Retinal Realities

In this episode of Retinal Realities, we speak with Vuyo — an HR professional currently completing her BCom in Industrial and Organisational Psychology — about being diagnosed with Stargardt disease at 33, considerably later than most people living with this inherited retinal condition. Her diagnosis came unexpectedly, after a routine workplace medical examination flagged an issue with her vision.

Vuyo speaks candidly about the impact on her career, disclosing her diagnosis at work, and how peer support through Retina South Africa's network helped her navigate both her own diagnosis and her son's health journey.

"You need to allow yourself the time to grieve... but don't lose vision of your entire life." — Vuyo

Thank you to Roche Products (Pty) Ltd for sponsoring this wonderful series of Retinal Realities podcasts.Listen and subscribePodcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

"Alone we can do so little, but togetherwe can do so much." — Helen Keller

This June, in celebration of Helen KellerMonth and Helen Keller Day on 27 June, host Karen Denton sits down with Bev Richardson from the Helen Keller Society in Pinelands, Cape Town.

Together they explore the extraordinary life of Helen Keller — the deafblind American woman who learned five languages,earned a university degree, and spent her life fighting for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. And discover how her 1951 visit to Cape Town laid the foundation for the Helen Keller Society, which continues her legacy today through free low vision services, assistive devices, and community support groups across the Cape Peninsula.

A story of determination, empathy, and the power of human connection — this is one episode you won't want to miss.

🎧 All episodes available at www.retinasa.org.za under the Learn tab.

Thank you to Roche Products (Pty) Ltd for sponsoring this wonderful series of Retinal Realities podcasts.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

This Youth Month, we sit down with Karla Rossouw — a 24-year-old marketing graduate, law student, content creator, and fitness enthusiast from Cape Town — who is living with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic visual impairment.In this inspiring conversation, Karla opens up about navigating mainstream schooling with severe vision loss, the role her mom played as her greatest advocate, and how she has learned to embrace assistive devices and ask for help. From running and surfing to building a career in marketing and studying law, Karla is proof that a visual impairment is part of your story — but it doesn't have to be the end of it.She also shares her powerful message to young people with low vision: "Don't let other people's understanding become the understanding that you have of yourself."In this episode we cover:Karla's diagnosis journey and life with Leber's Congenital AmaurosisNavigating mainstream school with low visionAssistive devices and tools that help her dailyStaying active — running, surfing, horse riding and gym accessibility challengesBuilding a career and studying law as a person with a visual impairmentHer dream of becoming a voice and advocate for othersHer message to young South Africans living with low visionKarla has recently been nominated to join the Management Committee of Retina South Africa, where she hopes to be a voice for people living with low vision and help close the gaps in accessibility and inclusion.Thank you to Roche Products (Pty) Ltd for sponsoring this wonderful series of Retinal Realities podcasts.

In this episode of the Retinal Realities Podcast, we speak with Ferdie Danzfuss— software developer, Retina South Africa member, and creator of the Umsizi Reader app.

Ferdi shares his journey of living with Stargardt’s disease and building a successful career in tech, offering practical insights for people with visual impairments pursuing education and employment.We also explore the Umsizi Reader, an innovative, free app designed to improve accessibility in South Africa by supporting all 11 official languages.

This episode showcases how technology and innovation can break barriers and create more inclusive access to information.

🎧 Subscribe to Retinal Realities for more conversations on retinal health, lived experience, and advocacy.
Brought to you by Retina South Africa, with thanks to Roche Products.

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

In this World Health Day episode of Retinal Realities, RetinaSouth Africa explores how healthy lifestyle choices impact not only our overall wellbeing, but our eye health and vision too.

Host Karen is joined by Manny, Victoria, and Lindiwe from Retina South Africa to unpack:

• Why healthy living matters beyond New Year’sresolutions
• The growing impact of lifestyle diseases such asdiabetes, heart disease, and stroke
• The five pillars of a healthy lifestyle,including nutrition, physical activity, tobacco control, responsible alcoholuse, and safe behaviour
• Practical steps to support good eye health,from annual eye tests to nutrition and UV protectionThis episode reminds us that every choice we make, every day, shapesour future health — including our sight.

🎧 Subscribe to Retinal Realities for more conversations on retinal health, lived experience, and advocacy.
Brought to you by Retina South Africa, with thanks to Roche Products.

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

This episode of Retinal Realities features a conversation with Harry Rosen, CEO of the South African Optometric Association. The discussion explores the role of optometrists within the eye care system in South Africa, including how their scope of practice is defined, how equipment standards are regulated, and how referrals work when retinal or other complex conditions are suspected.

The episode also covers:

• Optometrists in the public and private sectors

• Annual eye exam expectations and general screening processes

• The availability and limitations of ready-made readers

• Community outreach initiatives within optometry• The purpose of World Optometry Week

• The growing concern around myopia in children• The role and mandate of the South African Optometric Association

🔗 Learn more at www.retinasa.org.za

📲 Subscribe to Retinal Realities on your favourite podcast platform

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

This episode of Retinal Realities features a conversation with Harry Rosen, CEO of the South African Optometric Association. The discussion explores the role of optometrists within the eye care system in South Africa, including how their scope of practice is defined, how equipment standards are regulated, and how referrals work when retinal or other complex conditions are suspected.The episode also covers:• Optometrists in the public and private sectors• Annual eye exam expectations and general screening processes• The availability and limitations of ready-made readers• Community outreach initiatives within optometry• The purpose of World Optometry Week• The growing concern around myopia in children• The role and mandate of the South African Optometric Association🔗 Learn more at www.retinasa.org.za📲 Subscribe to Retinal Realities on your favourite podcast platformPodcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

November marked both Diabetes Awareness Month and Disability Awareness Month. To reflect on these important observances, Retinal Realities brings you an inspiring conversation with Kaylin Otto, who turned a life-changing diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy into a journey of resilience and purpose.

Hear how Kaylin rebuilt her life, embraced new opportunities, and learned to thrive with vision loss. Her story is filled with hope, practical advice, and a powerful reminder: "Believe in yourself and never give up".

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

In this powerful edition, host Claudette Medefindt sits down with Caryl Baum, a retired lawyer, mother, grandmother, and visionary advocate living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Brought to you by Roche Products South Africa, this episode explores the emotional and practical realities of vision loss — from diagnosis to daily life.

Caryl shares her deeply personal journey, the impact of losing central vision, and the adaptive tools and mindset that help her thrive. From white canes and screen readers to scrapbooking and travel, she proves that vision loss doesn’t mean losing your purpose.Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about retinal health, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical advice. Tune in and be inspired by Caryl’s resilience, humour, and unwavering spirit.

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

In this inspiring episode of Retinal Realities, we sit down with Peter Lindeque, a passionate educator and founder of an online tutoring platform designed for learners with Stargardt’s disease and other visual impairments. Diagnosed at age 10, Peter’s path was shaped by uncertainty, resilience, and the unwavering support of his family. His story is a testament to the power of education—not just as a tool for learning, but as a weapon for transformation.

Peter shares how perseverance and purpose helped him overcome self-doubt and build a mission-driven platform rooted in patience, inclusivity, and lifelong learning.

His philosophy as an educator reminds us that great teachers don’t just teach—they inspire growth, confidence, and possibility.

Tune in to discover how Pieter turned personal challenges into a movement for empowerment, and how his work continues to light the way for learners navigating life withlow vision.

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.