We are committed to protecting the vision of babies born too soon. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye condition that can have long-term consequences for preterm infants and their families. According to a 2019 survey by EFCNI (GFCNI's precursor), parents must be informed early about the risks of ROP and involved in every decision regarding their baby’s care.
ROP affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. The condition is marked by abnormal development of retinal blood vessels in preterm babies.
While ROP often resolves on its own without lasting issues, in some cases it progresses and leads to retinal scarring or detachment. If not identified and treated in time, this can cause vision impairment or even blindness.
Several factors contribute to the development of ROP. Babies born before 31 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1,250 grams are at the highest risk. One major factor is exposure to oxygen—whether from room air or medical oxygen therapy—which is much higher than in the womb. Healthcare teams carefully monitor oxygen levels to strike a balance: enough to support organ development, but not so much that it increases the risk of ROP.
As one of the leading causes of childhood blindness, ROP is a key focus of our advocacy work at GFCNI. Join us in raising awareness of this sight-threatening condition.
Gain expert perspectives on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) through insightful interviews and quotes from leading professionals in the field. This section features a quote card, a video interview, and a written Q&A, offering valuable knowledge on ROP prevention, screening, treatment, and long-term outcomes. Learn why early detection and specialized care are essential for protecting the vision of preterm infants.
In this powerful video, patients, parents, and medical experts share their personal experiences and insights on how ROP affects families—from the NICU to adulthood. Their voices highlight the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and lifelong follow-up care for children born preterm.
Dr. Karen Walker, President of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN), highlights the critical role of neonatal nurses in preventing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Her message is a powerful call to action to protect the vision of preterm infants worldwide.
What happens after ROP treatment?
In this expert interview, Professor Armin Wolf explains why Retinopathy of Prematurity is more than an acute condition and why lifelong follow-up is essential for children born preterm.
Our Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) factsheet offers a comprehensive overview of ROP, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recommended follow-up care—all at a glance. It is available for download in English and German.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Ann Hellström, Professor Andreas Stahl, and Monique Oude-Reimer for their valuable support and expert guidance in developing this resource.
All content in the “The World Is Bright, Save Our Babies' Sight” campaign was independently developed by GFCNI and reviewed by external experts for medical accuracy. The campaign is powered by GFCNI.
We extend our sincere thanks to the following medical societies for their valuable collaboration and support of this campaign.
We thank the following parent and patient organizations for their invaluable support of this campaign around the world.
Novartis supported the campaign from until 2021 but had no influence on its content or messaging.
GFCNI is the first global organization and network to unite patients, families, healthcare professionals,
medical staff, and scientists from different disciplines, fields,
and countries – all with the joint goal of advancing the health and quality of care for newborns and their families across the globe.
GFCNI is a non-profit organization established under German public law. Tax Reference Number: 143/235/22619
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