The Challenge
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a
potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature
infants weighing about 2000gm or less, that are born before 36 weeks
of gestation (A full-term pregnancy has a gestation of 38-42 weeks).
However, screening and treatment of these infants needs highly
specialized personnel and equipment. These skilled doctors are very
few in number and are in large cities of the country, leaving a vast
majority of children unscreened in many rural areas.
Solution
The project has been delivering ROP screening
in far flung NICUs using advanced RETCAM imaging system coupled with
an innovative tele medical solution for diagnosis and treatment
planning since 2009. Treatment by laser photo coagulation is
delivered in the NICU itself with minimal stress to the infant.
Long-Term Impact
Complete functional vision can be saved
in infants when diagnosed and treated in time. This has a lifelong
impact on the child and on the society as blindness can cause
physical and economic hardships.