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Hands-on Training Program in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Introduction
L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) is a not-for-profit charitable organization; with a mission to combat eye disease and reduce the incidence of blindness through a comprehensive approach to eye care. The Institute's charter stipulates that a minimum 50 percent of its services will be rendered free of cost to the economically underprivileged. LVPEI provides consistent and quality eye-care services, while maintaining the highest standards - whether it is a simple eye examination or a complicated surgery, post-operative convalescent care or counseling and rehabilitation of the visually impaired.
LVPEI strives to offer equitable, efficient and excellent eye care to the community through its six arms, namely the Hospital, Education Centre, Eye Research Centre, Vision Rehabilitation Centres, Community Eye Care and the Product Development
Centre.
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a rapidly progressive condition starting within 2-3 weeks of life in a premature infant. Left untreated ROP can result in irreversible low vision or blindness for the child's entire life. Ever since effective screening and treatment protocols have been defined, ROP has emerged as a significant cause of preventable blindness in children. The global 'VISION 2020: Right to Sight' program has identified ROP as an important preventable disease in the area of childhood blindness.
Current management strategies to prevent visual loss
Early screening within 2-3 weeks of life can detect ROP at a stage where it is amenable to treatment with good visual outcomes. The present standard for detecting ROP is a dilated retinal evaluation with an indirect ophthalmoscope. Laser ablation or cryotherapy is done when ROP progresses to a stage where it can threaten vision if left untreated. ROP needs to be treated as soon as it reaches this critical stage. There is a 15-50% or even a greater risk of vision loss if left untreated. Time is crucial!
Some eyes that progress to detachment in spite of timely laser treatment may require referral for early vitreous surgery.
If treated on time, a child is expected to have reasonably good vision. Some children may need spectacles to achieve this. All premature babies need regular eye examinations till they start going to school. In the long-term follow-up, they may need treatment for amblyopia, anisometropia, squint and, sometimes, for cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
Objectives of ROP training
The course will be of one-month duration. The participants will acquire knowledge in the following areas:
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A clear understanding of the disease process
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Detailed understanding of screening protocols and procedures
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How to set up ROP services in their own area
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Evaluation of ocular and retinal status in preterm newborns
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How to make appropriate decisions for treatment, screening and follow-up schedules
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Perform laser treatment for ROP (if the candidate has experience in treating adults with retinal lasers)
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Post laser follow-up of ROP cases
Training Methodology
Training will include lectures and practical hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced faculty.
Rotation Schedule/Evaluation
During the one-month fellowship, experienced faculty will guide the candidate to achieve the objectives of the program. The weekly rotation will be as follows:
Admission Procedure
Duration
: 1 month
No. of Candidates
: 6 per year (Alternate odd months)
Qualifications
: MD/MS/DNB/FRCS
Selection
: The candidates would be selected based on their
qualifications and presenting skills in retinal examination and laser. Preference will be given to sponsored candidates.
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