Find Help & Services
Living with vision loss can be challenging – emotionally, practically, and socially. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a family member, or adjusting to changes in your vision, you do not have to face this journey alone.
Retina South Africa connects people living with visual loss to reliable advice, low vision services, assistive technology, education, and community-based support. Our aim is to empower individuals to live independently, confidently, and with dignity, while ensuring access to reliable information and essential resources.
This page brings together key services available through Retina South Africa and partner organisations across the country, helping you find the right help when you need it most.
If you need additional guidance or are unsure where to start, please get in touch – we’re here to help.
Trusted Advice and Emotional Support
Trusted Advice and Emotional Support
The diagnosis and progression of vision loss can be emotionally distressing. Access to trusted information, guidance, and coping strategies can make a meaningful difference at any stage of the journey.
Retina South Africa connects individuals with trained peer mentors in most major centres, as well as free telephonic help via the ShareCall number 0860 595 959 (local call rates apply from landlines).
Professional psychological support can assist with stress management and emotional adjustment. Trained social workers in major centres provide practical guidance to help individuals cope at home and within their communities.
Practical rehabilitation and skills training are outlined in the Low Vision Service Providers section below.
Low Vision and Rehabilitation Service Providers
Low Vision and Rehabilitation Service Providers
Some service providers are non-profit organisations, while others are commercial entities. These services support people living with vision loss through rehabilitation, mobility training, reading services, and assistive technology.
Reading and Accessible Books
Books are available in DAISY and MP3 audio formats (via download, CD or USB), braille, and through online or app-based streaming services.
South African Library for the Blind
Accessible reading opportunities for blind and visually impaired people.
- Mini libraries
- Audio services
- Braille services
Location:
112 B High Street
Makhanda
(Grahamstown)
Eastern Cape
Landline: 046 622 7226
Email: Braillelib@salb.org.za / audiolib@salb.org.za
Visit South African Library for the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
Tape Aids for the Blind
Recording, producing and lending audio books of every classification in both fiction and non-fiction. From best-sellers to classics, mysteries, westerns, and thrillers. Poetry, biographies, religious and inspirational literature as well as young adult and children’s books, lessons and stories.
Library membership is for those who have difficulty reading.
Audio books and magazines
Location:
Main control centre:
14 Mitchell Crescent Greyville
Kwazulu-Natal
Sharecall: 0800 33 55 22
Email: operations@tapeaids.org.za
Visit Tape Aids for the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
Mobility and Orientation Training
South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind
Location:
126 Wroxham Road
Paulshof
Sandton
Johannesburg
Gauteng
De Villiers House
89 Belvedere Road
Claremont
Cape Town
Western Cape
Landline: 011 705 3512
Mobile: 073 628 6637
Email: info@guidedog.org.za
Visit South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
South African Mobility for the Blind Trust (SAMBT)
Location:
24 3rd Avenue
Melville
Johannesburg
Gauteng
Landline: 011 487 0082
Mobile: 061 145 4282
Email: sambt@mail.ngo.za
Visit South African Mobility for the Blind Trust Website for More Details [External Link]
Blind SA
Location:
Head Office
5 Fuchs Street
Alrode
Alberton
Gauteng
Training Centre
11 Lemon Street
Parktown
Gauteng
Landline: 011 839 1793/4
Email: ceo@blindsa.org.za
Visit Blind SA Website for More Details [External Link]
Low Vision Rehabilitation (Optometric Services)
Low vision rehabilitation is a set of services that help people with partial sight make the best use of their remaining vision through specialised assessment, visual aids, training, and adaptive techniques to improve everyday functioning and independence.
Low Vision Care Centre
Location:
Shop 1007 Lower Level
Heathway Shopping Centre
Corner of Beyers Naudé Drive and Castle Hill Drive
Blackheath Johannesburg
Gauteng
Landline: 011 678 4438
Mobile: 072 154 1992
Email: hazel@lowvision.co.za
Visit Low Vision Care Centre Website for More Details [External Link]
Joanne Kalil Optometrists
Location:
Northcare Medical
222 Simbithi Office Park
Ballito
Kwazulu-Natal
Landline: 032 586 0939
Email: joanne@eyecareballito.co.za
Visit Joanne Kalil Optometrists Website for More Details [External Link]
Cape Town Society for the Blind
Location:
45 Salt River Road
Salt River
Cape Town
Western Cape
Landline: 021 448 4302
Email: lowvision@ctsb.co.za
Visit Cape Town Society for the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
Low Vision Education
Low vision education involves teaching individuals, families, and relevant professionals about vision loss, available aids, and practical strategies to support effective use of residual vision and promote independence.
Curable inclusion Consulting
Location:
Durbanville
Cape Town
Western Cape
Mobile: 084 531 2122
Email: info@curable.co.za
Visit Curable Website for More Details [External Link]
Low Vision Centre of Learning
Location:
Northcliff
Johannesburg
Gauteng
WhatsApp: 072 154 1992 (Appointment only)
Email: info@lvcol.org
Visit Low Vision Centre of Learning Website for More Details [External Link]
Low Vision Centre of Learning
Location:
University of Limpopo
C/O R71 Tzaneen Road and University Street
Mankweng Township
Polokwane
Limpopo
Clinic Administrator: 015 268 2799
General: 015 268 3222
Email: thoko.chipi@ul.ac.za
Visit Low Vision Centre of Learning Website for More Details [External Link]
Genetic Counsellors
A genetic counsellor helps individuals and families understand inherited conditions, assess genetic risks, and make informed decisions about testing, treatment, and family planning.
Simply Genetics
Location:
Pietermaritzburg
Kwazulu-Natal
Mobile: 066 022 5738
Email: sinead@simplygenetics.org
Visit Simply Genetics Website for More Details [External Link]
Ampath Genetics Clinic
Location:
Centurion
Gauteng
Landline: 012 678 0645
Email: geneticsclinic@ampath.co.za
Visit Ampath Genetics Clinic Website for More Details [External Link]
Dr Megan Scott, MS Genetics
Location:
Sandton
Johannesburg
Gauteng
Landline: 011 706 1215
Mobile: 082 443 8349
Email: admin@msgenetics.co.za
Visit MS Genetics Website for More Details [External Link]
Nakita Laing
Location:
Observatory
Cape Town
Western Cape
Mobile: 082 214 6587
Email: nakitalainggenetics@gmail.com
UCT Division of Human Genetics
Location:
Observatory and Rondebosch Cape Town (Groote Schuur Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Childrens Hospital)
Landline: 021 404 6235
Mobile: 074 369 4012
Email: medicalgenetics.uct@gmail.com or referral on the VULA App
Visit UCT Division of Human Genetics Website for More Details [External Link]
Noelene Kinsley GCNetwork
Location:
GC Network
1st Floor Suite 104
Northcliff Medical Centre
251 Beyers Naude Drive
Northcliff
Johannesburg
Gauteng
Landline: 010 595 1005
Email: admin@gcnet.co.za
Visit Noelene Kinsley GCNetwork Website for More Details [External Link]
Dr Maureen Conradie
Location:
Kimberley
Northern Cape
WA for appointments: 0836092539
Email: conradiemaureen@gmail.com
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices for visual disability are tools and technologies—such as magnifiers, screen readers, braille displays and mobility aids—that help individuals with vision loss perform daily activities more easily and independently.
De Jongh Optometry
Location:
Moreleta Park
Pretoria
Gauteng
Landline: 012 998 7592
Mobile: 060 928 9314
Email: info@dejonghoptometry.co.za
Visit De Jongh Optometry Website for More Details [External Link]
Elmarie Grendele Optometrist
Location:
Durban North
Kwazulu-Natal
Landline: 031 563 6994
Mobile: 082 415 4413
Email: elmarie@famileyecare.co.za
Visit Elmarie Grendele Optometrist Website for More Details [External Link]
Helen Keller Society
Location:
Pinelands
Cape Town
Western Cape
Landline: 021 531 5311
Mobile: 082 053 3731
Email: lowvision@helenkeller.org.za
Visit The Helen Keller Society Website for More Details [External Link]
KwaZulu Natal Society for the Blind
Location:
194 Umbilo Road
Umbilo
Durban
Kwazulu-Natal
Landline: 031 109 2705 / 2706
Workshop: 082 433 0941
Mobile: 066 024 2908
Email: info@kznblind.org.za
Visit KwaZulu Natal Society for the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
League of Friends of the Blind
Location:
Grassy Park
Cape Town
Western Cape
Landline: 021 705 3753
Email: info@lofob.org.za
Visit League of Friends of the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
KZN Blind and Deaf Society
Location:
23 Ismail C. Meer Street
Durban
Kwazulu-Natal
Landline: 031 309 4991/2/3
Email: info@bdskzn.org.za
Visit KZN Blind and Deaf Society Website for More Details [External Link]
Nkosinathi Foundation of and for Blind and Partially Sighted People
Location:
58 B Kirkwood Street
North End
Port Elizabeth
Eastern Cape
Landline: 041 487 1150 / 041 484 3430
Mobile: 085 477 1463
Email: director@nkosinathifoundation.org
Visit Nkosinathis Foundation of and for Blind and Partially Sighted People Website for More Details [External Link]
Rehab for People for Disabilities
Location:
6 St. Luke’s Road
Southernwood
East London
Eastern Cape
Landline: 043 7435270 / 043 722 1811
Email: admin@rehabec.org
Visit Rehab for People for Disabilities Facebook Page for More Details [External Link]
Society for the Blind Free State
Location:
154 Charlote Maxeke Street
Bloemfontein
Free State
Landline: 051 447 6934
Email: fsblind@gmail.com
Visit Society for the Blind Free State Website for More Details [External Link]
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices or aids for visual disability are technology-based tools—such as screen readers, computer programs, electronic smart glasses, electronic magnifiers, and audio navigation devices—that enable people with vision loss to access information, communicate, and perform daily tasks more independently.
Edit Microsystems (Pty) Ltd
Location:
Regional Offices in
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Kwazulu-Natal
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
Phone: 0861113973
Email: info@editmicro.co.za
Visit Edit Microsystems Website for More Details [External Link]
Sensory Solutions Head Office
Location:
Head Office
226 Kruger Avenue Lyttleton Manor Centurion
Gauteng
Branch Office
4 Oxford Street Durbanville
Cape Town
Head Office: 012 664 7704
Branch Office: 021 975 3558
Email: info@sensorysolutions.co.za
Visit Sensory Solutions Website for More Details [External Link]
If you need help identifying the most appropriate service for your needs, Retina South Africa can assist with advice and referrals. If you can’t find a service in your region, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Vision Loss Aids: Technology and Accessibility
Vision Loss Aids: Technology and Accessibility
Advances in technology, combined with smaller, more affordable devices and easy access to information online, have transformed communication and independence for people with low vision.
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, voice-controlled assistants, and specialist apps now offer powerful accessibility tools – many of them built in and free to use.
Using Technology to Make Everyday Life Easier
Most modern devices include accessibility settings that can be customised to suit your vision needs. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
Practical Accessibility Tips
Explore the Accessibility settings on your laptop or desktop to:
- Increase font size and boldness
- Adjust contrast and colour settings
- Enlarge icons and menus
- Use keyboard shortcuts (such as Ctrl keys on Windows) to navigate without relying on icons
- Set your email to default to larger, bolder text
- Use built-in zoom features (especially on Mac devices)
- Increase your mouse cursor size, make it bold, or add a cursor trail
On your smartphone, you can:
- Enable large text
- Use screen zoom
- Turn on voice control or screen reader features
Mobile Accessibility Features and Apps
Many smartphones and tablets include powerful accessibility features designed to support people with low vision. These tools – available on both Android and iOS devices – can help with reading, navigation, communication, and everyday tasks. Many are built in and free to use.
Recommended apps
Be My Eyes
A free app that connects you to sighted volunteers or AI for real-time visual assistance, helping with tasks like reading text, identifying objects, and navigating your surroundings.
Download Be My Eyes app here [External Link]
Seeing AI
An AI-powered app that reads text, scans barcodes, and describes objects using your phone’s camera and audio feedback.
For example, it can read letters or signs, identify food items from barcodes (like tins or boxes), and recognise everyday objects around you.
Assistive Technology Training & Support
For guidance and training, you can contact the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB). They provide support, training, and access to a wide range of assistive technologies to help people with visual impairments live more independently.
Contact details:
Location:
514 White Street,
Bailey’s Muckleneuk,
Pretoria,
South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)12 452 3811
Email: helpdesk@sancb.org.za / admin@sancb.org.za
Visit the South African National Council for the Blind Website for More Details [External Link]
Training and Support Services
Learning how to use technology effectively can significantly improve independence and quality of life.
C-ur-able: Assistive Technology Training
C-ur-able provides training for people with low vision to help them use smart devices and technology with confidence.
Location:
Durbanville,
South Africa
Contact: Jennifer Webster
Phone: +27 84 531 2122
Email: jenny@curable.co.za
Visit C-ur-able Website for More Details [External Link]
Become a Member
As a member of Retina South Africa, you’ll gain access to trusted information, guidance, support services, and updates on global vision loss research, clinical trials, and emerging treatments.
Donate & Give
Your donation helps fund life-changing genetic testing and support for individuals and families affected by inherited retinal conditions who would otherwise be unable to afford it.