About the International Eye Foundation
IEF Programs: Retinopathy of Prematurity
Congenital cataract and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) continue to threaten children with lifetime blindness. Our partners reported 586 sight-restoring operations on children in 2004. [ What is Retinopathy of Prematurity? ]
| Aravind ROP Data | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2004 | |
| Total number of babies screened | 262 | 383 |
| Number of babies identified with ROP | 103 | 58 |
| Number of babies treated with laser | 31 | 7 |
With IEF support, the Aravind Eye Hospital at Coimbatore acquired a sophisticated digital retinal camera to examine premature newborns at risk of ROP. Visual images of the babies' retinas can be referred to the base hospital in Madurai in real time through a telemedicine hook-up.
Aravind's Director, Dr. Namperumalsamy, reports: "RetCam has been an invaluable tool for screening and documentation of ROP. It is being regularly used for all the babies who come for ROP examination in our clinic. The biggest advantage of RetCam is that in just a few minutes one can finish the full fundus examination and document almost the entire retina with just 5 photos.
"The digital images, which are permanently stored and easily retrievable, are shown to the parents on every visit. Through the pictures they can actually see what is happening in their child's eye. This makes it easy for them to understand and also they realize the importance of follow up.
"RetCam photos are also used in information brochures for parents and pediatricians, and in various presentations at national and international conferences and publications," said Dr. Namperumalsamy.
The IEF's blindness prevention and sight saving programs are funded by governmental, foundation, and corporate contributors, as well as individuals like you who generously donate online. Our website showcases our successes and our breadth of services to the developing world. Feel free to contact us with specific questions or requests. [ What is Retinopathy of Prematurity? ]