Global Challenges in Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening: Modern Solutions for Modern Times.

It has been over 70 years1 since Terry first described a case of retrolental fibroplasia, later to be known by its modern day name: retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Although major advances have been made in terms of understanding the pathophysiology and development of treatment plans for ROP, cost-effective screening has emerged as an important global challenge when dealing with ROP in the 21st century. The traditional model of ROP screening involves regular direct eye examinations by trained ophthalmologists on all at-risk neonates. However, the weaknesses of this model have become evident when one considers that: there is an ever increasing worldwide population of premature births; most premature births in the world are now in the developing nations where there is already a lack of adequate health care specialists; in most countries only a minority of the existent ophthalmologists are trained and able to screen for ROP; and in all countries there is a constant and increasing demand for the limited health care funds available.