Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening Outcomes at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal condition affecting premature neonates and constitutes a growing cause of childhood blindness in Nigerian hospitals due to improved neonatal survival without corresponding advances in eye care. This study evaluates the screening outcomes for retinopathy of prematurity at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Abia State, South East Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive study design will be employed, reviewing neonatal unit and ophthalmology records over a four-year period from 2020 to 2023. All premature neonates with birth weight below 2,000 grams or gestational age below 34 weeks who underwent ROP screening will be included. Data extracted will cover gestational age, birth weight, oxygen therapy duration, ROP stage at first examination, treatment offered, and follow-up outcomes. Frequency distributions and chi-square analysis will characterise risk profiles and screening findings. Studies from comparable Nigerian centres reveal significant proportions of premature neonates presenting with treatable ROP that progresses to advanced disease due to limited screening capacity and delayed ophthalmology review. This study generates site-specific evidence for FMC Umuahia and advocates for the establishment of a formal, protocol-driven neonatal ROP screening programme. Recommendations will include training of neonatologists in ROP risk identification, procurement of indirect ophthalmoscopy equipment, and the introduction of telemedicine platforms for remote ROP grading in resource-limited units. Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity, premature neonate, ROP screening, Umuahia, neonatal blindness