Programs for Detecting and Treating Retinopathy of Prematurity: Role of the Neonatal Team.

High quality perinatal-neonatal care can prevent severe Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in most cases. Preterm infants who do develop retinopathy can also have good visual outcomes if screening and treatment are done timely. National Neonatology Forum published clinical practice guidelines for timely screening and treatment of ROP in neonatal care units in the country in 2010. It is also listed as one of the condition under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram for early identification and early intervention, and is currently a focus area under the National Program for Control of Blindness. Technical and operational guidelines for screening and treatment have been released. Programs like home-based neonatal care can be utilized for ensuring timely screening and follow-up of high-risk infants. Prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment requires well-coordinated teamwork between neonatologists, ophthalmologists, nurses and obstetricians. The neonatal care team should have an evidence-based screening policy, must coordinate and facilitate screening by ophthalmologist, and provide pre and post-operative support, if treatment is required. The neonatologist also has an important responsibility of educating the healthcare workers and the families. A team approach and inter-sectoral coordination are the keys to success of a national drive to decrease the burden of preventable blindness due to ROP.