Retina SA - A cure in sight

17/06/2026

Carine's Camino Journey - Walking the Camino with Purpose

Day 2 | Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo 🎗️

A tough but breathtaking day on the Camino — a steep descent on loose shale, yet never too rushed to stop and smell the roses. A gentle climb through carpets of purple heath and scattered yellow led to Cruz de Ferro (1,505 m), the highest point on the Camino Francés. Carine paused here to leave a few Ribbons of Love at the iconic iron cross — a place where pilgrims carry stones from home and leave behind whatever weight they need to let go of. A deeply meaningful moment on a deeply meaningful journey.

The descent into El Acebo was steep and demanding, but this beautiful mountain village — all slate roofs, stone walls and overhanging balconies — was well worth it. Carine also reminded us that stopping to take photos isn't just about the view; for her, it's a way of capturing details her vision loss means she may miss while walking. Day 2 done. The Camino continues. 💛

Want the full story? Read Carine's journey day by day on our blog:
📖 Day 1 – Welcome to Astorga 👉 https://retinasa.org.za/carines-camino-journey-2/
📖 Day 2 – Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo 👉https://retinasa.org.za/carines-camino-journey/

Adventures for Love

16/06/2026

✨Our vision may be different, but our dreams are limitless. We are the future. We are unstoppable.

Young people living with inherited retinal conditions are dreamers, leaders, and changemakers. With the right support, inclusive education, and accessible opportunities, their futures are limitless.

Empowered youth don’t just adapt—they shape tomorrow.

Happy Youth Day!

15/06/2026

Important Update: You Need to Reselect Retina South Africa on Woolworths - MyDifference Programme

If you've switched from the MySchool, MyVillage & MyPlanet card to the new Woolworths MyDifference programme, please note:

⚠️Your selected beneficiaries do not transfer automatically.

To continue supporting Retina South Africa, you'll need to select us again as your chosen cause in the MyDifference section of the Woolworths app.

Don't delay! If you haven't yet joined MyDifference, please do so before 30 June 2026. After this date, the old MySchool card will be discontinued, and only MyDifference causes will continue to receive support from your shopping.

If you experience any difficulties, contact Woolworths Rewards Support:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0861 502 050

15/06/2026

As part of our Youth Month Blog Series, we’re excited to share a powerful new resource driving real change in the workplace.

The Hein Wagner Academy, in partnership with ABSA, has launched a Practical Employment Guide for Visually Impaired Inclusion — helping employers move from intention to action.

With a 97% unemployment rate among visually impaired graduates in South Africa, this guide couldn’t come at a more critical time. It offers practical steps on inclusive hiring, onboarding, and workplace adjustments that benefit both employees and organisations.

💡Inclusive workplaces drive innovation, empathy, and stronger teams.

👉Read more and discover how your organisation can make a difference.
https://tinyurl.com/vi-employment-guide

A new Practical Employment Guide for Visually Impaired Inclusion, developed by the Hein Wagner Academy in partnership with ABSA, offers South African employers actionable steps to create inclusive workplaces. With visually impaired graduate unemployment at 97%, this guide provides practical strategi...

14/06/2026

👣✨ Looking back at Day 1 of Carine's Camino Francés Journey (12 June)

On 12 June, Carine Fraser took her first steps on the Camino Francés, embarking on a remarkable adventure filled with purpose, perseverance, and discovery. From the excitement of setting out to the beautiful sights and experiences along the way, Day 1 marked the start of an unforgettable pilgrimage.

Every Camino begins with a single step, and for Carine, this journey is about embracing new challenges, creating meaningful connections, and demonstrating that determination can carry us further than we ever imagined.

We're delighted to share some moments from her first day on the trail. Thank you to everyone who is following her journey and sending messages of support—it truly makes a difference.

Join us as we continue to walk alongside Carine, one step at a time, and follow her progress across Spain. 💙

Buen Camino, Carine!

Adventures for Love

13/06/2026

UNITED IN
VISION'26
PRESENTED BY
FIGHTING
FOUND
BLINDNESS
VISIONS CONFERENCE
And Retina
International
WORLD CONGRESS in Texas, USA is being attended by Manny Moodley our CEO. Excellent talks on Research, Access to treatment, Mental Health, accessability etc are being recorded and links will be posted here. Watch this space

12/06/2026

Carine arrived in Astorga last night after a breezy three-and-a-half-hour train ride from Madrid, joined by her fabulous travel buddies, Carol and Marijke.

Yesterday she reunited with Traci and her son Matt, who have been trekking from St. Jean Pied de Port in France for the past three and a half weeks—the very journey Carine began four years ago before a detached retina unexpectedly interrupted her Camino adventure.

This time, she's back. 💛

A new journey, seen through better eyes, shared with treasured friends, and filled with gratitude for every step ahead. Today, the Camino begins once again.

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11/06/2026

67 Minutes of Warmth this Mandela Day

“It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.” – Nelson Mandela
This Mandela Day, help us turn those words into action.

From 11 June to 14 July 2026, we are collecting new or gently used blankets (in good condition) - bringing warmth, comfort, and care to those who need it most this winter.

👉 Please note: We kindly ask for medium to large-sized blankets suitable for adults, to ensure they provide enough warmth during the colder months.

📍 Drop-off location:
2nd Floor, Sami-G Office Square
80 Greenvale Road, Wilbart, Germiston

💛 Can’t drop off a blanket? You can still make a difference by donating towards one through our online store: https://retinasa.org.za/shop/67-Minutes-of-Warmth-Blanket-of-Hope-p840677991

Every blanket is more than just warmth—it’s dignity, kindness, and hope.

Join us in honouring Madiba’s legacy 💛

Share Warmth. Change Lives. “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.” – Nelson Mandela This Mandela Day, turn your 67 minutes into meaningful action. With 67 Minutes of Warmth , you can help provide a blanket to someone in need during the cold winter months. Each pur...

11/06/2026

Play belongs to everyone. For children living with inherited retinal conditions, inclusive play builds confidence, creativity, and connection—proving that different ways of seeing never limit joy or imagination.

When play is accessible, every child can explore their full potential.

11/06/2026

These are the items Carine received from the St James Confraternity of SA. Reminders and signs of where we come from, where we’ve been and where we’re going!

On the journey, your pilgrim credential is like a passport to adventure, inviting you to collect unique and different stamps from churches, albergues, hostels, coffee shops etc along the way.

Each stamp is a little story, a token of your journey, and when you finally arrive in Santiago, you present this cherished passport to earn the coveted Compostela—a certificate celebrating your pilgrimage.

That’s why this is not just a document; it's a tapestry of memories, connecting you with fellow wanderers and the spirit of the Camino, making every step a cherished chapter in your adventure!
Adventures for Love