Going from the warm, low-stimuli environment of the uterus to the bright, loud and vibrant world is a drastic change for newborns. However, when they are pre-term, it can also prove to be sight-threatening.

Retinopathy of Prematurity—or ROP—can occur in babies who are born early or weigh less than three pounds at birth. It causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the retina, which can cause scarring that ultimately turns sight-threatening.

While a scary prognosis, ROP is highly treatable and thanks to the work of Dr Shuan Dai and the team at Queensland Children’s Hospital, they are expediting diagnosis and treatment for our littlest Queenslanders.

There are many Retcam devices across the state which are used to diagnose ROP, however Dr Dai saw a way to enhance support to smaller regional facilities to improve access to specialist consults via telehealth.

By networking the devices, this game changing partnership with places like Townsville Hospital and Health Service drastically expedites access to treatment and reduces the need to transfer babies and their families to other facilities. Saving money and sight in the process!