South Africa

Study populations 

South Africa, in 2016, had an estimated population of 54.3m with 29% under the age of 15 and only 5% over the age of 65. By 2050, the population is expected to increase by 33%, and associated with a significant change in the age distribution, 7.5m people will be in the older age group.

Alongside the ageing population, diabetes prevalence is increasing – with the most recent statistics reporting 2.3m people living with the condition and an estimated 1.4m undiagnosed cases.

Report & Infographic 

Cover page for South Africa Study Report. For accessible PDF version of full report click the image.
Info-graphic containing overview of findings. For an accessible PDF please click the image.

Time of presentation for screening with an ophthamologist

20% In time for screening, 73.3% When visual problems have already occurred, 6.7% Too late for effective treatment
(Ophthamologists n=15)
In time for screening When visual problems have already occurred Too late for effective treatment

Percentage of adults with diabetes who have completed an eye exam

69.1% Have had an eye exam, 30.9% Never had an eye exam
(All providers n=55)
Have had an eye exam
 Never had an eye exam  

Complications adults with diabetes were most concerned about

sa-chart3
(Adults with diabetes n=54)
Vision loss Cardiovascular disease/stroke Amputation
 Kidney disease

Frequency of discussions about eye complications with health care providers

20% Every visit, 9.1% Multiple times per year, 27.3% Once a year, 21.8% When symptoms arise, 14.5% Never
(Adults with diabetes n=55)
Every visit Multiple times per year Once a year When symptoms arise Never
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