Health experts call for stronger action against ROP to ensure no baby go blind

Speakers at a national workshop have suggested raising awareness among both physicians and the public about retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and strengthening its management to ensure that no baby go blind.

They were speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day workshop titled “Screening and Referral Services on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)” which ended at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) on Monday (October 6), said a press release.

The event brought together over 50 ophthalmologists, neonatologists, gynaecologists, and paediatricians from leading institutions across the country.

Organised jointly by the Departments of Neonatology and Ophthalmology at BMU and Orbis International, the workshop aimed to strengthen interdepartmental collaboration to prevent childhood blindness caused by ROP, a leading yet preventable cause of vision loss among premature infants.

Distinguished guests from BMU included Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Development) Prof Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, Treasurer Prof Dr Nahreen Akhtar, Pediatrics Faculty Dean Prof Dr Md Atiar Rahman, Neonatology Department Chairman Prof Dr Md Abdul Mannan, Ophthalmology Department Chairman Prof Dr Syed Abdul Wadud, and Community Ophthalmology Department Chairman Prof Dr Md Showkat Kabir. Other senior BMU faculty, UNICEF Health Manager Dr Dewan Md Emdadul Hoque, and Orbis International Country Director Dr Munir Ahmed were also present.

Prof Md Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, in his speech, stressed early screening and prevention at all stages, emphasising maternal and oral health during pregnancy. “Our children’s vision is our shared responsibility,” he said.

Prof Dr. Nahreen Akhtar emphasised the importance of identifying and addressing risk factors such as anemia and sepsis, which are common contributors to the development of ROP. 

Linking prematurity directly to child mortality and long-term health complications, she said, “We must prevent prematurity… When a premature baby is born, we have to take special care of the baby.” 

Dr. Munir Ahmed noted, “This workshop brings experience and innovation together to accelerate ROP prevention through training and technology. Orbis is exploring AI to reduce unnecessary referrals and improve early detection.”

Reiterating the workshop’s key message, Prof Md Abdul Mannan declared, “No baby should go blind.” He warned that Bangladesh’s high rate of preterm births makes it particularly vulnerable to ROP.

Prof Dr. Syed Abdul Wadud said timely screening, proper use of RetCam, and parental counselling are essential to fight ROP. “With partners like Orbis and UNICEF, ROP blindness can be eliminated,” he added.

BMU Associate Professor Dr Tariq Reza Ali led a session on ROP pathogenesis, screening, and treatment while Orbis International Director – Program Technology, Clinical Services & Research Dr Lutful Husain focused on ROP referral systems and Cybersight, Orbis’s online learning platform offering free ophthalmology courses by global experts.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness among premature infants, with WHO estimating 50,000–60,000 cases of blindness globally each year. In Bangladesh, about 600,000 babies are born prematurely annually, putting many at risk. BMU began ROP screening in 2013 and introduced RetCam imaging in 2021 to strengthen early detection and treatment. Experts warn that babies born before 35 weeks or weighing under two kgs must undergo an eye check-up within 20–30 days of birth to prevent blindness.