Building a Future without Blindness due to Retinopathy of Prematurity in India: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in India. We examined the progress, current status, and challenges related to ROP in India. Despite national guidelines and initiatives, the coverage of ROP screening remains highly variable across regions. Key challenges include lack of screening facilities, trained personnel, inadequate awareness, and delayed referrals. Successful strategies include capacity building, quality improvement approaches, and telescreening. We recommend policy actions, including mandatory ROP screening arrangements by neonatal care facilities, raising community awareness, and the inclusion of ROP indicators in health system monitoring. Leveraging digital technologies and focusing on primary prevention through improved quality of neonatal care are crucial. With sustained commitment and intersectoral collaboration, India can create a comprehensive model for neonatal eye care for low- and middle-income countries, preventing ROP-related visual impairment and ensuring the right to sight for all infants.

Keywords: Indirect ophthalmoscopy; Premature birth; Visual impairment; Wide-field digital retinal imaging.