Dear Friends,

As the leaves turn and the air carries the promise of Autumn, we find ourselves reflecting on the year that has been and the months that lie ahead. It’s been a year of challenges and triumphs, of coming together, and of finding new ways to support each other and our cause.

In the spirit of looking forward, we’re excited to invite you to a night of music and camaraderie at the Barnyard Theatre for a charity concert. It’s a chance to enjoy some fantastic performances while contributing to a great cause. Please find details inside this edition.

On a note of celebration, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Manny Moodley on his appointment as CEO. Manny’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to the leadership he will bring to our community.

As we move on to winter, let’s continue to support each other and the mission of Retina South Africa. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by retinal diseases.

Warm regards,

Mariza Jurgens
Editor

We’ve Changed Our Contact Details – Here’s How to Reach Us

NEW CONTACT NUMBERS

We’re excited to share that we’ve updated our contact numbers and introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line for even more convenient communication!

You can now reach us at 010 497 9489 for all inquiries and support. Additionally, we’re available on WhatsApp at 082 074 7116—feel free to send us a message!

Please note that we no longer have our ShareCall number, so kindly update your records and save our new contact details. We value every conversation with you and look forward to staying connected!

LATEST NEWS

Finding My Purpose – by Manny Moodley

Life is full of challenges.

Some are like gentle whispers, while others are like raging storms.

But it’s in these moments of adversity that we’re given a choice:

let the flames consume us or find purpose in the fire.

As a young child of eight years old, being diagnosed with a rare, untreatable visual condition (Stargardt Disease) which can lead to blindness is a terrifying position to be in, which left me feeling like the world was crumbling around me.

When faced with obstacles, it’s easy to feel lost and uncertain.

But what if we flipped the script?

MY JOURNEY

A New Dawn for Disability Rights in South Africa

Proposed Disability Bill: A Step Towards Inclusion

Exciting developments are underway that could transform the lives of persons with disabilities, including our blind and visually impaired community.

The Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities Bill, published by the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) on October 1, 2024, is a landmark draft legislation aimed at fulfilling South Africa’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

This Bill is a great development, and we encourage our members to engage with its development.

What does the Bill aim to achieve?

READ MORE

Seeing Beyond: Innovation and Inclusion Shine at the ‘Beyond Sight’ Exhibition

The National Council for the Blind’s Beyond Sight exhibition was a vibrant showcase of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration. Held in an atmosphere buzzing with energy and curiosity, the event brought together people from all walks of life to explore the latest in assistive technology and gain new insights into life with visual impairment.

From the moment attendees stepped through the doors, the exhibition offered an immersive and highly interactive experience. Assistive devices were not just on display—they were in action.

Visitors had the chance to try out a wide range of tools designed to enhance independence for people with visual impairments. From cutting-edge screen readers and magnification tools to wearable tech and accessible mobile apps, the technology on show opened eyes to what’s possible.

FULL STORY HERE

The Dis-Chem Foundation Swing For Sight Golf Day 2025 – Sponsorships Still Available!

We’re thrilled to share that all 4-balls for The Dis-Chem Foundation Swing For Sight Golf Day are officially sold out – thank you for the incredible show of support!

But here’s your chance to still stand out: a limited number of hole sponsorships are available, offering your brand exclusive exposure at one of Gauteng’s most trusted and well-loved charity golf events.

Date: Tuesday, Sep 02, 2025
Venue: Royal Johannesburg Golf Club – East and West Courses
Tee-off: 11:00 Shotgun Start
Purpose: Fundraising for sight-saving research and Retina SA’s advocacy work

Sponsorship Options – Limited Holes Available

• Manned Hole – R7 000
  Includes lunch for 4 and branding at your hole – ideal for networking and brand activation.

• Branding Hole – R3 500
  Your signage featured at a tee box – perfect for visibility on the day.

Smart Business. Big Impact.

✅ Claim your Section 18A tax deduction
✅ Boost your brand visibility
✅ Align with purpose-driven leaders

Bookings & Queries: events@retinasa.org.za

Let’s drive awareness, inspire generosity, and change lives – together on the fairway.

A Partnership That Truly Matters

What are markable trio—Retina South Africa, Scottish Masons, and Rotary—coming together to create something truly special. Rotary takes pride in supporting deserving causes like Retina, and this collaboration has been nothing short of inspiring.

The Retina SA Bowls Team with their directors standing together on a sunny lawn bowls green. Two logos appear in the image: one in the top left for ‘Save Our Sight’ and another at the bottom for ‘Retina South Africa and Knights of Pendragon This time, we had the pleasure of not only giving but also receiving—sharing in your joy, your company, and the incredible impact of our combined efforts.

We wholeheartedly endorse and celebrate this partnership, knowing that together, we make a real difference.

Andrew Paschalides, President, The Rotary Club of Knights Pendragon

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS CALENDAR

1 June 2025 – Supertroopers Concert – Barnyard Theatre – Emperors Palace

2 September 2025 – Swing for Sight Annual Golf Day

16 November 2025 – 947 Ride Joburg, Ride For A Purpose

In Sight and In Support – Nurture Vision Joins our Mission.

We are proud to welcome Nurture Vision as a sponsor of the Out of Sight newsletter—partnering with us in the shared mission to protect vision, raise awareness, and support South Africans living with retinal conditions.

A Message from the Nurture Vision Team

“Nurture Vision is a proudly South African wellness company committed to advancing eye health through targeted nutritional support. We are the first in South Africa to introduce a Triple Carotenoid eye supplement, scientifically formulated with lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. These macular carotenoids work together to protect the retina from oxidative damage and harmful blue light, while supporting sharper, more resilient vision.

Unlike standard formulations, our triple carotenoid blend offers enhanced macular protection—supporting the part of the eye responsible for detailed and colour vision. With increasing digital exposure and lifestyle-related eye strain, we believe in empowering South Africans to take a proactive, informed approach to visual health.

We are proud to sponsor the Out of Sight newsletter, as Retina South Africa’s work aligns deeply with our values of education, early intervention, and advocacy for those living with retinal conditions. This collaboration reflects our belief that meaningful change begins with awareness. Nurture Vision stands firmly behind the mission to protect sight—one supplement, and one story, at a time.”

Retina SA Disclaimer

Information disseminated by Retina South Africa is for information purposes only. Readers must discuss any intervention with their Eye Care Practitioner. Information in this Out of Sight Newsletter does not imply that Retina South Africa endorses any particular therapy, intervention or medication. Retina South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided in this newsletter.

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