Training Seminar on Prevention of Blindness Due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Premature Infants.
The College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital Lahore, and UNICEF, successfully organized a comprehensive training seminar on the critical role of nurses in preventing blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. The seminar was attended by nurses from various hospitals, in which they were trained on prevention of blindness secondary to retinopathy of prematurity.
The training focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and awareness among nurses and parents to prevent blindness and to make the future of children brighter.
The workshop was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz, Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University as the chief guest. The distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin (Principal College of Ophthalmology/Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Pro Vice Chancellor KEMU), Prof. Dr. Haroon Hamid (Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics), Dr. Akmal Laeeq (Professor Emeritus Pediatric Medicine), Dr. Saira (Health Officer UNICEF) and Dr. Quratul Ain (Health Specialist UNICEF).
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin said that retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in premature infants, especially those born before 35 weeks of gestation, weighing less than two kilograms, or requiring oxygen. The birth rate and survival rate of premature infants have increased in Pakistan, which has made the diagnosis of ROP even more urgent. If these infants are not diagnosed in time, the disease can become an epidemic and cause permanent blindness. As a precautionary measure, it is important for premature infants to be examined by an ophthalmologist within one month to save their eyes.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz appreciated the best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of ROP, a disease of blindness in children, and the measures taken to train nurses. This is a revolutionary step that can change the lives of children. He used the term kangaroo mother for pre-mature babies and emphasized the importance of taking care of children in the early days and educating parents about these treatable diseases.
Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Professor Dr. M Haroon Hamid explained how important a role pediatricians can play in preventing blindness due to ROP. He said that now it is mandatory to learn the training skills of diagnosing and treating ROP in pre-mature babies for specialization in pediatric medicine. He expressed his determination to train nurses and doctors across Punjab in timely diagnosis of diseases in newborn babies.
Professor Dr. Akmal Laeeq told the participants that about two decades ago, he and the then Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Professor Dr. Asad considered the situation of ROP and decided to start timely screening and treatment of pre-mature babies. He also emphasized the key role of nursing in preventing ROP.