Podcasts
Retinal Realities
Retinal Realities is our new podcast platform which will be used to engage in discussions on a wide range of topics including:
• Interesting information on retinal degenerative conditions,
• Discussions on the latest and greatest assistive devices and apps which help the visually impaired,
• Conversations and stories covering science, tech, family, relationships, careers, humour, inspirational triumphs, social change and many more arears of interest.
EPISODE 13 – WORLD RETINA WEEEK- 24-30 September 2023 – with Claudette Medefindt & Sonya Lee Mahabeer
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 and how Retina SA has helped them.
Listen to their full story on Spotify at https://bit.ly/3ZB26Kk
EPISODE 12 – NATIONAL WILLS WEEK – with Sonya Lee Mahabeer
EPISODE 11 – WOMEN WITH VISION – with Dr Farah Moti
EPISODE 10 – WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS – with Grant Medefindt
EPISODE 9 – CHECKMATE – with Luzuko Ngwevwla
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, which is a set of chess pieces that have raised bumps on them so that the player can feel the pieces and tell them apart. Another way is to use a Braille chess set, which is a set of chess pieces that have Braille markings on them so that the player can read the pieces and tell them apart.
Listen on Spotify https://bit.ly/43yJBXd
Listen on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/2C2BLho5Rm4
EPISODE 8 – BEYOND THE FINISH LINE !!! YOUTH EDITION – Hilton Langenhoven
EPISODE 7 – IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!!! YOUTH EDITION – Charlie Dyasi
EPISODE 6 – INTRO INTO YOUTH EDITION – Manny Moodley & Sonya Lee Mahabeer
An introductory podcast which outlines the intention of the Retinal Realities Podcast: Youth Edition founded by Retina South Africa.
This is a platform which will be used to empower, create awareness and support the youth of South Africa, who are living with a retinal condition.
Through interviews with young people, their families and medical professionals the podcast will also explore the challenges and successes of living with a retinal condition.
We encourage the members of the youth to interact with us on our social media platforms and share ideas and topics which may be of value and interest to them.
“Empowering youth today for a brighter tomorrow”
Listen on Spotify https://bit.ly/44nW8O3
Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LHQzFQTTCdA
EPISODE 5 – PAWS AT THE OFFICE – Mariza Jurgens and Dotty
Welcome to the latest episode on the Retinal Realities Podcast “Paws at the Office” our guests today are Mariza Jurgens and her guide dog Dotty.
Today on Bring your Dog to Work Day we celebrate Dotty.
Mariza is an international renowned advocate for accessibility and is currently on the working group to improve information accessibility for the disabled in South Africa.
Mariza has a visual impairment called Cone Rod Dystrophy. Mariza relies on Dotty and technology to help her navigate the world. Mariza and Dotty have a strong bond, and Dotty has received special training from the Guide Dogs UK to help her with tasks such as crossing the street, avoiding obstacles and finding her way around. Dotty is trained to respond to Mariza’s commands and to alert her to any potential dangers.
Let’s show our appreciation for these amazing animals and the people they help!
Listen on Spotify https://bit.ly/3Pvnf5o
Listen on YouTube
https://youtu.be/4hccacnHeXU
EPISODE 4 – OPEN THE LID AND CLIMB OUT – Alani Ferreira
Happy Youth Day!
We are so excited to have Alani Ferreira on the Retinal Realities podcast this week to remind the youth that they have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to. The message she is trying to get across is “Don’t let your disability limit you”, people are going to try and put you into a box, but the box has a lid, open the lid and climb out.
Alani (25) was diagnosed with Stargardts at age 12. Since then she has completed both her BCom Strategic Management and BCom Honors in Management with distinction and is working in Agriculture! Above this Alani spends her spare time at the pool and is actually a two-time Paralympic swimmer. Last but not least, Alani adventures through life with her side kick and guide dog Gatsby.
Alani is an inspiration to all, showing that even if you face unique challenges due to your visual impairment, you can still reach your goals and make your dreams come true.
Listen on Spotify https://bit.ly/3JDIM8v
Listen on YouTube
https://youtu.be/LHQzFQTTCdA
EPISODE 3 – WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAVE – Michele McFarlane – Parasurfer
Our guest today on World Ocean Day 8 June 2023 is Michele Mc Farlane – Parasurfer.
In 2005, Michele was diagnosed with 40 degrees vision due to the deteriorating eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Two years ago, Michele did an adaptive surf clinic with the Roxy Davis Foundation and with her signature drive entered her first local competition the following year. In December 2022 Michele represented South Africa in the World Parasurfing Championships.
Listen to Michele’s inspiring story. https://bit.ly/3P1L4l7
EPISODE 2 – TRIUMPHANT TRIATHLETE – Linsay Engelbrecht
Our guest today on World Bicycle Day 3 June 2023 is Paratriathlete Linsay Engelbrecht.
Linsay was diagnosed with Stargardts Disease – a genetic progressive eye disorder at the age of 23, but this hasn’t stopped her from achieving her goals.
Listen to her story on Spotify at https://bit.ly/45Njo9F
EPISODE 1 – SHARING YOUR STORY – Claudette Medefindt – Head of Science
PROMO FOR RETINAL REALITIES – Karen Denton

Platinum Gold Radio Podcasts
Listen to the series of past chats with Claudette Medefindt (Head of Science) and Karen Denton (Head of Advocacy and Education) about eye-care, eyesight preservation, eyesight management and daily operations with impaired vision.
For more podcasts goto their website address www.platinumgoldradio.com