Dear Retina South Africa Members and Supporters,

As we hit the middle of Eye Care Awareness Month, I’m thrilled this edition of the Out Of Sight lands right in the heart of it. Keep an eye out for Retina South Africa’s latest updates on World Retina Week; there’s plenty to inspire us all.

Over the next few months, we’re diving into some exciting events!

• First up, join our team for the Ride Joburg; sign-up to cycle with Retina and make a difference.
• We’re also gearing up for the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight on 15 February; early bookings open in late October, so stay tuned!
• Also, look out for our inaugural Padel for Sight event on the 22nd of October; Get your friends to join you for a lovely day supporting Retina South Africa!
• Plus, the Zanzibar Raffle is still live; grab those tickets now!

Thanks for being part of our mission. Let’s keep raising awareness and having fun doing it.

Greetings!

Mariza Jurgens

The Editor

WORLD RETINA WEEK (21 TO 28 SEPTEMBER) & EYE CARE AWARENESS MONTH (21 SEPTEMBER – 18 OCTOBER)

Love Your Eyes – Test Your Eyes

Your eyes deliver 80% of the sensory information your brain uses—yet many visual problems go unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s why early detection matters.

During World Retina Week, Retina South Africa, Vision Works, and the South African Optometric Association offered free vision screenings nationwide. It was a powerful reminder that protecting your sight starts with a simple check.

Although World Retina Week has ended, the momentum continues through Eye Care Awareness Month this October.
It’s time to act: Love Your Eyes. Test Your Eyes.

Book your eye screening through a participating Vision Works Optometrist, or with a member optometrist of the South African Optometric Association, to request a list of participating members. Email info@saoa.co.za.

And for families with young children, Vision Works Optometrists is offering a FREE comprehensive eye test for children aged 6 to 12 years as part of their “Kids See Free 6–12” campaign.

This offer includes:

✅ A FREE eye test

✅ FREE Single Vision standard lenses

✅ FREE frame from a selected range

Terms & Conditions Apply

Non-Visual Desktop Access: Empowering Blind Users Worldwide

Developed in 2006 by blind Australian programmer Michael Curran, NVDA emerged as a free alternative to costly screen readers, initially coded in Python for Windows compatibility. Co-founded with James Teh, NV Access, the nonprofit behind it, released its first public version in 2007, now supporting over 55 languages and serving users in 175 countries. Regular updates, like the August 2025 release, enhance braille display integration and touch gestures, funded entirely by donations, corporate grants, and volunteer contributions, no commercial ties.

For professionals with visual impairments, downloading NVDA is straightforward: visit nvaccess.org, locate the download section, and install via a browser or with sighted assistance; USB portability adds flexibility. It requires Windows seven or later, one gigabyte of RAM, a standard processor like Intel Core i-three, and basic audio output-minimal footprint at about twenty megabytes, making it ideal for seamless workplace adoption. This open-source gem keeps independence front and center.

To get started learning NVDA right here in South Africa  email principal@sancb.org.za to ask about Optima College’s in-person course; they run hands-on sessions tailored for us. For free step-by-step videos, head to the American Council for the Blind’s site-just search ‘AFB NVDA tutorials,’ they’ll pop up with clear guides. And on Udemy, get ‘NVDA All the Way’ by following this link: udemy.com/course/nvda-all-the-way; it’s packed with beginner to pro tips, usually at an affordable price.

News from Retina International Retina 

International Mental Health Study

Retina International has launched a global Mental Health Study to make psychosocial support as central to eyecare as genetics and diagnostics.

This patient-led initiative spans the USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with future phases extending to underrepresented regions. The study addresses the psychological burden of Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs), including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and will provide policy-ready outcomes to inform support services, clinical care, and workplace accommodations.

Are you a person living with an Inherited Retinal Degeneration?

Please help Retina International by completing an online survey that aims to understand the mental and emotional impact of IRDs. You can help shape the future of mental health support in the IRD community. This survey will close on 15th November 2025.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Retina International Youth Conference Recap

On Saturday, 27 September, young advocates from around the world gathered for an inspiring afternoon of learning and connection.

WATCH THE FULL SESSION

WESTERN CAPE OUTREACH

Cape Town in Focus: Building Bridges Through Retinal Outreach

– by Karen Denton (Head of Advocacy and Awareness)

Recently, a small but passionate team—Manny Moodley, Claudette Medefindt, Linsay Engelbrecht, and I, Karen Denton—embarked on an unforgettable outreach journey in Cape Town, all with a shared purpose: to connect with and support those navigating the world of retinal visual impairment.

Our outreach work truly began almost as we landed:

Our first stop: the Cape Town Society for the Blind. What a vibrant, thoughtful group! We spent time presenting, listening, sharing, and exchanging ideas around eye care—each story and voice adding something valuable to the experience.

I then attended the IFA Global Conference on Ageing, where I had the honour of presenting two talks close to our hearts:

• “The Silent Threat on Our Plates: Food Devolution and the Rise of Macular Degeneration and Dementia”
• “When the Brain Fills the Gaps: The Strange World of Charles Bonnet Syndrome”

The response was deeply encouraging—engaged audiences, lively panel discussions, and thought-provoking questions that reminded me why these conversations are so needed. During breaks and mealtimes, I was approached regularly by people wanting to know more, and have even been contacted since for more interaction, sharing and building global relationships.

READ MORE

FOUR SAVE OUR SIGHT CAMPAIGN NEEDS YOU! Our Save Our Sight Campaign is more than a fundraising effort—it’s a movement for empowerment, inclusion, and hope. THE HEART OF OUR WORK Celebrating the people who power our purpose Every third edition, we’ll be shining a light on one of the incredible staff members or volunteers who make our work possible. From behind-the-scenes champions to frontline changemakers, this series is our way of saying thank you—and sharing the stories that inspire us all.   In this edition, we’re honoured to spotlight Claudette Medefindt—one of the founding members of Retina South Africa and a lifelong advocate for people with inherited retinal conditions. Claudette’s passion for the science of retinal degeneration has driven decades of impactful work. She represented South Africa at Retina International and served as Deputy President of the global organisation for ten years, helping shape international research and support networks.   She is also the editor of Retina South Africa’s quarterly E-News publication, which focuses on the science of retinal vision loss and emerging developments in the field. In addition, Claudette serves as Secretary to the Management Committee, a role she has fulfilled with dedication and precision. Remarkably, she has been a full-time volunteer in these capacities for the past 45 years—a testament to her unwavering commitment. As a trained peer counsellor, Claudette offers compassionate guidance to patients navigating genetic retinal diagnoses. Living with a dominant form of Retinitis Pigmentosa herself, she brings both expertise and empathy to her advocacy. Beyond her professional contributions, Claudette is a yoga teacher and an aspiring watercolourist—proof that creativity and resilience go hand in hand. Her legacy is woven into the DNA of Retina South Africa, and her continued service reminds us that progress begins with people who care deeply and act boldly.       ADVERTISMENT   Premium Omega-3 for Visual Clarity and Everyday Vitality At Nurture Vision, we believe in holistic wellness, starting with scientifically backed nutrients that support both eye health and overall well-being.   Our Premium Omega-3 supplement is specifically formulated to deliver a therapeutic daily dose of 2000 mg of fish oil, containing 810 mg of EPA and 612 mg of DHA. These essential fatty acids are well-established in clinical research for their ability to reduce inflammation, support retinal integrity, and relieve dry eye symptoms. DHA plays a vital structural role in the retina, while EPA helps regulate inflammation and promotes healthy tear film stability, making this an ideal solution for those facing screen fatigue, dry eye, or early signs of visual strain. But the benefits go far beyond vision. Omega-3s also contribute to heart health, cognitive function, joint flexibility, skin health, and mood balance; making this supplement a smart, all-round addition to your daily health routine. Nurture Vision Omega-3 is sugar-free, free from heavy metals and contaminants, and manufactured to the highest international quality standards. Whether you’re safeguarding your vision or supporting your overall health, Nurture Vision’s Premium Omega-3 provides a trusted, all-in-one solution for daily, long-term wellness. Available Now: For more info on their full product range, wholesale pricing and retail pricing please reach out to them on: enquiries@nurturevision.co.za You can also visit nurturevision.co.za for more information. UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS Events Calendar 22 October 2025 – Padel for Sight, Play for A Purpose – Modderfontein, Gauteng 26 October 2025 – Ride Joburg, Ride For A Purpose – Gauteng 22 November 2025 – Double Century Tour – Swellendam 15 February 2026 – Dis-Chem Ride for Sight – Gauteng 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. Follow Retina South Africa on Social Media!