Organisations gears up for awareness week
"Clinical trials to find effective treatments are showing great promise and Retina South Africa is determined to bring these promising trials to South Africa."
September 19 will see the start of World Retina Week, which is a global awareness programme.
The programme aims to promote greater awareness of the progress made with regards to the treatment for retinal genetic conditions, through scientific research.
According to Mrs Claudette Medefindt, the deputy president of Retina International, World Retina Week is an awareness programme practised in 40 countries.
The programme hopes to show the progress made in fields of gene therapy, stem cells and artificial retina treatment.
Retinal conditions such as Macular Degenerations and Dystrophies, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and other rare conditions cause the loss of vision in over 40 million people worldwide and a probable 150 000 South Africans.
“Clinical trials to find effective treatments are showing great promise and Retina South Africa is determined to bring these promising trials to South Africa,” said Mrs Medefindt.
She said that early diagnosis is essential.
For more information on any genetic retinal disorder, go to www.retinasa.org.za
