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New research · Ophthalmology
Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie · 23h
StudyGraefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie · 2026

Retinopathy of prematurity screening and treatment practice patterns: an African multi-country survey.

Jonathan Malcolm, David Ngabo, Elie Nziyomaze … Michael A Mikhail
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OphthalmologyStudy

Over half of African facilities lack formal referral pathways for retinopathy of prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity screening and treatment practice patterns: an African multi-country survey.

Jonathan Malcolm et al. · Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie · 2026
Purpose

This study aimed to assess current retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening and treatment practices among healthcare professionals across Africa.

Methods

An online in-depth survey consisting primarily of multiple-choice questions was sent to ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals involved in ROP care across Africa via professional networks, social media and word-of-mouth recommendations.

n = 62 respondents
51.6%
Results
More than half of African facilities lack formal connections between newborn and eye care
n = 62 respondents
More results

ROP was considered a current or emerging public health problem by 95.2% of respondents.

Anti-VEGF and laser photocoagulation were available for 90.3% and 56.5% of respondents, respectively.

Vitreoretinal services were located more than 200 km away or outside the country for 31.6% of respondents.

More results

Notably, 95.2% expressed interest in further training or participation in a regional ROP network.

“
Conclusion · 1 of 2

ROP practice patterns across Africa remain heterogeneous and are constrained, in many settings, by limited access to laser photocoagulation, inadequate integration with neonatal services, and gaps in formal training.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

The widespread use of anti-VEGF as first-line therapy across all stages of disease raises concern in settings where loss to follow-up is common.

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