Two-thirds of the blind are female
The World Blind Union estimates that two-thirds of blind people globally are women and this is probably the same within the partially sighted community as well.
March 8 marks International Women’s Day and Retina South Africa wishes to highlight the daily discrimination and prejudice that women and girls with genetic retinal conditions face.
The World Blind Union estimates that two-thirds of blind people globally are women and this is probably the same within the partially sighted community as well. In disadvantaged communities girls are generally even more disadvantaged than their male counterparts and this leads to under education of partially sighted girls.
With respect to rectifying retinal genetic blindness, the best bet is to aggressively pursue the therapies that progress in research now offers.
Advances in genetics, stem cells and artificial vision are offering real hope for a sighted future to this generation of affected girls and boys.
Retina South Africa is working to facilitate genetic testing for all young patients affected by Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt Disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome. These inherited forms of blindness are thought to affect 17 000 young South Africans, destroying more and more of their vision every day.
The Division of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town is a partner in this ambitious but achievable endeavour.
For more information contact Retina South Africa on 086 059 5959, email national@retinasa.org.za or go to www.retinasa.org.za.
