Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity ROP

21.03.2016

Through our advocacy efforts, the University Clinical Center in Kosovo (UCCK) has started the screening program for Retinopathy  of Prematurity. Retinopathy of Prematurity (also called ROP) is an eye disease that affects many premature babies. Most babies with ROP have a mild case and don’t need treatment. But babies with severe ROP can have vision problems or blindness. Screening for ROP helps early diagnosis and treatment. The screening for ROP is conducted by a specialized ophthalmologist and is done in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where premature babies are treated.

This program is made possible by close cooperation with hospital Kubati which gives us as an in-kind donation the team of specialized volunteer doctors until the end of 2016 who will perform the screening within NICU in UCCK. This program will also build capacities within UCCK, develop the standardized protocols, and advocate to secure the needed equipment.

Our advocacy efforts have made it possible to have the Ministry of Health and UCCK prioritize purchasing the needed equipment for ROP so that the screening protocols continue.