The Organisation
About Retina SA
Retina South Africa is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 003-184) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930 001 585) with B-BBEE status. Certain donations are tax deductible under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act.
We are a patient-driven action group committed to improving the lives of South Africans affected by inherited retinal conditions and other retinal conditions.
With offices or support groups across major centres in South Africa, Retina South Africa works nationally to provide support, raise awareness, and advance research into retinal degeneration.
Who We Are
We provide more than just clinical care
Retina South Africa was founded to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living with retinal conditions that cause vision loss. From diagnosis through to long-term management, patients and families often require more than clinical care alone.
We exist to bridge that gap.
As a patient-led organisation, we ensure that the lived experience of retinal conditions remains central to our work. Our focus is not only on research and treatment access, but also on empowerment, dignity, and inclusion.
Retina South Africa is a founding member of Retina International, headquartered in Ireland, strengthening our collaboration with global research and advocacy networks.
Please find the link below to Retina International:
What We Do
Our work focuses on several key areas:
- Supporting the Retinal Degeneration Research Project at the University of Cape Town to identify genetic mutations in South African families
- Facilitating access to genetic testing to identify patients who may benefit from clinical trials and emerging therapies
- Raising public awareness of retinal degeneration and inherited retinal conditions
- Providing patient support, education, referral pathways and intervention services
- Collaborating with local and international researchers and advocacy organisations
- Fundraising to sustain and expand this work
We work to ensure that scientific progress translates into real-world benefit for South African patients.
Our Vision
To ensure that all South Africans living with retinal conditions have access to appropriate treatment and support.
Our Mission
Retina South Africa exists to:
- Empower people with low vision to be productive and engaged members of society through information-sharing, training, peer mentoring, and support services
- Support and promote research into retinal conditions, ensuring that advances benefit all South Africans
- Raise awareness and secure funding to sustain this work
Vision & Mission Statement
Support Us
Join our community
Membership is open to patients, families, healthcare professionals, and supporters of retinal blindness research. Together, we boost advocacy, advance research, and ensure no family faces retinal conditions alone.
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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.
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Donate Now
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.
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Fundraise With Us
Take part in fundraising events and initiatives that help support vital research, patient programmes and genetic testing for families affected by retinal conditions.
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