Retinal Realities

Welcome to the latest episode in the Retinal Realities podcast ‘Hope in Trials: A Stargardt’s Patient’s Perspective’. In this episode we explore the remarkable journey of those who dare to participate in groundbreaking medical trials, we delve into a story that embodies courage, uncertainty, and unwavering hope.

Our journey begins when Melani Nel received that life-changing call. The one that would lead her to a clinical trial for Stargardt’s disease right here in South Africa. Emotions swirled within her—disbelief, excitement, hesitation. After

What if this trial held the key to restoring her vision? Or what if it amounted to nothing more than a hopeful experiment? The possibilities danced in her mind.

At first, a 2-year clinical trial seemed like a very long time, but the months flew by and as she was finishing up with the last tests, she was grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of medical research history. Even though this specific trial didn’t have the outcome she was hoping for, she now knows that there are researchers out there working tirelessly to find a cure for Stargardt’s and

“Medical research isn’t a straight path; it’s a winding journey of discovery, testing, and retesting. And this trial was a beacon—a chance to contribute, to light the way for future generations of young children and teens diagnosed with Stargardt’s.”

Thank you to Roche Products (Pty) Ltd for sponsoring this wonderful series of Retinal Realities podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in. Remember to like and follow us on Facebook @Retinal Realities and Instagram

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 episode of the Retinal Realities Podcast we are joined by Sonya Lee Mahabeer who is an admitted attorney who is passionate about ethics, human rights and commercial law, including financial planning law, ESG and legal education. She is a member of Retina South Africa and is on the Youth and Governance Sub Committees.

11-15 September is National Wills Week, an initiative taken by the Law Society of South Africa to create awareness and education about the need to have a last will and testament.

A will allows you to designate who will receive your assets and property, and how they will be distributed. It also allows you to name a guardian for any minor children, and to appoint an executor to manage the distribution of your estate. Sonya will be discussing why having a will is an important part of estate planning and is essential for ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass away.

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 this episode of the podcast “Through the Looking Glass: Unveiling Low Vision with an Optometry Expert

17 – 23 March is World Optometry Week, with the 23rd being World Optometry Day, the focus is on recognising the contributions of optometrists.

In today’s enlightening episode, we have the privilege of hosting Hazel Sacharowitz, a distinguished Optometrist from the Low Vision Care Centre.

Hazel has over 35 years of experience in the field of low vision including lecturing and training of the Optometry students at the University of Johannesburg. She is well known and respected in her field and has presented at numerous local and international conferences. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and remains passionate about low vision.

Tune in, listen, and let’s explore the world of low vision together. Remember, you’re not alone—we’re here to support you!

Contact Retina South Africa on 0860 59 59 59 or visit our website at www.retinasa.org.za.

This podcast is supported by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.

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 captivating podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of Zaheeda Saloojee Jooma, a true embodiment of bravery and determination. Despite being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition causing damage to the retina, Zaheeda defied the odds andembarked on a cycling adventure just four weeks ago as she geared up to participate in the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight.

For visually impaired individuals like Zaheeda, everyday tasks pose unique challenges, yet she refuses to let her condition hold her back. With George De Goveia as her volunteer pilot on a tandem bicycle, Zaheeda was ready to conquer the ride, putting her trust in someone else’s hands.

The feeling of pride, bravery, and facing fears head-on is palpable in Zaheeda’s story. It takes immense courage to step out of one’s comfort zone, especially when relying on another person for guidance. Yet, Zaheeda’s determination speaks volumes about her resilience and spirit.

Zaheeda’s story serves as an inspiration to us all, urging us to break barriers and embrace inclusivity in para sports. Let’s join hands in supporting initiatives like the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight which strive to create awareness and opportunities for the visually impaired and blind community. This podcast is supported by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.

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.

Today is World Diabetes Day and on the Retinal Realities Podcast, we have a special guest: Gavin van Wyk. Gavin is a SA Diabetes Advocate and a Retina SA Patient Advocate who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 35 years. He has experienced many challenges due to his diabetes, such as losing a lower limb and having low vision from Diabetic Retinopathy.

Gavin is now a volunteer for Retina SA and SweetLife, where he helps other people with diabetes and vision loss. He was a pharmacist assistant at Clicks before he had to retire for medical reasons. He resides in Welkom, Free State with his wife Liza-Marie, who is his pillar of support.

Join Karen and Claudette as they talk to Gavin about his inspiring story of coping with Diabetes and Vision Loss on this podcast. To find out more about Diabetic Retinopathy, you can read this article: https://sweetlife.org.za/what-is-retinopathy/

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.

World Retina Week is observed during the week of 24-30 September, it is observed in more than 40 countries to create awareness about retinal vision loss.

On the podcast today we have two dedicated women who are active members of Retina South Africa, Claudette Medefindt who has a 40-year history and Sonya Lee Mahabeer who has just recently brought her enthusiasm and energy to the organisation.

They each share their story on how they became involved in Retina South Africa.

Should you have a retinal condition or be a family member of a person who has a retinal condition, or a professional who has an interesting or inspiring story to tell please contact Retina SA via our e-mail at [email protected].This podcast is supported by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.

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.

World Retina Week is observed during the week of 24-30 September, it is observed in more than 40 countries to create awareness about retinal vision loss.

On the podcast today we have two dedicated women who are active members of Retina South Africa, Claudette Medefindt who has a 40-year history and Sonya Lee Mahabeer who has just recently brought her enthusiasm and energy to the organisation.

They each share their story on how they became involved in Retina South Africa.

Thank you to Roche Products for sponsoring this wonderful series of Retinal Realities podcasts.

For more information on retinal vision loss and the services offered by Retina South Africa follow us on:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/retinasouthafrica⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/retina-south-africa⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC54Y69fvfcCrsI8WIlFylIQ⁠

Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.co.za/retinasouthafrica⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/Retina__SA⁠

Website: https://www.retinasa.org.za/

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.

Happy Women's Day!

Today is a day to celebrate the amazing women in our lives and to recognize the incredible contributions they make to our world. Let's take a moment to appreciate the strong, resilient, and inspiring women who have made a difference in our lives. Here's to all the women who have made a positive impact on our lives and our world!

On today's podcast Karen and Claudette are joined by one of these amazing women, Dr Farah Moti.

She is an Ophthalmic Surgeon with a distinction in her Masters dissertation, a mum of three, President of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa, founding member and secretary of the executive committee of Women in Ophthalmology South Africa and passionate about quality eye care and cataract surgery for all patients.

She ran a regional hospital Ophthalmology department for five years and had to give it up due to the daily travel. Unable to remain in the public sector as there were no options closer to home, private practice beckoned.

She has dreams of attaining funding to start her own NGO targeted at cataract surgery and homeschooling education systems in rural areas.

This Women's Month, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of all women around the world.This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.

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.

Today on International Friendship Day 30 July 2023 we chat to Grant Medefindt.

Grant is co-founder of a successful design agency in Cape Town. They have a growing and impressive portfolio of international corporate clients. After his family, his design and his dogs he is most passionate about his surfing.

He has surfed J Bay, Mozambique, Maldives and Banyak Islands in Indonesia. Grant like all other people with Retinitis Pigmentosa has poor contrast vision and depth perception- visual attributes you really need for big wave surfing.

Grant is using International Friendship Day to pay tribute to his surf buddies Brett, Brent and Guy who call the waves for him and ensure he drops in -safely and successfully.  

This stunning photo shows Grant coming out of a BIG Barrel on Jailbreaks Atoll in Maldives.

Moments like this bring all adrenaline addicted surfers back time and again looking for one more high as they crest that perfect wave.

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.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.

World Chess Day 20 July 2023

Chess is a game of strategy and skill that requires a great deal of concentration and focus. For a visually impaired person, playing chess can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. One of the most inspiring examples of a visually impaired person playing chess is that of Luzuko Ngwevwla from Cape Town.

He learned to play chess in Worcester after going blind. Despite his disability, he enjoys playing in chess tournaments in person and online via Skype.

There are several ways that a visually impaired person can play chess. One way is to use a tactile chess set, which is a set of chess pieces that have raised bumps on them so that the player can feel the pieces and tell them apart. Another way is to use a Braille chess set, which is a set of chess pieces that have Braille markings on them so that the player can read the pieces and tell them apart.

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.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.