When Retina South Africa launched its Para Sport Development Division, the goal was simple but powerful: help people facing retinal degenerative conditions stay active, connected, and hopeful.

Decades of research continue pointing to the same truth – movement matters. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the eyes and the rest of the body, and some studies hint that this may help slow the pace of retinal degeneration. Even within families living with the same inherited condition, those who stay active often experience a slower decline than relatives who lead more sedentary lives.

But staying active after sight loss isn’t easy. Something as simple as a morning walk becomes intimidating without a guide. Pavement edges, potholes, uneven surfaces, or traffic can turn a routine run into a safety risk. And when moving around becomes difficult, confidence drops, isolation increases, and fitness declines.

That’s where Retina South Africa is making a difference.

Creating Safe, Joyful Spaces to Move Again

Through initiatives like our Ride For Sight, Para Golf Taster Days, Bowls for Sight, and our national-first mixed para cycling team competing in the 2025 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century, we’re building a community where people with visual impairment can rediscover independence, health, and belonging.

Para sport for blind and visually impaired athletes is still an underfunded and overlooked sector in South Africa. Many disciplines require guides – such as tandem cycling or paired running – doubling the cost and the logistical effort. Even team sports like goalball need trained volunteers and specialised equipment.

Retina SA’s Para Sport Development Division is stepping into this gap with purpose, collaboration, and growing momentum.

Why This Work Matters

• Health: encouraging movement that may support overall eye and vascular well-being.
• Confidence: helping people overcome fear and isolation through structured, supported activities.
• Community: giving individuals facing vision loss a place to belong.
• Inclusion: advocating for equitable recognition in mainstream sport.
• Pathways: creating new opportunities for future para-athletes.

We Need You: Become a Volunteer Tandem Pilot

Cycling is one of the most freeing and exhilarating ways for a person with visual impairment to stay active – but every visually impaired cyclist needs a sighted partner to share a tandem bicycle.

If you’re a confident cyclist with a passion for making a meaningful impact, you can change someone’s life by becoming a volunteer tandem pilot. No experience on tandems is needed – we’ll guide you.

Are You Facing Vision Loss and Want to Cycle?

If you’ve ever dreamed of cycling but didn’t know where to start, this is your moment. Whether you’re completely blind or partially sighted, we would love to welcome you into our growing community of para cyclists.

Join Us at Ride for Sight

We’re now recruiting:
✓ Volunteer tandem pilots
✓ Cyclists with visual impairment

To take part in Dis-Chem Ride for Sight, one of South Africa’s most meaningful sporting events.

If you’re ready to ride – or ready to help someone else ride – please email Deon at:
sport@rideforsight.co.za