Dr. Isabel Pinxten
Dr. Isabel Pinxten is an ophthalmologist, cataract surgeon and refractive surgeon. She is head of the ophthalmology department at AZ Zeno hospital (Knokke and Blankenberge campuses) and a board member of the Laser Vision Clinics (Ghent & Antwerp).
Dr. Isabel Pinxten specialised in general ophthalmology at UZ Leuven and at the Middelheim hospital in Antwerp. She then completed advanced training as a cataract surgeon and refractive surgeon.
She has dedicated herself to this field for many years and continues to train through international courses and conferences — guaranteeing her patients the best possible care with the most advanced techniques.
Dr. Pinxten started her career at UZ Leuven, performing surgical procedures and refractive laser treatments, and gained broad experience in several ophthalmology practices in the Leuven region. In 2019 she opened her own practice in Knokke-Heist.
Today she is head of the ophthalmology department at AZ Zeno hospital (Knokke and Blankenberge campuses), where she co-coordinates general and surgical ophthalmology. She is also a board member of the Laser Vision Clinics, Belgium's largest laser centre, with sites in Ghent (Zwijnaarde) and Antwerp (Deurne). Laser eye procedures are mostly performed at LaserVisionClinic Ghent.
Every year, Dr. Pinxten performs more than 700 procedures — cataract surgery at AZ Zeno and refractive laser treatments at the Laser Vision Clinic.
She is a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) and a member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).
Education & career
- 2025 – present
Head of ophthalmology, AZ Zeno (Knokke & Blankenberge campuses)
- 2024 – present
Board member of the Laser Vision Clinics — Belgium's largest laser centre, with sites in Ghent (Zwijnaarde) and Antwerp (Deurne)
- 2019 – present
Private ophthalmology practice in Knokke-Heist (Duinenwater), affiliated with AZ Zeno and partner of the Laser Vision Clinics.
- 2015 – 2019
Specialist physician at UZ Leuven: cataract surgery and refractive laser treatments at UZ Sint-Pieter and UZ Gasthuisberg
- 2017
Training at the University Laser Centre UZ Leuven under Prof. Dr. B. Foets
- 2016
ESASO course on cataract surgery and intraocular refractive surgery, Lugano (Switzerland)
- 2015
Fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery, Park Leopold Clinic Brussels & Brussels Eye Doctors. LASIK Refractive Surgery course, Moorfields Eye Hospital London (UK)
- 2014
European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) exam
- 2011 – 2014
Specialty training in ophthalmology, KU Leuven and AZ Middelheim Antwerp
- 2009 – 2010
Specialty year in general surgery, KU Leuven
- 2009
Microsurgery course, Université Libre de Bruxelles
- 2002 – 2009
Medical studies, KU Leuven — graduated with great distinction
Cataract and refractive surgery
After her training as a general ophthalmologist, Dr. Pinxten specialised further as an eye surgeon. At UZ Leuven she performed cataract surgery and laser eye treatments.
Since 2019 she has been affiliated with AZ Zeno (Knokke and Blankenberge), where she is now head of department. The Knokke practice is equipped with the latest technology for diagnostics and refractive surgery.
As a board member of the Laser Vision Clinics (Ghent & Antwerp), she is closely involved in the continued development of refractive surgery in Belgium. Laser procedures are mainly performed at the Ghent (Zwijnaarde) site.
- AZ Zeno — head of department
Coordination of the ophthalmology department at the Knokke and Blankenberge campuses: general ophthalmology, cataract surgery and eye emergencies. More than 700 procedures per year across AZ Zeno and the Laser Vision Clinic.
- Laser Vision Clinics — board member
Board member of Belgium's largest laser centre, with sites in Ghent (Zwijnaarde) and Antwerp (Deurne). Procedures mainly at LaserVisionClinic Ghent.
- Knokke-Heist practice
Fully equipped practice in Duinenwater with OCT, topography, biometry and digital eye examinations.
- Continuous training
Annual international conferences (ESCRS, ASCRS) and hands-on training to keep offering the latest techniques.