Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss and preventable blindness in South Africa. Diabetic retinopathy, caused by damage to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye, is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, however, most vision loss can be prevented when it is detected early through regular retinal screenings and treated in time - protecting independence, dignity, jobs and families. As the world observes World Diabetes Day tomorrow (Saturday 14) the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa(OSSA) is calling for retinal screening to be built into diabetes healthcare programmes. We spoke to Member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa Dr Jenny Laithwaite….

<p>Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss and preventable blindness in South Africa. Diabetic retinopathy, caused by damage to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye, is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, however, most vision loss can be prevented when it is detected early through regular retinal screenings and treated in time - protecting independence, dignity, jobs and families. As the world observes World Diabetes Day tomorrow (Saturday 14) the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa(OSSA) is calling for retinal screening to be built into diabetes healthcare programmes. We spoke to Member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa Dr Jenny Laithwaite&hellip;.</p>