Guide for Health Providers
Retina South Africa works in partnership with ophthalmologists, optometrists, GPs and allied healthcare professionals to support individuals and families affected by inherited retinal diseases and other retinal conditions.
A referral ensures patients receive structured, non-clinical support beyond diagnosis – helping them navigate the emotional, practical and long-term aspects of living with vision loss.
How Retina South Africa Supports Your Patients
How Retina South Africa Supports Your Patients
When you refer a patient, Retina South Africa provides:
- Practical guidance on living with retinal conditions
- Peer mentoring and structured family support
- Access to support groups and national community networks
- Referral pathways to low vision services and assistive technology
- Educational resources, advocacy and research updates
Retina South Africa also facilitates genetic testing for patients with inherited retinal conditions. Genetic testing may:
- Confirm a complex or uncertain clinical diagnosis
- Identify pre-symptomatic family members who may be at risk
- Clarify important clinical considerations (for example, avoiding Vitamin A in patients with central vision loss caused by ABCA4 gene mutations)
- Support informed reproductive and family planning decisions
This support helps reduce uncertainty following diagnosis and strengthens long-term patient engagement. Retina South Africa complements clinical care – it does not replace it.
Why Refer Early?
Why Refer Early?
When a retinal dystrophy is suspected or diagnosed, patients and families often feel uncertain about next steps.
A timely referral helps to:
- Provide structured non-clinical support
- Reduce anxiety following diagnosis
- Improve long-term engagement
- Connect families with appropriate services
- Strengthen continuity of care
How to Refer via Vula
How to Refer via Vula
Vula Mobile is a secure medical chat and referral platform used by healthcare professionals across South Africa.
The app allows you to refer patients to Retina South Africa quickly and securely.
It is:
- Free to download (iOS and Android)
- Data light
- Secure
- Quick and simple to use
Referral Overview
- Download and register on the Vula app
- Select RETINA SA as the referral facility
- Complete the referral form and submit
Authorised staff such as ophthalmic nurses or medical clerks may assist with referrals under your direction.
For detailed step-by-step registration and referral instructions, download the guide below:
Download: Vula Referral Guide for Healthcare Professionals (PDF – 1 732KB)
Partner With Retina South Africa
Partner With Retina South Africa
Retina South Africa works alongside healthcare professionals to ensure patients affected by inherited retinal diseases receive structured support beyond diagnosis.
Professional engagement provides access to:
- Referral resources
- Educational materials
- Updates on research and clinical developments
- Information on patient support services
Become part of a coordinated national support network for individuals living with retinal conditions.
Become a Member
Membership of Retina South Africa provides 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 diseases who would otherwise be unable to afford it.