Welcome to this episode of the podcast “Through the Looking Glass: Unveiling Low Vision with an Optometry Expert 17 – 23 March is World Optometry Week, with the 23rd being World Optometry Day, the focus is on recognising the contributions of optometrists. In today’s enlightening episode, we have the privilege of hosting Hazel Sacharowitz, a distinguished Optometrist from the Low Vision Care Centre. Hazel has over 35 years of experience in the field of low vision including lecturing and training of the Optometry students at the University of Johannesburg. She is well known and respected in ..read more

In this captivating podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of Zaheeda Saloojee Jooma, a true embodiment of bravery and determination. Despite being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition causing damage to the retina, Zaheeda defied the odds and embarked on a cycling adventure just four weeks ago as she geared up to participate in the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight. For visually impaired individuals like Zaheeda, everyday tasks pose unique challenges, yet she refuses to let her condition hold her back. With George De Goveia as her volunteer pilot on a tandem bicycle, Za ..read more

Happy Women's Day! Today is a day to celebrate the amazing women in our lives and to recognize the incredible contributions they make to our world. Let's take a moment to appreciate the strong, resilient, and inspiring women who have made a difference in our lives. Here's to all the women who have made a positive impact on our lives and our world! On today's podcast Karen and Claudette are joined by one of these amazing women, Dr Farah Moti. She is an Ophthalmic Surgeon with a distinction in her Masters dissertation, a mum of three, President of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa, fo ..read more

World Retina Week is observed during the week of 24-30 September, it is observed in more than 40 countries to create awareness about retinal vision loss. On the podcast today we have two dedicated women who are active members of Retina South Africa, Claudette Medefindt who has a 40-year history and Sonya Lee Mahabeer who has just recently brought her enthusiasm and energy to the organisation. They each share their story on how they became involved in Retina South Africa. Should you have a retinal condition or be a family member of a person who has a retinal condition, or a professional who has ..read more

In this episode of the Retinal Realities Podcast we are joined by Sonya Lee Mahabeer who is an admitted attorney who is passionate about ethics, human rights and commercial law, including financial planning law, ESG and legal education. She is a member of Retina South Africa and is on the Youth and Governance Sub Committees. 11-15 September is National Wills Week, an initiative taken by the Law Society of South Africa to create awareness and education about the need to have a last will and testament. A will allows you to designate who will receive your assets and property, and how they will be ..read more

Happy Women's Day! Today is a day to celebrate the amazing women in our lives and to recognize the incredible contributions they make to our world. Let's take a moment to appreciate the strong, resilient, and inspiring women who have made a difference in our lives. Here's to all the women who have made a positive impact on our lives and our world! On today's podcast Karen and Claudette are joined by one of these amazing women, Dr Farah Moti. She is an Ophthalmic Surgeon with a distinction in her Masters dissertation, a mum of three, President of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa, fo ..read more

Today on International Friendship Day 30 July 2023 we chat to Grant Medefindt. Grant is co-founder of a successful design agency in Cape Town. They have a growing and impressive portfolio of international corporate clients. After his family, his design and his dogs he is most passionate about his surfing. He has surfed J Bay, Mozambique, Maldives and Banyak Islands in Indonesia. Grant like all other people with Retinitis Pigmentosa has poor contrast vision and depth perception- visual attributes you really need for big wave surfing. Grant is using International Friendship Day to pay tribute to ..read more

World Chess Day 20 July 2023 Chess is a game of strategy and skill that requires a great deal of concentration and focus. For a visually impaired person, playing chess can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. One of the most inspiring examples of a visually impaired person playing chess is that of Luzuko Ngwevwla from Cape Town. He learned to play chess in Worcester after going blind. Despite his disability, he enjoys playing in chess tournaments in person and online via Skype. There are several ways that a visually impaired person can play chess. One way is to use a tactile chess set, wh ..read more

Retinal Realities, Youth Edition celebrates World Youth Skills Day (15 July 2023). On the podcast today Sonya and Samantha are joined by Hilton Langenhoven, who shares his phenomenal journey as a former paralympic athlete, world champion and commonwealth medallist. A story filled with courage, determination, and resilience about “chasing” your dreams and believing in leaps of faith.  “Don’t cheat your workout, break-up with your comfort zone” - Hilton Langenhoven ..read more

On the Youth Edition podcast today, we are joined by Charlie Dyasi and his guide dog Billy. Charlie is an inspiration to many. Despite his glaucoma, he has managed to become a successful sound engineer, voice over artist, radio presenter and podcast host. He has worked hard to develop his skills and knowledge in the music and entertainment industry, ultimately pursuing his childhood dreams. He is an example of how determination and hard work can help you achieve your goals, even when faced with a disability. Charlie together with his guide dog, Billy is no doubt an expression of “the sky is th ..read more