Advocating for Nationwide Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening in Uganda’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye condition affecting premature infants. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This abnormal growth can lead to retinal detachment and permanent blindness if untreated. Globally, ROP is responsible for blindness in approximately 50,000 children annually, particularly in regions with improving neonatal care but insufficient safeguards for preterm infants.