Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a regional neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is attracting renewed interest from ophthalmologists and neonatologists because of the improved survival of very low birth- weight premature infants, some of whom develop blinding disease. Ophthalmologists may find increasing pressure from paediatric colleagues to provide a screening service for babies at risk. The results of the last twenty-two months of a continuing programme at this hospital demonstrate the benefits of active screening, but indicate some of the potential problems for ophthalmologists who are likely to become involved in this work now and in the future.