DHAKA: Incidence of blindness caused by Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) – an abnormal development of retinal blood vessels in premature infants – is on the rise in Bangladesh.

This was the observation of the speakers at a seminar on ROP held at Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital (IIEI&H) at Farmgate in Dhaka Monday, says a press release.

Bangladesh government’s National Eye Care (NEC), Orbis International, Bangladesh Neonatal Forum (BNF) and IIEI&H jointly organized the seminar.

The speakers also said ROP is emerging as a major health concern in Bangladesh.

President of Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Prof Rajvardhan Azad spoke on the ROP situation in the region at the seminar.

Professor and Chair of Pediatric Ophthalmology Division of University of Indonesia Prof Rita S Sitorus and Professor of the same university Risma Kaban shared the Indonesia’s ROP approach and experiences with the stakeholders.

Line Director of National Eye Care and Director of National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIO&H) Prof Jalal Ahmed spoke at the seminar as chief guest.

Regional Program Director of Orbis Asia and Co-Chair of International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) for South East Asia Dr Abu Raihan and President of BNF Prof Hosne Ara Begum were present as special guests.

CEO of IIEI&H Dr Michael Hall chaired the inaugural session of the seminar while Country Director of Orbis International, Bangladesh Dr Munir Ahmed delivered the welcome speech.

Prof Jalal said many cases of ROP remain undetected in Bangladesh and sometimes they are detected but are too late to be cured.

He also said the prevalence of ROP in developing nations has been high giving rise to the number of the blindness there.

Dr Munir said Orbis has adopted a coordinated approach, including forming a committee, to combat ROP in Bangladesh.

Dr Abu Raihan highlighted the history of Oribs operation and activities in Bangladesh.

The speakers said ROP leads to bleeding and scaring of retina and ultimately to blindness.

They recommended taking a comprehensive public health approach, and screening and case detection initiatives, setting standards and guidelines for prevention, screening, treatment and follow-up of the problem, and forging a strategic alliance among ophthalmologists, neonatologists, pediatricians and nurses to combat it.

They laid emphasis on preventive measures, which, they said, is possible by strengthening neonatal intensive care services in Bangladesh.

BDST: 1540 HRS, NOV 10, 2014