Retinal Realities

05/05/2026

✨ New Podcast Episode Out Now!

In this episode of the Retinal Realities Podcast, we chat to Ferdie Danzfuss — a software developer living with Stargardt’s disease and the creator of the incredible Umsizi Reader app.

Discover how Ferdi turned his personal challenges into an innovative solution that helps visually impaired users:

💡 This episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when technology meets determination.

🎙Listen at https://youtu.be/xepcj8eX3H4

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

29/04/2026

✈️ Flying with a Guide Dog: What You Need to Know

Air travel can be stressful — now imagine doing it with a guide dog by your side.
In our latest Retinal Realities podcast episode (released for International Guide Dog Day), host Karen speaks to experienced traveller Mariza, who shares her real-life insights on flying both locally and internationally with her guide dog, Dottie.

From booking flights and paperwork to airport security, long-haul journeys, and international regulations, this episode unpacks the realities — the challenges, the preparation, and the rewards of travelling with a guide dog.

🐕 Practical tips
✈️ Honest experiences
🌍 Local & international travel advice

Whether you’re a guide dog user, planning future travel, or wanting to understand accessible travel better, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now & subscribe:
👉 https://bit.ly/RetinalRealities-Eps33-InternationalGuideDogsDay

Episode 33 - International Guide Dogs Day - Flying with a Guide Dog - What you need to know

07/04/2026

Healthy living isn’t just about how we feel — it’s about how we see the world.
In our latest episode of Retinal Realities, we explore how everyday lifestyle choices impact overall health and eye health, from nutrition and exercise to regular eye tests and screen habits.

✨ Simple changes.
👁️ Long term vision health.
❤️ Better outcomes for all of us.

🎧 Available now on our Retinal Realities podcast.
📢 Listen to Episode 32- Healthy Living & Eye Health: 🔗https://youtu.be/4ipZHx79WOs

01/04/2026

Are you passionate about technology, people, and improving access to information for blind and low-vision South Africans? We invite you to join our team.

Retina South Africa is involved in the development of the Umsizi Reader App, a pioneering mobile application designed to read content aloud in multiple South African languages, including Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Sesotho. While many screen readers struggle with local languages, our solution is built to meet this need with accuracy and inclusivity.

As our Customer Service Support Specialist, you will serve as the primary point of contact for our users. You will provide telephonic support, assist with troubleshooting, guide users through the application, and ensure a seamless and inclusive user experience.

Key Requirements:
✅Interest in mobile application or systems development (experience in accessibility-focused solutions is advantageous)
✅Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with visual impairments, including practical knowledge of screen readers such as VoiceOver and TalkBack
✅Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly and without jargon
✅Professional and empathetic telephone manner, with a calm and patient approach
✅Strong administrative skills, including email management, filing, and general organisational support
✅Proficiency with presentation and report generation tools/software.
✅High level of attention to detail.
✅Experience with research, preparation and proofreading of documentation
✅Experience with website and social media updates

Contract Details:
• Fixed-term contract: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028
• Office based in Germiston
• Salary: market related

Applicants should send their CV’s to [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Monday 13th April

23/03/2026

In this episode of Retinal Realities, we speak with Harry Rosen, CEO of the South African Optometric Association, about how optometrists fit into South Africa’s eye care landscape.

The discussion highlights how optometrists are trained and regulated, how referrals work when more complex retinal conditions are suspected, and what equipment standards look like across the profession.

We also explore:
• Optometry in public vs private sectors
• The role of World Optometry Week
• How community eye care initiatives are carried out
• The place of ready made readers in everyday use
• The rising prevalence of myopia in younger age groups
Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/Pt-Oaj6INPE

This episode of Retinal Realities features a conversation with Harry Rosen, CEO of the South African Optometric Association. The discussion explores the role...

12/12/2025

📢 Message from our Chairperson

“Grateful to close my first year as Chairperson of Retina South Africa alongside such dedicated staff, members, volunteers, EXCO, partners and supporters. Thank you for helping us grow bigger, better and bolder — here’s to an incredible year ahead.
With gratitude,
Sonya Lee Mahabeer”

image description Graphic with Retina SA logo and a circular photo at the top. Text reads: “Grateful to close my first year as Chairperson of Retina South Africa alongside dedicated staff, members, volunteers, EXCO, partners and supporters. Thank you for helping us grow bigger, better and bolder – here’s to an incredible year ahead. With gratitude, Sonya Lee Mahabeer

02/12/2025

💙 Your R100 ticket brings hope to children living with inherited retinal conditions - and could send you to Zanzibar!

👉 Enter here: https://retinasa.org.za/shop/Raffle-Zanzibar-Luxury-Getaway-p744675228

Promotional graphic for a Giving Tuesday raffle. The background shows a vibrant sunset over a beach with palm trees and orange, purple, and pink skies. Large text reads: ‘WIN a 7-night trip for two to Zanzibar, Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort.’ Icons indicate 7 nights, 2 people, and return flights. Ticket price is R100. Closing date: 31 December 2025. Draw date: 30 January 2026. Includes Retina South Africa logo and sponsor information.

01/12/2025

🎙 New Episode Alert!

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".

👉 Listen now: https://youtu.be/r1d3P8_SwMg

🔔 Subscribe for more empowering stories that inform and inspire!

image description Graphic promoting the “Retinal Realities Podcast” episode 30 titled “Defying Diabetes.” The design features a blue background with radiating lines, a microphone icon, and bold white text for the podcast name. A label in orange reads “EP. 30,” and a large white box contains the episode title.” At the bottom, are logos for Retina SA and Roche. An orange banner on the right includes the text “w/ Kaylin Otto.

November marked both Diabetes Awareness Month and Disability Awareness Month. To reflect on these important observances, Retinal Realities brings you an insp...

21/11/2025

🎧 Retinal Realities – Episode 29: Redefining Independence – Caryl’s AMD Journey

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.
Listen now 🔗https://youtu.be/HpvFLcEKTE8

📲 Subscribe to Retinal Realities on your favourite podcast platform

image description Promotional graphic for Episode 29 of the Retinal Realities Podcast titled “Redefining Independence – Caryl’s AMD Journey.” The image features Caryl in a blue Retina South Africa shirt, with podcast branding, a microphone icon, and logos for Retina South Africa and Roche. A stylized anatomical eye graphic appears alongside the title, highlighting the focus on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and personal stories of vision loss.

In this powerful edition, host Claudette Medefindt sits down with Caryl Baum, a retired lawyer, mother, grandmother, and visionary advocate living with Age-R...

03/11/2025

Episode 28 - Empowered to Educate - Pieter’s Stargardt Story

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 with low vision.

YouTube Link https://youtu.be/_Ya6240hRDw

image description Promotional graphic for Episode 28 of the "Retinal Realities Podcast" by Retina South Africa. Title reads "Empowered to Educate: Pieter’s Stargardt Story." Features a photo of Pieter Lindeque in graduation attire holding a diploma. Design includes a microphone icon, blue and white colour scheme, and the tagline "a Cure in Sight for Blindness

In this inspiring episode of Retinal Realities, we sit down with Peter Lindique, a passionate educator and founder of an online tutoring platform designed fo...