Main Content

About - South Africa

South Africa

Organization: Retina South Africa
Status: Full Member

Description

Retina South Africa was established in 1980 and is a patient support and action group dedicated to Fighting Blindness caused by Retinal Degenerative [RD] conditions.

The organisation is a registered NPO and is the only patient group promoting and funding research to treat RD in South Africa.
Retina SA has a central national organisation and a strong branch network in most of the large South African cities.

Branches are responsible for member liaison with referrals to local service providers and to offer basic support and counseling services. A national share call number allows members access to national staff for genetic or scientific advice.

Research

Patient Registry

A confidential patient registry is maintained which allows patients to participate in research projects. The registry involves the patients Ophthalmologist who is required to complete a Confirmation of Diagnoses form prior to registration of the patient.

Gene Tracking Project

Retina South Africa funds a gene tracking project at the University of Cape Town [UCT]. Patients for specific projects are selected from the registry, blood clinics are held and the DNA is then extracted and stored at UCT.

Present projects are

• Increasing the DNA profile of all population groups in South Africa
• Microarray screening for Stargardt’s Disease and RP in patients
• Verification of these results in the laboratory
• Delivery of results to patients