Approaches to ROP screening

In this video we consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches to ROP screening. As you watch, consider which approach is most suitable in your setting to ensure the best outcome for early detection of ROP.

The following excerpt is from Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity published in the journal Pediatrics in December 2018.

‘Because of the usually predictable and sequential nature of ROP progression and the proven benefits of timely treatment in reducing the risk of visual loss, efficacious care now requires that infants who are at risk receive carefully timed retinal examinations to identify treatment-requiring ROP in time for that treatment to be effective. These examinations should be performed by an ophthalmologist who is experienced in the examination of preterm infants for ROP using a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. The examinations should be scheduled according to the preterm infant’s gestational age at birth and subsequent disease presence and severity, with all pediatricians or other primary care providers who care for the at-risk preterm infant aware of this schedule. When implemented properly, telemedicine systems using wide-angle retinal images and clinical data may be used for preliminary ROP screening or as an adjunct to binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy for ROP screening.’

After watching the video, look at the PDF in the Downloads section below comparing the two screening approaches.