World Diabetes Day 14 November 2026 – Press Release
From Declaration to Action: Protecting Sight This Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and 14 November is World Diabetes Day. This year, Retina South Africa is calling for urgent action to prevent vision loss caused by diabetes, and for eye health to be part of South Africa’s response to the diabetes crisis.
Standing with the diabetes community
On 12 November 2026, Retina South Africa was proud to partner with Diabetes Alliance South Africa at their World Diabetes Day event at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
We welcome the recently adopted Johannesburg Declaration for Accelerated Action on Diabetes in South Africa. The Declaration calls for stronger leadership, better access to care, more accountability and urgent action on South Africa’s growing diabetes crisis. It imagines a future where everyone has fair access to prevention, treatment, screening and care, whatever their income, location, disability or background.
Why diabetes matters for your eyes
The impact of diabetes goes far beyond blood sugar. Poorly managed diabetes can cause serious eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in the retina. It remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness among working-age adults around the world.
“Vision loss caused by diabetes is often preventable through early diagnosis, effective disease management, and regular eye examinations,” said Retina South Africa CEO Manny Moodley. “Every person living with diabetes should understand the importance of protecting their sight. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, irreversible damage may already have occurred.”
That is why Retina South Africa believes retinal screening should be recognised as a critical part of diabetes care.
What we are asking for
Many South Africans living with diabetes face gaps in diagnosis, treatment, healthcare access and ongoing check-ups. This puts them at greater risk of avoidable complications, including vision loss and blindness. This Diabetes Awareness Month, Retina South Africa encourages:
- People living with diabetes to book regular comprehensive eye examinations, even when their vision seems normal.
- Healthcare providers to make early detection and referral for diabetic eye disease a priority.
- Policymakers to include eye health and retinal screening in national diabetes strategies.
- Communities and families to support people living with diabetes through awareness, education and access to healthcare.
We are also calling for diabetes advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, government departments and disability organisations to work together, so that preventable vision loss gets the attention it deserves.
Together, from declaration to action
“Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a future that can be protected,” Retina South Africa added. “We commend the Diabetes Alliance and all stakeholders involved in advancing the Johannesburg Declaration. Together, we can reduce the burden of diabetes, prevent avoidable blindness, and ensure that every South African has the opportunity to live a healthy, independent life.”
Retina South Africa remains committed to raising awareness about retinal diseases, advocating for accessible healthcare and helping people take steps to protect their sight.
Read the full press release: HERE
Get in touch: 0860 59 59 59 | headoffice@retinasa.org.za | www.retinasa.org.za
