2^nd EDITION

STOP PRESS!!! Mr Ebrahim Patel (ex SARFU President) has joined Retina South Africa as Chief Executive Officer. We welcome him and hope that he would do for our organisation, what he did for rugby and the people of South Africa. He appealed once to the nation to unite in a spirit of true non-racialism. He is prepared to appeal to the nation again to fight blindness.

CHIBA REPORT – The 12^th World Congress of Retina International was held in Chiba, Japan in August. South Africa was represented by: Gordon Cousins, James Cape, Roy Abbott, Dawn Cousins and Claudette Medefindt. This Congress which is held every 2 years and was the biggest to date. Around 1200 people attended. More than 60 different papers were presented by international Retinal on Retinal Degeneration. The general feeling of optimism and progress was evident in all the papers.

Some of the highlights were:

1. Professor Alan Bird, the godfather of Retinal Degeneration in the United Kingdom gave 2 elegant papers on AMD. He reminded us that research progress is being made and that many innovations have potential merit. His observations: that AMD accounts for 50% of registered blindness in the western world; that the prevalence appears to be increasing at a rate not fully explained by the ageing population; that AMD occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition; and that the disorder manifests in the presence of environmental pressures, were all sobering and relevant.

2. Debra Faber’s progress with Gene Therapy in animal models is encouraging for example, her work in rescuing photoreceptor function in the PDE mouse.

3. Professor Emiko Adachi – Usami, one of the principle organisers of the conference gave an exciting paper on the regeneration of the optic nerve using growth factors, cytokines and artificial grafts.

4. Professor Elize Heon reminded us that retinal patients should see their ophthalmologists regularly so that complications of RD can be managed. These could be cataracts, glaucoma or macular edema.

(Editors Note: In Age Related Macular Degeneration, a complication may be neo-vascularization – seepage of fluid from new blood vessels)

5. Professor Eberhart Zrenner gave an excellent update on the Retinal Prosthesis (chip) being developed in Tubingen, Germany. Currently the chip is 3mm in diameter and has 1600 photodiodes which will probably result in 12° of vision which will be sufficient for mobility purposes. It has been well tolerated in animal models for 28 months. More energy is still required and infra red diodes are being explored.

6. Dr Jerry Chader, Chief Scientific officer of the USA Foundation Fighting Blindness summarised where we’re at and where we need to go. He estimated that only about 30% of the genes implicated have been identified; that gene therapy will ultimately work in humans but some safety problems still need to be solved; that survival factors do prolong the life of photoreceptors in animal models; that RPE cell transplantation may be a useful clinical possibility but photoreceptor transplants have only been minimally successful; that stem cell research should be expanded; that work on both the Retinal and Visual Cortex implants should be intensified. He proposed that the only way of bringing all these promising therapies to successful treatments would be by initiating a Medical Therapy Programme. We need to work with Biotech and Pharmaceutical companies who will be able to fund promising areas of research.

James Cape (National Vice Chairman & Gauteng Chairman) reports on Low Vision Products: It is absolutely amazing how many low vision products there are in the market place that can certainly assist you with day to day activities. These include your home and work environment. I took the opportunity to visit the exhibits at the Retina International Conference held in Chiba, Japan, and am delighted to report that all the latest devices, aids and products in the following categories are available in South Africa: - Magnifiers: all ranges, Okolox Torches, Modular Accessories, Telescopes, CCTV Readers, Non Optical devices. Computer software solutions which include: Screen magnifiers, dedicated screen magnification, document reader and applications as well as voice.

The new generation of voice recorders was on exhibition and the move to CD’s is very much in evidence with such features as paragraphs, page and edit features. Japan can certainly be proud of the advances they have made with mobiles / cellular phones.

The technology that is currently available and that will benefit us all is: ØThe ability to phone a dedicated number which would then identify your whereabouts and assist you in reaching a predicted destination. Ø The ability of cellular phones being able to project images.

Lorna Rosenstein, (Canada), Gordon Cousins,

K P Tsang (Hong Kong) Dave Waldron (Ireland), Alan Khan (USA) , Michael Griffith (Ireland), Maija Lindross (Finland), Claudette Medefindt, Christina Fasser (Switzerland, International President), Sharon Colle (Canada)

With the many products now available we all have the opportunity to enrich our lives and I can only concur with some of the prominent speakers at the conference who emphasised that especially with computer technology and software that we should get “on-line” thus ensuring that we remain informed, competitive and abreast with the world affairs. Gordon Cousins and Claudette Medefindt were re-elected to the Management Committee of Retina International. The next congress will be

held in Noordwyk, Netherlands at the

beginning of July 2004. A feature of this

Congress will be a youth programme with

lots of fun for the under 35’s.

WORLD RETINA WEEK- 23^RD – 29^TH SEPTEMBER 2002 - September was once again used by National and the branches to bring awareness of Retinal Degeneration to the South African Public. Thanks to Grey Worldwide South Africa for their assistance, Arcay Communications for their help in media coverage and Novartis for sponsoring posters and printing.

The SABC gave us fantastic support with their continuity announcers who announced our share call number all week. SABC Radio stations including Radio 5, broadcasted our Radio Ad free of charge. Our TV ad also received good flighting’s on SABC TV Channels. We were assisted by the South African Optometric Association. Selected optometrists offered free Retinal Screening and sold our “Is it in your genes” patches.

Prize winners of the National Competition are: Mrs Surie Govendor – KZN, Mrs Loga Govender – KZN, Miss J Challis – CT, Miss K C Fouche – PTA, Eline v d Merwe – BLOEM, Francis Venter – JHB, Mr Rory Fitzgerald – KZN, Renette Venter – JHB, L M Gresse - Bevereley Grove, Mr K Weller – KZN, Ina Bentley – BLOEM, Mr Dennis Spencer – KZN, Ronel Belligan – PE, Christelle v d Merwe – BLOEM, Mrs Nieman – PTA, Mrs Beulah Lange – KZN, Miranda Botha – KZN, Miss Amelia Vermeulen – CT, Miss Marie Kruger – CT, Mariaan v d Merwe – BLOEM, Monica Winterburn – KZN. Congratulations to all these winners. Thanks to all our sponsors and people who sold patches for us.

Some branch activities were:

PORT ELIZABETH: SANLAM ART COMPETITION - Sanlam once again sponsored the World Retina Week Art Competition for the third time. The theme: a step into the world of vision. As part of the overall education awareness initiative of this campaign, Retina SA hosted an Art Workshop facilitated by Art & Teaching Initiatives. A Sanlam Representative gave a presentation on insurance; Gail Cillie of Retina South Africa did a presentation on RD and patient management and an art lecturer on poster technique skills. 540 entries were received and the judges were well known art personalities. All entries were on display at Greenacres Shopping Centre from 7^th – 29^th September. Committee member, Ian van Rensburg manned the display. The display created a very visual impact in the shopping centre. The 12 finalists’ art work went on display in the Pick ‘n Pay Mall of the Walmer Park Shopping Centre from the 20^th – 28^th September.

PICK ‘N PAY CELEBRITY SHOPPING SPREE – For the 3^rd year Walmer Park Pick ‘n Pay sponsored the World Retina Week shopping spree. This year 5 local celebrities teamed up with RD sufferers and this brought Pick ‘n Pay shoppers to a halt. This shopping spree netted a donation of R2, 000.00 for Retina South Africa. Thank you Pick ‘n Pay.

BLUE JEANS PATCHES – Thanks to all the Schools, companies and individuals who supported this project.

WORLD RETINA WEEK AWARENESS – A presentation was given to Settlers Park Primary School, Retina South Africa participated in the ‘Site Specific Awareness Day of BP’ day, awareness displays in Walmer Park Shopping Centre, Pick ‘n Pay Mall and Greenacres Shopping Centre, Checkers Mall. Articles appeared in local print media – PE Express and Algoa Sun.

La Femme did an extensive awareness article.

Gail and Boniswa did a presentation on Radio Kingfisher and Gail did a presentation to Malabor Vroue – Landbouvereniging.

Ilse Hayes – gold and bronze medallist Stargardt sufferer did a presentation to the youth at St. Mark’s Church.

Libraries and clinics did poster displays.

NORTH GAUTENG – Report - by Poppie Strydom

SCHOOLS – The pupils at Hillview Primary School sold “Is it in your Genes” patches while Poppie Strydom and Sanet Deysel conducted an awareness talk. Pretoria branch were invited by the Afrikaans Boys High School and Tuinrand Primary schools to participate in their Xmas faire. Prinshof School was handed an art merit certificate and the new principle, Mrs Viljoen said that she would like to link up with Retina South Africa North Gauteng branch in the future to promote awareness. Mrs Viljoen has just returned from Holland where she attended a Low Vision Congress, she pointed out that the classifications are now either Low Vision or Blind, not visually impaired.

AWARENESS – Poppie Strydom conducted awareness talks to 40 elderly people at a retirement village, talks were given to ± 2000 members at three different church services and “Is it in your genes” patches were sold.

Poppie Strydom spoke on Radio Pretoria and we received 19 phone calls, mostly from elderly people. 120 Posters were placed throughout Pretoria to create awareness of World Retina Week. We distributed 4800 patches. Final figures on numbers sold are not yet available. All the proceeds from Mollie’s Art Café during World Retina Week will be donated to Retina South Africa. Our posters will be displayed all year round.

GLENFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE – HEALTH WEEK / ESTEE LAUDE EXTRAVAGANZA 16^TH – 19^TH OCTOBER – Christmas cards, wood craft, etc. were sold during this week. A profit of R1400.00 was made. Extensive awareness was created and we received a donation of R1000.00 from Littleton Manor High School.

Editor’s note: LOW VISION BADGES – If we have enough orders we will manufacture Low Vision plastic badges (5cm x 2cm). This badge informs the public that you have a visual problem. The cost will be R20 each (including postage), contact the National Office or your local branch.

JIMMY RANGOUSES WITH THE 32KM WINNER, JOSIAH BEMBE

GAUTENG – Pick ‘n Pay Run for Sight – The 3^rd Pick ‘n Pay Run for Sight was held on Sunday 29^th September in Benoni and finished off World Retina Week in Style. The new 15km event drew a wonderful entry of 850. The 32km still attracted a sizeable field of 703 runners. Our sponsors Pick ‘n Pay Family stores of Oakfields, Farrarmere and Towers sponsored a major portion of the costs. Rising traffic costs will necessitate a sizable increase in entry fees to make this event more economically viable next year. Thanks to Jimmy Rangousis, Dino Zoppas, Barry Stavrides and all the other sponsors. Thanks to Benoni Harriers our organising club, for their assistance.

SWING FOR SIGHT – Tich Cousins once again organised a superb golf day at the Benoni Country Club on Wednesday 2^nd October 2002. The competition was a 4 ball

JIMMY RANGOUSIS WITH JOSIAH BEMBE THE WINNER OF THE 32KM EVENT.

better ball stableford and Tich and his partner Robbie Coetzee took 3^rd place.

A tremendous R21 000 was raised.

Congratulations.

JAMES CAPE, SANDY CAPE

RETINA SOUTH AFRICA AWARENESS – A successful awareness table was manned at Visions 2002, the annual congress of the South African Ophthalmic Congress at Gallagher Estates, Johannesburg from 27-29^th July 2002. We also had an awareness table at the Ride Expo, Sundome. Northgate, Johannesburg on the 16^th August 2002, along with a table at the Health Expo which was held from the 15^th – 17^th October

2002. A paper was presented at the 1^st International Ophthalmic Nurses Congress in Cedar Park, Johannesburg on the 24^th October 2002. 150

Ophthalmic nurses from Southern Africa attended and our awareness table was swamped with requests for information. A presentation was given to final year Optometric Students at Rand Afrikaans University on the 14^th October. These students will carry their knowledge of Retina South Africa into their Low Vision practices next year.

VISUDYNE LAUNCH TO MEDICAL PRESS – Novartis Ophthalmics invited us to share this important occasion and the medical press were updated on Retina South Africa’s activities and our Gene Tracking Project at UCT.

HOUSING LAUNCH FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (PSN) by Veli Dhlamini - The successful launch of this project was held on the 30^th October 2002 at Lakeside Proper, Vaal Triangle. Approximately 200 guests attended, including delegates from organisations dealing with the disabled, Corporate Sponsors, Officials from the Gauteng Department of Housing, Local

Councillors, local SAP and local media. Philadelphia High School for children with special needs provided musical entertainment on the day. 45 people with special needs received their house keys. Pledges for sponsorship for furniture and plants were offered to six occupants. The cold weather outside was a small price to pay, as the hearts of these 45 were filled with warmth and joy. Editors note: Congratulations to Veli Dhlamini. Veli was warmly praised on the day for the effort she has put into convening and driving this program.

AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD) NEWS

v Visudyne registered. This photodynamic therapy for “wet” AMD has finally being registered with the Medicine Control Council of South Africa.

v Well known actress Lauren Bacall (78) has been diagnosed with AMD. She is helping to raise awareness of AMD in the United States.

v RHUFAB shows excellent preliminary results in treating “wet” AMD. RHU- FAB zeros in on the growth promoting protein called vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF). This treatment may also be useful to treat Diabetic Retinopathy. Sadly South Africa has just been refused participation in an anti VEGF trial due to the low number of patients registered.

STEM CELL RESEARCH – Stem cells taken from bone marrow were injected into the mouse eye became incorporated into the eyes structure and formed new blood vessels. This process in a modified form may help to control new blood vessel growth in “wet” AMD.

ANECORTAVE UPDATE – Alcon’s Anecortave, a steroid to treat “wet” AMD has now progressed to Phase III clinical trials, for more information, go to www.alconinc.com – USA, then clinical studies.

New Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0.5 now with accessibility - by Duncan McAllister - I use a black background, white writing colour scheme. To make documents legible, I had to convert the documents into HTML using Adobe’s online conversion tool. The only downside with that option was the loss of formatting. The good news is that Adobe have launched a new version of their free reader which retains your Windows colour scheme. As a result the .pdf documents now appear with black background if you use a high contrast black colour scheme. To download the new reader, go to, http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/arupdate.html. You will see a number of versions of the reader. Be sure to select the one described as ‘Download Acrobat Reader 5.0.5 with search and accessibility (10MB)’.

Save the file (rp505enu.exe) to your hard drive and once downloaded, double click on it to install. It’s a fairly hefty download but well worth it. Another plus is that you can now copy and paste an entire .pdf document into your word processor. The search function is also useful. Many of the functions in Microsoft Office can be accessed by means of shortcut keys instead of the mouse. Note that where applicable you need to highlight (select) the text first before using the shortcut key.

Ctrl + A = Select All	Ctrl + X (or shift plus delete) = Cut		Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + insert) = Copy
Ctrl + F = Find	Ctrl + V (or shift plus insert) = Paste		Select Text = Hold shft + use Þkey
Ctrl + B = Bold	Ctrl + Y (or F4) = Repeat last action		Ctrl + Z = Undo last action
Ctrl + I = Italics	Ctrl + [ = decrease font size		Ctrl + Shft + D = Double underline
Ctrl + U = Underline	Ctrl + ] = increase font size		Ctrl + S = Save
Ctrl + P = Print	Ctrl + Home = return to top of page		Ctrl + End = Go to (document end)
Ctrl + G = Go to (specific page)		Shift + End = Select line starting at beginning of line
Ctrl + T = Hanging indent		Shift + Home = Select line starting at end of line
Ctrl + L, R or J= Left align, right or justify		Ctrl + 1 = Single line spacing (select text first) Ctrl + 2 = Double line spacing (select text first) Ctrl + 5 = One and a half line spacing (select text first) (Note: 1, 2, 5 on the main keyboard, not the numeric keypad)
Ctrl + N = Create new mail message in Outlook)
Alt + F4 = Close current window (e.g. to close the Save as, Print, or Open windows in Word)
Alt + Tab = Scroll through open applications (hold down Alt while scrolling between applications; release Alt when the one you want to switch to appears in the block)
Shift F3 = Convert selected text from lowercase to caps or vice versa (keep pressing F3 while holding down shift to capitalise the first letter of each word, convert to caps, or to convert caps to lowercase)		Alt + = (Add selected numbers in Excel instead of clicking on □).
		Alt + Esc = Switch between applications in the order they were opened

IN MEMORIUM –

JOYCE COUSINS – Died 7^th September 2002 at the age of 84, mother of Gordon Cousins (National Chairman) and Claudette Medefindt (National Secretary). Joyce was one of the founder members of the Gauteng Branch of Retina South Africa. She was one of our first office volunteers and assisted us almost until her death. Thanks to all who made donations in her memory.

Quote from Time Magazine: “WE KNOW THAT WITH DETERMINATION, MONEY & ENERGY, YOU CAN HURRY SCIENCE”

To all our members and their families – A Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.