Upon completion of this course, the participants will be able to:
- Describe the anatomy of the neonatal retina, the zones of retinal vascularization, and the two-phase pathophysiology by which premature birth and hyperoxia lead to pathologic retinal neovascularization in ROP.
- Apply the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP) framework, including zone, stage, plus/pre-plus disease, posterior Zone II, notch, APROP, and Type 1/Type 2 classification, to accurately describe and categorize the severity of ROP findings.
- Identify major and additional risk factors for ROP, explain how screening criteria differ between high-income and low- and middle-income country settings, and outline the stepwise protocol for a safe and complete ROP examination, including pain management, documentation, and follow-up scheduling.
- Compare the principles, indications, advantages, limitations, and follow-up requirements of the three primary treatment modalities for ROP: laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, and vitreoretinal surgery, including specific risks such as the crunch phenomenon and late anti-VEGF reactivation.
- Describe the roles of telemedicine, multidisciplinary collaboration, and informed consent in ROP programs, and explain how treatment settings, anesthesia choice, and post-procedural monitoring protocols are tailored to the clinical stability of the premature infant.