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.