Dr Laura Redman
MBChB, FCS (SA), Cert Vascular Surgery, MMED
Vascular and General Specialist Surgeon
Dr Laura Redman is a qualified Specialist Surgeon both in General and Vascular Surgery. She has also completed a Master’s Degree in Medicine. Dr Redman has focused her practice on and developed a Centre of Excellence in Veins, Lymphoedema and Wounds as well as Cardiovascular Prevention. She has travelled abroad multiple times to ensure the Centre is up to date with the latest intervention, is connected to an International Network and aims to ensure the OptiVein Centre is equal to leading centres worldwide.
Dr Gareth Tjasink
MBChB, FC Plast
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
As a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who holds Fellowship of the South African College of Plastic Surgeons, Dr Tjasink is a skilled plastic surgeon in Cape Town based at the Chris Barnard Memorial Hospital. He began his undergraduate studies in the USA and completed his MBCHB at the University of Cape Town. He subsequently went on to further his post graduate studies in General surgery at the university of the Witwatersrand, and completed his specialisation in Plastic and reconstruction at WITS. His philosophy is a patient based approach to both cosmetics and reconstruction, where knowledge is imparted to afford the patient the best possible choices for a natural and safe cosmetic result.
Dr Tjasink is a specialist Cosmetic and Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon and is a member of:
- APRSSA (Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa)
- ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
- SABS and sits on the executive committee for the South African Burns society
- GALDERMA KOL & National Trainer, training GPs and specialists safe and natural techniques for injectables.
In addition to his private practice at the Netcare Chris Barnard Memorial Hospital with Optivein he performs cosmetic surgeries at the Alchimia Clinic in Kloof street in Cape Town.
PhilosophyOften the best surgeon is one that knows when not to operate, Dr Tjasink’s philosophy is one that adheres to this dictum. Realistic natural and safe results are his goals. A patient should be noticed for all the right reasons, and not because their appearance has drastically changed or looks unnatural. The best version of you is our goal. Ensuring that all his patients feel comfortable and confident on every level that they are in capable hands is something we strive for. Multiple consultations are encouraged prior to a surgery and he actively encourages a second visit to answer any additional questions that may be lingering or unclear.
Dr Gavin Wyndham Jones
MBBCh(WITS), DA(UK), FRCA(UK), MBA(UCT), FCA(SA), MMEd(UKZN)
Specialist Anaesthetist
Completed undergraduate medical training at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1991.
Dr Jones spent 4 years working in anaesthesia in the UK and successfully completed the British Fellowship in London. During his time abroad he also worked as a ship’s physician with P&O / Princess and Carnival Cruise lines for approximately 4 years. Dr Jones returned to South Africa in 2002 and completed an MBA at the GSB (Graduate School of Business UCT) and worked for the pharmaceutical industry in various capacities for 8 years.
He returned to clinical medicine in 2011 and after completing his South African Fellowship in Anaesthesia and Masters of Medicine Diploma, has been working full time in private practice since 2015. He is actively involved with Operation Smile, an organization that provides comprehensive cleft care around the world and he is the Regional Medical Officer for Operation Smile Southern Africa. He is currently an associate with ACT (Anaesthesia Cape Town) practicing mostly in the Southern Suburbs and Central Cape Town areas and has special interests in Plastic, Vascular, ENT, Maxillofacial, Orthopaedic and Trauma surgery.
Dr Jones has worked with Dr Redman since the inception of the Vein and Lymphatic Centre and through the development of OptiVein. He is skilled in all the peri-operative management of all venous and lymphatic problems and has been part of developing peri-operative protocols for the specific venous and lymphatic conditions. Dr Jones, an elite athlete, has also encouraged Dr Redman’s development of intravenous nutrition tailored to sport. Dr Jones takes a great interest in all his patients and is fully dedicated to optimal outcomes. He is an integral part of the OptiVein Team!
Gcina “Khaya” Seleteng
Vascular Clinical Technologist
Gcina “Khaya” Seleteng is a qualified Vascular Technologist. He completed a National Diploma in Clinical Technology at the Durban University of Technology and subsequently specialised in the Vascular Laboratory. Khaya also trained as a cardiac perfusionist (the person who controls the bypass machine in open heart surgery) and thus has a great love for the entire cardiovascular system. Khaya has a great academic interest and has published a paper on venous disease in veins . Khaya takes a great interest in veins, takes his time to perform detailed & accurate scans and has helped developed most of the vein protocols with Dr Redman, working closely alongside her on all aspects of vein management.
Lizelle Harriesunker
Clinical Associate
Lizelle Harriesunker completed her Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). Her broad clinical training has given her a strong foundation in patient assessment and a holistic, compassionate approach to care. She has a particular clinical interest in vascular and lymphatic disorders, lipoedema and long-term patient management.
Within OptiVein, Lizelle is closely involved in the care of lipoedema patients, supporting assessment, clinical management, patient education, multidisciplinary coordination, and ongoing follow-up. She works closely with Dr Laura Redman to ensure continuity of care and individualised treatment plans throughout the patient journey.
Her role is intentionally broad, allowing her to support both the lipoedema and venous sides of the practice. She is currently learning sclerotherapy under the supervision of Dr Redman and assists with the clinical care of venous patients, including assessment and peri-procedural support.
Lizelle has also recently completed training on the Harmony XL Pro laser platform and will be supporting the development of the aesthetic and lifestyle side of OptiVein. She will also be involved in the Healthy Heart Assessment initiative and, as the clinic expands its IV treatment services, will assist with these services as part of the wider clinical team.
Known for her approachable, compassionate and patient-centred manner, Lizelle brings an all-round clinical perspective to the practice. Her focus is on ensuring that patients feel informed, supported and well cared for across their OptiVein journey.
Tara Munro
Occupational Therapist & Certified Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Therapist
Tara Munro completed her Degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cape Town in 2020. She is also a certified Lymphoedema Therapist and a member of the Lymphoedema Association of South Africa. Tara is also due to complete both her Specialist Lipoedema Management Course and Advanced Lymphoedema Therapist Review Course in August.
Tara has joined the OptiVein team with a special interest in lymphoedema, lipoedema, and peri-operative care, particularly in supporting patients before and after vascular, lymphatic, and body-contouring procedures. She works closely within both the Lipoedema Acute Care Programme and the Lipoedema Maintenance Programme, helping patients through the different stages of their treatment journey.
Her background as an occupational therapist adds a valuable functional perspective to lymphatic care. This means she not only focuses on swelling and tissue symptoms, but also on improving movement, daily function, comfort, independence, confidence, and quality of life.
Tara is caring, thorough, and patient-centred in her approach. She works closely with the OptiVein team to provide individualised lymphatic therapy, compression guidance, tissue support, scar management, peri-operative support, and practical long-term strategies for symptom control and maintenance. She is passionate about helping patients feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their care.
OptiVein Administration Team
Alison Kilian
OptiVein Clinical Manager
Alison is our multi-talented problem solver who has a love for all things medical; and an even stronger love for helping patients. She is efficient and willing to assist in all aspects of the practice running.
She is qualified in both ophthalmic dispensing and dental nursing and has developed a love for veins and lymphatic surgery, many of which she has observed. Alison will rise to any challenge presented and actively seeks out new opportunities to learn.
Alison’s key strength is her people skills and she will assist patients with their journey from the time of booking to the post procedural healing, being a key player in the OptiVein Team.
Felicia Rantaoleng
OptiVein Practice Administrator
With a National Diploma in Public Management, brings professionalism, organisation and a warm, caring presence to our practice.
As our Practice Administrator, she is often the first friendly face our patients meet. Known for her welcoming smile and approachable nature, she strives to make every patient feel comfortable, valued and well cared for from the moment they arrive.
Her dedication, attention to detail and genuine love for working with people make her an important part of our team.
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