Dr Nicky Cockburn is an award-winning ophthalmologist with over 20 years of experience, combining clinical excellence with a passion for advancing public eye health. She graduated from the University of Cape Town in 1991 with an MBChB (First Class Honours), achieving distinction in both her pre-clinical and clinical years. She was awarded the University Gold Medal in Medicine and the Barnard Fuller Prize as the best overall student.
After eight years of work across various medical specialties and in general practice, she began her specialist training in Ophthalmology at Groote Schuur Hospital in 2000. Drawn to ophthalmology for its unique balance of medicine, surgery, diagnostic precision, and microsurgical skill, Dr Cockburn qualified as a specialist in 2004. She went on to serve as a Consultant at Groote Schuur Hospital for eight years, leading the Cornea and External Eye Diseases Unit and co-heading the Oculoplastics, Lacrimal, and Orbital Unit.
She played a key role in expanding public-sector access to eye care, including the establishment of a full-time Eye Clinic and Cataract Surgery Service at Eersteriver Hospital—now recognised as South Africa’s flagship centre for high-volume cataract surgery. In 2007/2008, she completed a Master’s in Community Eye Health with Distinction at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, strengthening her expertise in public health approaches to ophthalmology.
Her clinical interests include anterior segment diseases (cataract, cornea, and ocular inflammation), oculoplastics and lid surgery, as well as medical retina.
Outside of medicine, Dr Cockburn is married with three children. She enjoys hiking, photography, and playing chess.
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Contact Dr Nicky Cockburn
Tel: 021 824 1203 | Email: reception@drcockburn.co.za
Consulting hours: Mon-Thurs: 8h00-17h00 | Fridays: 8h00-16h00
Closed on public holidays.
