Johannesburg, South Africa — From 21 to 27 September 2026, Retina South Africa joins patient and disability organisations around the world in observing World Retina Week, culminating in World Retina Day on Sunday, 27 September. This year’s focus in South Africa is Living Well with Sight Loss — a message of practical hope for anyone diagnosed with a progressive retinal condition.
A diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, diabetic retinopathy or another inherited or acquired retinal condition can feel like the end of independence. Retina South Africa’s message this week is that it is not. With the right information, peer support, assistive technology and, increasingly, medical treatment, people can continue to work, study, raise families and live full lives.
“A progressive retinal condition changes how you see the world. It does not have to take away your place in it. There is support available today, and science is moving faster than many patients realise. Our job is to make sure no South African walks that journey alone.”
Claudette Medefindt
National Secretary and Head of Science, Retina South Africa
Hope that is arriving in the clinic
For decades, many retinal conditions were described as untreatable. That picture is changing. Gene-specific therapies, treatments designed to slow or halt further degeneration, and interventions that can restore useful central or peripheral vision in selected conditions are moving from research laboratories into clinical practice internationally.
Retina South Africa works with researchers at the University of Cape Town and with partners in Retina International to identify the genetic mutations that affect South African families, facilitate genetic testing, and help affected persons understand whether they may qualify for clinical trials or emerging therapies. Genetic testing is often the first practical step towards a future treatment.
The organisation is clear-eyed about access. Not every treatment is available in South Africa yet, and not every condition has a licensed therapy. That is why advocacy for local trials, fair pricing and public-sector access sits alongside day-to-day patient support.
Living well is not a slogan. It is a service.
Founded in 1980 as a patient and disability-led organisation, Retina South Africa remains the only registered non-profit in the country dedicated to people living with retinal disease. It serves all nine provinces, supports more than 3,000 members and volunteers, and offers counselling, education, referrals, disability-grant guidance and community programmes in several South African languages.
That work includes psychosocial support for newly diagnosed families; guidance on low-vision aids and workplace adjustments; para-sport programmes that rebuild confidence and fitness; and a digital workshop series, Living Well with Vision Loss, running through World Retina Week and Eye Care Awareness Month.
“Living well means knowing your rights, knowing your options, and knowing there is a community that understands. Sight loss is not a reason to step out of work, sport or public life. It is a reason to get the right tools and the right people around you.”
Mariza Jürgens
Vice Chairperson, Retina South Africa
A call during World Retina Week
Retina South Africa is urging South Africans to:
- Book a comprehensive eye examination. Retinal disease is often silent until vision is already changing. A charge will apply.
- Register with Retina South Africa if you or a family member has a retinal condition, so you can be informed about support, genetic testing and trial opportunities.
- Talk to children and older relatives about sudden or gradual changes in night vision, central vision or side vision, and seek specialist care promptly.
- Support research and patient services that make both treatment and daily living possible.
FREE retinal screening
This World Retina Week, Retina South Africa, Vision Works and the South African Optometric Association have joined forces to offer FREE retinal screening to all South Africans.
The FREE retinal screening ends on 31 October 2026.
Kids See FREE — ages 6 to 12
Vision Works Optometrists also offer their Kids See FREE comprehensive eye test for children aged 6 to 12 years old.
The offer includes:
- FREE eye test
- FREE single-vision lenses
- FREE frame from a select range
Enquiries and participating practices
To find your nearest Vision Works optometry practice, email hoadmin@visionworksoptom.co.za or call 010 745 0669.
For details of the nearest participating SAOA member, contact Retina South Africa on 011 450 1181 or email headoffice@retinasa.org.za.
World Retina Day is coordinated globally by Retina International, of which Retina South Africa is a founding member. Locally, the week also opens Eye Care Awareness Month.
Spokespeople available for interview
Retina South Africa has spokespeople available throughout World Retina Week.
Claudette Medefindt
Interviews in English · Nationally
National Secretary and Head of Science. Lived experience of
retinitis pigmentosa; authority on retinal science, genetic
testing and emerging treatments.
Mariza Jürgens
Interviews in Afrikaans · Nationally
Vice Chairperson. Lived experience of cone-rod dystrophy;
national advocate for accessibility, assistive technology
and living independently with vision loss.
Manny Moodley
Interviews in English · Nationally
CEO of Retina SA and Vice President of Retina International.
Living with Stargardt disease.
Lindiwe Maredi and Victoria Musimbo
Interviews in vernacular languages
Social workers providing psychosocial support, community
education and counselling for people living with inherited
retinal conditions, diabetic retinopathy and age-related
macular degeneration.
Lauren Jonas
Interviews in the Eastern Cape
Management Committee member and disability-inclusion specialist,
available to speak on regional support, inclusion and living
well with sight loss in the Eastern Cape.
Media contact
Retina South Africa Head Office
Book an eye test
Don’t wait, secure your appointment now and see the world in a whole new way. Book your eye test today!
Email:
headoffice@retinasa.org.za
Helpline:
0860 59 59 59 (South Africa)
Telephone:
+27 11 450 1181
Website:
www.retinasa.org.za
