Retinal Realities

Hello and welcome to Retinal Realities, the podcast where we challenge perceptions, celebrate resilience, and amplify voices from the visually impaired community and beyond. In honour of Women’s Month in South Africa, today’s episode shines a light on a woman whose story embodies strength,spirit, and unstoppable determination.

Meet Kathleen Flanagan — or as her friends call her, Kat. At 39, she’s a powerhouse of athletic achievement and quiet courage. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of five, Kat has never been able to see in the dark, yet she’salways seen possibility. From climbing trees and playing tennis with neighbours to earning a President’s Award and completing her BTech in fashion design, Kat’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She holds a degree in accounting, works in tax, and has danced ballroom routines on stage. But her true passion? Sport.

She’s conquered marathons, ultra trail runs, and triathlons — including her first full Ironman in March this year, with another on the horizon.

This episode is a tribute to women like Kat — women who run, swim, lift, and rise. Women who redefine what’s possible.

So let’s dive into her story and celebrate the power of women who dare to dream beyond sight.

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.

Welcome to another powerful episode of Retinal Realities, where we explore vision loss, resilience, and the human spirit.

In this heartfelt conversation, we meet Alexandra Makhlouf an artist and aspiring therapist based in Johannesburg. She has exhibited her work both locally and internationally. After experiencing significant vision loss in adulthood, Alexandra shifted her attention to psychology, completing an Honours degree with distinction at the University of the Witwatersrand.

She has an interest in working at the intersection of mental health and disability, currently volunteering as a lay counsellor with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and recently having launched an online mental health support group for people living with disabilities.

Whether you live with vision loss or support someone who does, this episode is a tribute to vulnerability, perseverance, and the healing power of human connection.

Visit our website at www.retinasa.org.za for more information.

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.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of RetinalRealities, the podcast that brings you stories of strength, insight, and perseverance from the world of vision loss.

Today, we pause to honour International Yoga Day, celebrated globally on June 21st — a day that highlights yoga’s power to unite body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga transcends boundaries,offering inner peace and balance in a world full of noise.

In this special episode, we’re joined by an extraordinary guest: Claudette Medefindt, the Secretary of Retina South Africa and a seasoned yoga teacher who radiates calm, wisdom, and strength. Claudette’s journey is a beautiful blend of resilience and mindfulness — one that bridges her passion for yoga with her experience of living with vision loss.

Together, we’ll explore how yoga can be a healing force —not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too — and learn a few simple practices you can begin using right away, wherever you are.

So, settle in, take a deep breath... and let’sdive into this powerful conversation with Claudette. Namaste!

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.

🌟 Rare Disease Day 2025 - Shining a Light on Rare Retinal Diseases! 🌟

This Rare Disease Day (28 Feb 2025), Retina South Africa highlights the challenges and breakthroughs in rare retinal diseases with expert Claudette Medefindt on our latest podcast episode! 🎙️

🔍 Did you know?
👁️ Rare retinal diseases affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people.
🧬Genetic testing is key to accurate diagnosis, with over 300 genes linked to these conditions.
💡Exciting advancements like gene therapy & CRISPR bring hope for future treatments!

💙 Managing life with a rare retinal disease? Prioritize healthy living, screen breaks, and expert guidance—and remember, you're not alone! Retina SA is here to support you.

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.

In the latest episode of the Retinal Realities Podcast, Gavin and Karen sit down with Joel Zeijlstra, one of our incredible members who competed in the para category at the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight 2024. 🚴‍♂️✨

Joel opens up about the challenges he faced on his journey and what inspired him to take part in this amazing event.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

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 Retina Day special edition of the Retinal Realities Podcast, we are honoured to have Claudette, Victoria, and Lindiwe, our dedicated patient advocates.

This year’s theme is “Love Your Eyes - Kids: Focusing on Children,” and it’s a call to action we cannot ignore.

At Retina South Africa, we’ve observed some concerning trends affecting children’s eye health that could have lasting impacts on their futures. With the explosion of screen time from devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers, the benefits of technology are clear, but so are the risks.

Tune in as we explore these vital topics and offer actionable advice to safeguard our children’s vision. Your involvement can significantly impact the eye health of future generations. Don’t miss out!

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.

“Blind people have dreams as big as sighted people, and if they have the determination and courage to pursue those dreams, why stop them?” – Leanne Hunt

Join us in this episode of the Retinal Realities Podcast as we chat with Leanne Hunt, the author of What Every Blind Person Needs You to Know. Leanne shares how her experiences with vision loss inspired her to write this insightful handbook, this handbook is designed to show families, friends and colleagues of the visually impairedhow to offer support without being patronising.

Leanne is living with Stargardt’s disease, a retinal condition that progressively leads to blindness.

She has self-published several books, volunteered at various non-profit organizations, pursued a master’s degree, and written on a wide range of topics. Leanne’s accomplishments are a testament to her resilience and passion.

Leanne’s book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/What-Every-Blind-Person-Needs/dp/1535454504

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.

Welcome to today’s episode of our podcast!

Retina South Africa is led by a management committee of eight members, including five passionate and strong women dedicated to transforming the lives of countless South Africans affected by retinal disorders. Among these inspiring women is Mariza Jurgens, the Deputy Chair of Retina South Africa, who lives with Cone Rod Dystrophy. Her life and achievements are a testament to her unwavering spirit.

On National Women’s Day, August 9th, we applauded Mariza Jurgens for her recent appointment to the World Health Organisation’s advisory group on assistive technology. Mariza has been instrumental in advocating for the South African Revenue Services to make online tax filing accessible to visually impaired individuals.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Mariza’s journey, her advocacy work, and the incredible impact she continues to make in the lives of many.

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

Welcome to our special International Yoga Day podcast. Today, we are honoured to share a truly inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and inner strength. Yoga is notjust a practice; it is a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. This journey is especially poignant for our guest, a remarkable yoga teacher who has faced the challenges of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that has gradually taken her vision but never her spirit.

Through the art and discipline of yoga and mindfulness, she has found a sanctuary of peace, a source of unwavering strength, and a pathway to acceptance and joy.

Join us as we delve into her extraordinary journey, exploring how yoga has not only grounded her but also empowered her to embrace life with courage andpositivity.

Today, we celebrate the transformative power of yoga and the indomitable human spirit, exemplified by our guest Claudette Medefindt's incredible story.

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.

On this Youth Day, Sonya, our Youth Team Leader, hosts Nicholas Dedekind on the Youth Edition of the Retinal Realities Podcast. Nicholas, a 24-year-old male living with Stargardt’s disease, recently graduated with honors in Economics (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria. Currently, he works as an intern economist in Johannesburg. Notably, Nicholas achieved a gold medal in the B3 Men’s singles event while representing the South African Invitational Bowls team at this year’s IBD World Championships.

Join Retina South Africa for a day of fun and fundraising at our Bowls for Sight Day on the 28 July 2024.

For more information about the event, visit our website at https://retinasa.org.za/events/bowls-for-sight/.

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.