by PFO cementing its reputation as a  practice of excellence in eyecare.

In 2021, whilst on a sabbatical and working at Charl Trichard Optometrists in Bloemfontein, she  seized the opportunity of working at Mullers Optometrists in the Western Cape. Working  closely with Brevan Robinson, a renewed interested in speciality contact lenses was forged.

Additionally, she volunteers at Groote Schuur Hospital’s department of Ophthalmology eye  clinic on a weekly basis assisting with post-surgical refractions.  Palesa runs and manages Help a Hand Foundation based in Ladybrand that provides sports,  health and fitness programs to local schools and the community at large.

She currently curates for Mullers Gallery, founded by Peter Muller in 2015 and nestled within  the historical Art Deco Mullers building on Long-market Street in Cape Town. Drawing  inspiration from her background in optometry, Palesa intuitively understands the profound  value of vision in appreciating the world around us and guided by this insight she curates  exhibitions that not only showcase the talent and ingenuity of local and international artists but  also encourages viewers to engage with art in a way that enriches their visual experience.