World Retina Week is observed internationally from September 19 to 25 to create awareness about inherited retinal disorders (IRD) and the progress towards a cure that research has made possible.
Phenomenal international research findings in the fields of gene replacement, stem cell therapy, pharmaceutical interventions, optogenetics and gene editing now offer hope for imminent tr
The gene hunters at the University of Cape Town have produced world-class research over many years and are uniquely equipped to hunt for the genetic mutations in patients affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Dystrophies and degenerations, Usher Syndrome, Leber Congenital Amaurosis and dozens of other rare and serious retinal disorders.
These conditions affect more than 20 000 South Africans from all races and socio- economic groups and finding the gene mutation in each family is the first step to therapy.
Alarmingly, researchers estimate that 10 million South Africans carry a single copy of a genetic mutation for one of the recessive forms of IRD – the most common form that usually occurs in families with no previous history of blindness.
¦For more information see www.retinasa.org.za
