WORLD RETINA WEEK - "A CURE IN SIGHT"

World Retina Week (19 to 25 September) kicks off Eye Care Awareness month in South Africa.

Retina South Africa is using this opportunity to launch their "A Cure in Sight" awareness campaign. This serves to inform the thousands of South Africans affected by Retinal Blinding conditions of the hope for treatments that the miracle of science offers. Claudette Medefindt, Director for Science of Retina South Africa, and Deputy President of Retina International, says "Clinical trials to treat Stargardt Dystrophy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Leber Congenital Amaurosis and Age Related Macular Degeneration are producing amazing results. With enough support we could bring clinical trials to South Africa". These retinal conditions affect many thousands of South Africans and millions worldwide. Gene therapy, stem cell and artificial retinas and many more innovative therapies are now offering real hope for treatments and cures. However, Retina South Africa would like to warn retinal patients not to resort to any unregistered treatments. Untested stem cell therapy in particular is being offered in South Africa and overseas. These treatments are not backed up by clinical trials or medical data published in a reputable medical journal.

To assist in the early detection of Retinal patients, optometrists are offering free visual screening during Eye Care Awareness Month. Contact your nearest Spec-savers or participating optometrist to make an appointment between 19 September and 15 October.

For more information see www.retinasa.org.za, or to arrange an interview contact:

Claudette Medefindt
Deputy President | Retina International
Director for Science| Retina South Africa
Medefindt@intekom.co.za
Mobile: 0833065262

Rob Kershaw
Special Events and Fundraising Manager | Retina South Africa
Rob.kershaw@retinasa.org.za
Mobile: 0829283766