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Major Sponsors: Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Dis- Chem Foundation, Biogen, Ensure Gold, DS -24, Cycle Lab.

Date: 15 February 2026
Venue: Boksburg City Stadium, Jubilee Road, Boksburg
GPS: S26.38153, E28.25222
Distances: 116km, 62km, 10km
Prices: R680, R500, R150.

Watch our social media for discounts.

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Enter Online HERE
Route Map HERE
Elevation HERE
Rules HERE

Online entries receive: Superior Dis-Chem Goodie Bag, free wash and lube plus R50 voucher from Cycle Lab, free entry to lucky draw prizes.

Official Seeding Event

116 km is seeding event for Ride Joburg 2026 and Cycle Tour 2027.

Timing

Timing by Finish Time.

Results at finishtime.co.za

Why Ride for Sight?  

All proceeds go directly to support South Africans losing vision to retinal degeneration and to support research. Proceeds go directly to Retina South Africa. NPO 003-184 and are NOT filtered through a commercial event organiser. 36 Years of safe, quality cycling.

Co Organisers: Springs Wheelers, Hamnet Emergency Communications, ASM Safety, Road Rangers.

Raffle Prizes – Double Your Impact

Orbea Road Bike value R65 000 sponsored by Cycle Lab – R100 per ticket; add to your basket.

Pezulu Tree House Lodge mini break valued at R16 800, R50 per ticket; add to your basket.

All proceeds from raffle will be matched by Dis-Chem Foundation.

Registration at Cycle Lab Stores

Thursday 12 February – Pretoria  
Friday 13 February – Fourways
Saturday 14 February – Boksburg

116km and 62km late entry penalty at registration. No seeding.

Queries

Online entry queries: Cycle Tour:  0878207223.
For other queries:  Email:  info@entries.co.za

World Diabetes Day (WDD), observed annually on November 14th, is far more than just a date on the calendar in South Africa—it is a critical moment for health intervention.

The Scale of the Crisis

South Africa is grappling with an escalating diabetes crisis. With an estimated 4.2 to 4.6 million adults living with diabetes, the country has one of the highest prevalence rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Alarmingly, as many as 45% of these individuals are undiagnosed, essentially living with a ticking clock of potential complications.  (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218408/)

The statistics are sobering:

• Diabetes is a major cause of death, with some reports surpassing tuberculosis as the leading cause of death in the nation.  
• It is a leading cause of vision loss 
• in addition, poorly managed diabetes leads to severe complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputation, placing a colossal strain on an already overburdened public healthcare system.  

Why WDD Matters

WDD serves as a powerful, concentrated push to address this “silent killer.” For South Africa, the day’s importance is three-fold:  

1. Mass Awareness

The event provides a platform to run widespread awareness campaigns, directly tackling the high rate of undiagnosed cases. Early detection is the cornerstone of successful management and complication prevention.  

2. Education is the Cornerstone: 

A key theme of WDD is often “Access to Diabetes Education.” In South Africa, education is vital to empower people to manage their chronic condition daily. It helps combat myths, promote healthy lifestyle changes (critical given the rise of Type 2 diabetes due to urbanisation and diet), and ensure adherence to treatment.  

3. A Call for Equitable Access: 

The day pressures policymakers and healthcare providers to strengthen primary care and ensure all citizens—regardless of socio-economic status—have equitable and affordable access to comprehensive diabetes care, including medicines, technology, and support.  

Simply put, World Diabetes Day in the South African context is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that tackling this epidemic requires collective action, robust education, and a commitment to ensuring every person in the country can live a healthier, complication-free life with or without diabetes. It’s about turning awareness into action.

The Warning Signs: Common Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes, especially Type 2, can be so mild that people often ignore them for years. That’s a mistake, as the long-term damage is happening silently. In fact, diabetes can even cause eye damage before the raised blood sugar leads to a diagnosis.

Look out for an expanding waist line, excess thirst, excess hunger, and excess urination. It is best to check with a health care professional if you are at risk.

The Risk Factors: Who is Most Vulnerable?

Risk factors can be broken down into two groups: those you can’t change and, more importantly, those you can change.

Factors You Cannot Change

• Age: Risk increases as you get older, especially after the age of 35.
• Family History: Having a parent or sibling with diabetes significantly increases your risk. Genetics play a big role.
• Race and Ethnicity: Certain populations, including people of African and Indian/Asian descent (both significant groups in South Africa), are at a higher genetic risk.
• History of Gestational Diabetes: Women who had diabetes during pregnancy are at increased risk later in life.

Factors that You CAN Change (The Modifiable Ones)

These are the most relevant factors for prevention:

• Excess Body Weight/Obesity: This is the single largest risk factor. Carrying extra weight, particularly around the abdomen, makes cells more resistant to insulin (insulin resistance).
• Physical Inactivity: The less active you are, the greater your risk. Exercise helps cells become more sensitive to insulin.
• Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fat dramatically increases risk.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High blood pressure is often linked to diabetes and complicates its management.
• Smoking: Tobacco use increases insulin resistance.

The Good News: Prevention is Possible

For Type 2 diabetes, prevention is generally a matter of small, consistent lifestyle changes.
Move More: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking) per week.
Eat Better: Focus on colourful,  whole, high-fibre foods (like vegetables and wholegrains) and drink water instead of sweetened beverages.

In the fast-evolving landscape of eye care, protecting vision has become just as important as correcting it. With an ageing population, rising screen exposure, and increased awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the focus has shifted toward prevention, and rightly so.

While blue light-blocking lenses, UV filters, and dietary advice all play a role, emerging research continues to highlight the significance of macular carotenoids in long-term visual protection.

These three key pigments: lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are concentrated in the macula, where they form a protective filter that defends against oxidative damage, enhances contrast sensitivity, and helps maintain central vision.

However, diet alone often falls short. That’s why supplementation has become a trusted tool in AMD prevention and retinal support. But until recently, South African patients faced limited access to affordable, clinically complete macular supplements, especially those including all three carotenoids.

The Triple Carotenoid Solution

Nurture Vision Eye Health, a once-daily, sugar-free capsule formulated specifically to support macular pigment density and retinal function. What sets it apart is not just the inclusion of all three macular carotenoids but also the fact that it’s locally manufactured in South Africa.

Each capsule contains:

• 10 mg Lutein
• 10 mg Meso-Zeaxanthin
• 2 mg Zeaxanthin

(all derived from 100 mg of marigold flower extract)

These core ingredients are supported by a blend of antioxidants and co-factors that aid absorption and provide additional retinal protection:

• Vitamin C (180 mg) to combat oxidative stress
• Vitamin E (30 mg) to support cell membrane integrity
• Vitamin B2 (1 mg) for metabolic health and energy transfer
• Zinc (15 mg) to aid macular maintenance and enzyme function

The formulation is based on principles supported by AREDS2 and other leading international research but tailored to meet the needs, pricing sensitivities, and distribution realities of South African patients and practitioners.

Who Should Use Nurture Vision Eye Health?

This supplement is ideally suited to:

• Patients over 40 seeking to preserve visual function proactively
• Individuals with a family history of macular degeneration
• Screen-heavy users, including office workers and students
• Post-cataract or LASIK patients requiring long-term retinal support
• Anyone experiencing central visual fatigue, glare sensitivity, or low contrast vision

It can also be recommended as part of a broader prevention strategy in patients with early signs of AMD, or where risk factors such as smoking, systemic inflammation, or nutritional gaps are present.

Local Manufacturing with Global Standards

One of the biggest barriers to widespread use of macular carotenoid supplements in South Africa has been price. Imported international brands can be quite expensive making long-term use unaffordable for many patients. Availability can also be inconsistent due to import restrictions or currency fluctuations.

Nurture Vision Eye Health changes that. Proudly formulated and manufactured in South Africa under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions, it offers:

• Global-standard formulation
• Reliable national availability
• No import costs or delays
• Sensible pricing for real-world adherence

This makes it easier for practitioners to confidently recommend it and for patients to stay on it consistently, which is key to seeing long-term results.

In conclusion, Nutrition is no longer a fringe conversation in eye care. It is central to how we protect our patients’ vision, especially as rates of macular degeneration continue to rise. Nurture Vision Eye Health offers a clinically credible, locally manufactured, and affordable way to make real retinal protection accessible.

Nurture Vision Eye Health is now available through select optometry practices and health retailers across South Africa. Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to offer your patients a clinically sound supplement, or an individual taking proactive steps to protect your vision, you can reach out to us directly.

For product information, pricing, or assistance:
Email: enquiries@nurturevision.co.za
WhatsApp: 078 677 9786
Website: www.nurturevision.co.za

Their team will be happy to assist with orders, guidance, and wholesale opportunities.

This post features a product from one of our newsletter sponsors. Any health-related information is for general awareness only. Our medical advice disclaimer is included in our Website Disclaimer.

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

Recently, a small but passionate team—Manny Moodley, Claudette Medefindt, Linsay Engelbrecht, and I, Karen Denton—embarked on an unforgettable outreach journey in Cape Town, all with a shared purpose: to connect with and support those navigating the world of retinal visual impairment.

Our outreach work truly began almost as we landed:

Our first stop: the Cape Town Society for the Blind. What a vibrant, thoughtful group! We spent time presenting, listening, sharing, and exchanging ideas around eye care—each story and voice adding something valuable to the experience.

I then attended the IFA Global Conference on Ageing, where I had the honour of presenting two talks close to our hearts:

• “The Silent Threat on Our Plates: Food Devolution and the Rise of Macular Degeneration and Dementia”
• “When the Brain Fills the Gaps: The Strange World of Charles Bonnet Syndrome”

The response was deeply encouraging—engaged audiences, lively panel discussions, and thought-provoking questions that reminded me why these conversations are so needed. During breaks and mealtimes, I was approached regularly by people wanting to know more, and have even been contacted since for more interaction, sharing and building global relationships.

From there, our intense programme and outreach work continued with several important engagements.

We made our way to the birthplace of the retina movement in South Africa, Groote Schuur Hospital, where we met with the Ophthalmology Department Heads and Registrars of Groote Schuur and Red Cross Children’s hospital, and addressed them on the benefits of improving patient referral pathways. We established crucial connections and outlined a more collaborative way forward.

 Later that week we travelled through the beautiful Durbanville area and made our way to Buh-Rein Retirement Village for a presentation to residents and Staff on the benefits of Joining Retina SA. Dis-chem joined us, sponsored platters, and set up an awareness table for the day. The residents were thrilled to learn about the services we offer and were eager to share their learnings with other members.

When visiting Cape Town and dealing with low vision, one must make a stop at the Helen Keller Society, which we did! We were warmly welcomed into one of the many Support Group Meetings hosted by the Helen Keller Low Vision Team where we addressed the group on good eye health, nutrition, lifestyle, and genetic updates. The attendees were very knowledgeable and engaged, and keen to learn more.

We rounded off our Friday in Cape Town with a visit to Tygerberg Hospital, where we met with their Ophthalmology Department and Registrars, and addressed them on the benefits of improving patient referral pathways. It was clear to all those referring patients to Retina SA is of immense benefit to the Hospital and the patients.

Saturday brought us to the welcoming campus of the University of Cape Town (UCT), where 40 participants who share the often lonely low vision journey gathered for a hands-on outreach session. With engaging presentations, open discussions, exhibitors, and lots of shared learning, the energy in the room was electric. You could feel the collective will to support each other, and to make a difference in this world.

The momentum didn’t slow. On Monday, we returned to UCT where we welcomed professionals in the field of ophthalmology to a fun and interactive workshop focused on retinal conditions. There was laughter, learning, and a refreshing sense of collaboration—something that’s not always easy to find in clinical environments.

Our final stop took us on a long, scenic drive to Worcester, where we kicked off the morning at the Pioneer School for the Visually Impaired where our conversations flowed easily and was warm, genuine, and met with open hearts. What started as informal chats quickly grew into meaningful connections, shared understanding, and exciting plans for future collaboration. 

We later enjoyed an insightful visit to Innovations for the Blind where our presentations and discussions were well received.

It was the perfect way to wrap up a journey filled with insight, connection, and purpose.

This outreach wasn’t just about delivering information—it was about building community, sparking conversations, and creating space for both professionals and those living with vision loss to be heard and seen.

A huge thanks to Kyle and the Edit Microsystems team, Fanie from Nurture Vision and Jenny Webster from C-u-r-able, who joined us for most of our outreach activities and set up exhibition tables to share their products with our guests.

To all our volunteers who assisted with driving, catering, setting-up and much more, we thank and salute you! Our Cape Town Outreach would not have been possible without you all.

And lastly, to all our members, friends, supporters and colleagues in the Western Cape, we are grateful for your continued support and unwavering commitment, we look forward to building a strong base in the region and returning time and time again.

Want to see how advocacy meets action? Browse our Western Cape outreach gallery

[Show slideshow]

Many people affected by retinal vision loss avoid seeing an eye care professional on a regular basis. As many retinal conditions are untreatable people may ignore the complications that can arise for all of us. Having a retinal condition does not protect you from developing cataracts, high pressure within the eye [Glaucoma], or macular oedema [swelling in the macular area].   

These complications are often treatable in the early stages and if left untreated could diminish your already limited vision. Vision Works is offering a HUGE discount to members of Retina South Africa- a comprehensive vision test for only R250 instead of R495. This offer excludes the cost of refractive lenses or frames. They are also offering a FREE comprehensive eye test for children aged 6 to 12 yrs old.

This “Kids See free 6-12” offer includes:

• A FREE eye test
• FREE Single Vision – standard lenses
• FREE Frame – from a selected range

Go to www.vision-works.co.za – Store Directory and make an appointment at your closest Vision Works store. Mention that you are a member and get your special discount.

Hearing loss may often be associated with vision loss and added to vision loss makes life even more difficult.   Hearing Works SA is offering all Retina SA members a complimentary hearing screening from their Hearing Works practices nationwide.

Late onset hearing loss should not be confused with Usher Syndrome, which is Retinitis Pigmentosa coupled with early onset and severe hearing loss.

Hearing screening takes less than 10 minutes and may change your life. Modern hearing aids are amazing and are generally re- imbursed by medical aids.

See their website www.hearing-works.co.za – Store locator and make an appointment for your free hearing screening.  Mention your Retina SA free screening offer. 

Retina South Africa, Vision Works and the South African Optometric Association are collaborating to create awareness about the importance of eye tests during World Retina Week and Eye Care Awareness Month. Free basic vision screening is available at Vision Works and other participating Optometrists by appointment.  Please support this campaign by liking and sharing our social media posts.

Why a Valid Will Matters 

Failing to have a valid will can have devastating consequences for families and loved ones, including prolonged financial hardship while estates are wound up according to intestate succession laws. During a time already filled with grief, this can compound the trauma, leaving your wishes unfulfilled and your assets distributed in ways you never intended.

National Wills Week: A Timely Opportunity

But there’s good news! From 15 to 19 September, it’s National Wills Week– the perfect opportunity to take action if you haven’t yet drafted a professional will. Best of all, it’s now easier, simpler, and completely free!

Leave a Legacy with Retina South Africa

Including a bequest to Retina South Africa in your will is straightforward. You can draft a new will or simply add a codicil to your existing one, naming us as a beneficiary. Your generosity will ensure that your legacy continues to make a meaningful impact long after you’re gone.

Partnering with Antoon Botha Incorporated

To make this process seamless, Retina South Africa has partnered with Antoon Botha Incorporated (visit https://www.abilaw.co.za), who will draft your will free of charge during National Wills Week. Feel free to email them for a step-by-step guide on drafting a will or adding a codicil – it’s designed to make including Retina South Africa effortless.

Additional Legal Support Available

If that doesn’t suit your needs, explore the Law Society of South Africa’s list of participating attorneys at LSSA’s National Wills Week page. This initiative simplifies the entire process, giving you peace of mind that your estate will be handled exactly as you wish.

Why Your Bequest Matters

By leaving a bequest to Retina South Africa, you’re not just supporting our vital work – you’re also potentially reducing the tax burden on your estate, benefiting your loved ones while doing good. As the only organization in South Africa dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals with retinal degenerative conditions, we guide patients through every stage of their journey. From early diagnosis to advanced vision loss, we empower them to live fulfilling, independent lives and reach their full potential.

Your Impact – Reasearch, Support and Hope

Your bequest could fund groundbreaking research, provide essential assistive devices, or offer counselling and support services that change lives. We rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you to continue this work –and your thoughtful gift could make an extraordinary difference.

Create a Legacy of Vision

Help us help those affected by retinal conditions, while securing the future for your own family. Take advantage of National Wills Week today – draft your will, include Retina South Africa, and rest easy knowing you’ve created a lasting legacy of hope and vision.

Contact Us
For more information or assistance, please contact Magda van der Merwe at magda@retinasa.org.za.

Dear Retina South Africa Members and Supporters,

In this edition, we explore significant advancements in automated vehicles and their potential to enhance independence for individuals
with visual impairments. We are also proud to introduce the Umsizi reader, a transformative tool enabling our members to access texts
in all of South Africa’s official languages.

Retina South Africa continues to lead in advocating for those with rare retinal conditions, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for their generous grant supporting our outreach program in the Western Cape this September. Details of
this initiative is included in the newsletter.

We are also preparing for the Double Century event in November.

We invite you to meet the Retina South Africa team participating and encourage your contributions to this meaningful cause. Additionally, please find information about our Zanzibar raffle and the Ride Joburg charity event, both of which promise to be exciting
opportunities for engagement.

Click the link to read the full newsletter and stay connected: Out of Sight — September 2025

As blind persons living in South Africa, the idea of autonomous vehicles (AVs) fills us with an overwhelming sense of hope and excitement. For far too long, we’ve navigated a world where simple tasks like getting to work or visiting friends feel like insurmountable challenges. But AVs—self-driving cars powered by sensors, AI, and machine learning—promise to change that. They represent not just a technological breakthrough, but a pathway to true independence, dignity, and participation in society. Imagine waking up and deciding on a whim to head to the market or a job interview without begging for a ride or wrestling with unreliable public transport. For the approximately 1 million South Africans who are blind or severely visually impaired, AVs could unlock a future where we move freely, pursue our dreams, and live life on our own terms.

The Daily Struggle of Mobility as a Blind South African

In South Africa, where public transport is often inaccessible and unreliable, being blind means constant dependence on others. According to the South African National Council for the Blind, around 1 million people here live with sight loss, and unemployment among those with severe visual impairments soars as high as 97%—largely because of mobility barriers. We rely on minibus taxis, buses, or trains that are rarely equipped for our needs: no audio announcements, uneven platforms, and drivers who sometimes overlook or mishandle passengers with disabilities. In rural areas like parts of Limpopo or the Eastern Cape, options are even scarcer, leaving many of us isolated. Guide dogs and canes help, but they’re no substitute for the flexibility of personal travel. This lack of independence doesn’t just limit jobs—it’s a blow to our aspirations, keeping us from social events, education, or even basic errands. We’ve missed opportunities because arranging transport felt too daunting.

How Autonomous Cars Ignite Hope and Aspirations for Us

The thought of AVs brings a spark of optimism that’s hard to describe. These vehicles could transform our lives and those of countless others with visual impairments by offering safe, independent mobility. Here’s how we envision it changing everything:

1. True Independence on the Road: As persons who’s never held driver’s licenses, the idea of entering a car, voicing our destinations, and arriving without assistance is liberating. AVs use LIDAR, radar, cameras, and GPS to handle navigation, traffic, and obstacles—far more reliably than a human driver. In South Africa, where road safety is a concern, this could mean traveling from Johannesburg to Pretoria or even rural villages without fear or reliance on others. It’s about reclaiming control over our schedules and destinies.
2. Tailored Accessibility That Empowers: We dream of AVs with voice interfaces, braille controls, and audio feedback designed for us. Global leaders like Waymo have already partnered with blind advocacy groups—why not here? In South Africa, integrating local languages like isiZulu or Afrikaans into these systems would make them truly inclusive, allowing us to feel confident and in charge during every journey.
3. A Safer Path Forward: Human error causes most accidents, but AVs promise precision that could save lives. For blind people like us, who often feel vulnerable in taxis or buses, this reliability is a game-changer. No more worrying about reckless drivers or inaccessible stops—AVs could detect everything around them, making travel secure and stress-free.
4. Unlocking Dreams and Opportunities: With AVs, we could chase job prospects in distant cities, attend cultural festivals, or visit family without the hassle. This independence would boost employment rates among the visually impaired, fostering economic growth and social inclusion. It’s not just transport; it’s the key to aspiring bigger: starting a business, pursuing education, or simply enjoying life’s spontaneities.
5. Bridging Urban-Rural Divides: In bustling Cape Town or sparse rural areas, AVs could provide on-demand rides, filling gaps in public transport. For visually impaired South Africans in townships or farms, this means access to healthcare, markets, and community—turning isolation into connection and hope into reality.

Global Progress and Local Aspirations

Worldwide, companies like Waymo and Cruise are testing AVs with blind users, incorporating feedback for better design. In South Africa, while full AVs aren’t widespread yet, the market is growing at 18.8% annually from 2025 to 2030, with semi-autonomous features already in some cars. Initiatives like Uber’s inclusive mobility program and partnerships with Shonaquip for driver training show progress toward accessible transport. Retina South Africa and similar groups could lead local advocacy, much like the National Federation of the Blind’s Blind Driver Challenge globally.

Challenges We Face and What Needs to Be Done in South Africa

Yet, realizing this dream requires action. AV technology is advancing, but South Africa lags in full adoption due to regulatory gaps, infrastructure issues, and costs. Cybersecurity risks and public acceptance are concerns too.

To make AVs accessible here, we must:

• Develop Inclusive Regulations: Government should fast-track laws for AV testing and deployment, mandating accessibility features like audio interfaces. Drawing from the Transport Summit on Universal Accessibility, policies must prioritize disabled users.
• Build Partnerships and Infrastructure: Collaborate with companies like Toyota (entering EVs in 2026) and local firms to integrate AVs with public systems. Upgrade roads, add charging stations, and ensure rural coverage.
• Ensure Affordability and Equity: Subsidies or ride-sharing models could make AVs available to low-income blind individuals. Initiatives like Uber’s assist upgrades show promise—expand them nationwide.
• Boost Awareness and Training: Educate the public and train developers with input from the South African National Council for the Blind to build trust. Address cybersecurity through robust standards.
• Advocate for Universal Design: Push for AVs that work for all, including multilingual support, to bridge socioeconomic divides.

Paving the Way to a Brighter Future

As a blind South African, AVs symbolize more than innovation—they’re a promise of equality and aspiration. By overcoming barriers, we can turn hope into reality, allowing visually impaired people to thrive. With collaboration between government, tech firms, and advocates, this future is within reach. Let’s drive toward it together.