Dr Chris Gouws did his undergraduate training at Stellenbosch University, and specialised in Ophthalmology at the University of the Free State, obtaining FCS Ophthalmology, and MMed Ophth (cum laude) in 1996.

He has interests in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and trained in VR surgery under Prof Francois Potgieter in Bloemfontein. Dr Gouws is a founding member of Pasteur Eye Centre, where he practices. He is involved in training of registrars in Ophthalmology via workshops, as external examiner, and with registrars who regularly spend a few months observing in theatre.