SA to mark World Retina Week

THE Retina SA East Cape Branch is joining more than 40 other countries observing World Retina Week later this week.

Retinal conditions such as Macular Degenerations and Dystrophies, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and other rare conditions cause loss of vision in more than 40-million people worldwide, 150 000 of them in South Africa.

International clinical trials to find effective treatments are showing great promise and Retina South Africa is determined to bring these promising trials to South Africa.

Retina South Africa’s head of sci- ence Claudette Medefindt, who is also deputy president of Retina International, said: “If we can bring promising treatments for retinal blindness to South Africa, we have the potential to save over a million blind years in our young people affected by these genetic conditions.

“We need to do ours – to identify the thousands of young South Africans who could benefit from these exciting new initiatives. We need the support of all South Africans to make the dream of treating retinal blindness a reality in our lifetime.”

As early diagnosis is imperative, Retina SA has partnered with Spec Savers who are offering free retinal screenings to the public during World Retina Week, September 21 to 27.

Retina SA is involved in fundraising money for research and genetic testing for patients.

They annually host events such as the popular “DisChem Ride for Sight” and the SMS campaign where you can SMS the word “DREAM: to 38267 to donate R10 towards finding a cure for retinal blindness.

You can also purchase a raffle ticket to win a Mazda 2 sponsored by the Fury Motor Group.

See pate.

For more information, contact Retina SA on 041-363 0164 or 082-492-2771.

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