Care / ROP

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

You cannot tell by looking at a baby whether ROP is developing. By the time changes are noticeable, the disease may already be advanced and vision may be permanently affected. Eligible premature babies need every retinal examination scheduled by their neonatal and ROP teams.

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ROP has no visible early signs or symptoms

No visible warning signs

ROP cannot be reliably detected by appearance alone.

No pain or outward changes

Babies with ROP usually do not look different or seem uncomfortable because of it.

Do not wait for symptoms

Scheduled retinal screening is the safest way to detect ROP in time.

The schedule isn't optional.

If your baby has been referred for ROP screening, please attend each scheduled exam. The schedule is the diagnostic tool — missing one appointment can change everything that follows.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Why ROP screening matters

ROP has no visible early signs. Regular retinal examinations are the only way to detect it early, before serious damage occurs. When screening is delayed or missed, the disease may progress silently and become much harder to treat. In general, the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of ROP.

Early disease is invisible

Detection depends on scheduled eye examinations

Timely care helps reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss

Gentle, time-sensitive, neonatal best practice

Time-sensitive screening, gently delivered

ROP screening is performed gently and efficiently, with parents nearby, minimising discomfort while ensuring thorough retinal examination and care.

  • Single-specialist continuity from screening through treatment
  • Paediatric-appropriate dilating drops, sequenced for comfort
  • Parents kept close throughout the examination
TREATMENT AND APPROACH

How our doctors approach ROP

Our care pathway focuses on time-sensitive screening, close monitoring, and treatment when needed to help protect developing vision.

Scheduled retinal screening

Eligible premature infants are examined on a carefully timed schedule so ROP can be detected as early as possible.

Close monitoring

Many babies need repeat examinations to track retinal development and decide whether treatment is needed.

Treatment when indicated

If ROP progresses, laser treatment, anti-VEGF injections, or both may be recommended to protect the retina.

Surgery for advanced disease

In severe cases with retinal detachment risk, surgery may be needed as part of specialist care.

"Dr. JD is so warm and dedicated. My whole family has our eyes checked here."

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Dr. JD Ferwerda
Lead Ophthalmologist · Cataract and Retina Surgeon

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD: Dutch-trained ophthalmologist specialising in cataracts, lens exchange, retinal disease, glaucoma, and AMD.

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