Lecture: Retinopathy of Prematurity: Programmatic Aspects

VISION 2020: The Right to Sight-INDIA Knowledge Hub Presents this Webinar.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease occurring specifically in preterm low birth weight infants. It holds special importance in the low- and middle-income countries such as in India. Improved neonatal survival coupled with lack universal screening has led to what is termed as a ‘third epidemic’ of ROP in low- and middle-income countries. A unique challenge in ROP screening is that needy infants are often sick and under care in a neonatal care facility. Many of them are in semi urban or rural areas.

Unfortunately, most ROP specialists are available in big cities. In order to bridge this urban-rural gap and to achieve a universal screening, a correct way to approach ROP screening is to establish large scale screening program which combines modern technology and optimal use of skilled human resource. This will ensure that a vast majority of population gets good quality services without having to travel far.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the magnitude of the ROP burden in India.
• Know the natural history of ROP and treatment options.
• Know the challenges in minimizing the disease burden.
• Understand different screening models and their Pros and Cons.
• Know about future potential technologies.

Lecturer: Dr. Sucheta Kulkarni, Medical Director and Head- ROP Services, PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, India.