Retina NZ Inc

Retina NZ provides information and support to individuals (and their families) who have some type of vision loss. The common conditions are Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) but we also support all lesser known retinal conditions including Stargardts, Choroideremia, as well as sight loss from diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and many others. Retina NZ operates a telephone based peer support service - 0800 233 833, which operates 7 days a week. Our team of trained volunteers are not medically qualified, but they have experienced some form of vision loss and understand the challenges of daily living with reduced vision. They will listen with empathy and provide the caller with coping strategies or sources of further information. There is also a retina youth group for 18-35’s. Find them on Facebook at ‘retina youth’. Its a place where young people can support each other and discuss the unique issues that confront them, within the safety of a “closed group” environment. Retina NZ is able to provide eye health professionals with a range of FREE publications that can be given out to patients who might benefit from our services. Publications include; ‘Where do you turn... when you’re losing your sight?’, ‘NZ Low Vision Handbook’ - Coping With Vision Loss, Amsler Grid (A5 card with instructions and info on the back), business cards with 0800 number and website details, as well as our new “Understanding” series of disease information booklets (RP, AMD, Cataracts, Retinal Detachment). Our publications are available at no charge, although as a charity donations are always welcomed. We invite patients and eye professionals to become members of Retina NZ. Membership (annually) is $20 waged or $10 unwaged/retired. Corporate Membership for eye health professionals [or any other business entity] is $100 and comes with additional member benefits. Members receive our quarterly newsletter which is available in print, email or audio formats. Retina NZ…