Aims: To evaluate the prevailing practices for proper screening and referral scheme among Indian pediatricians for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Materials and Methods: Pediatricians registered with Indian Academy of Pediatrics from six states of India were selected randomly and were telephonically interviewed in accordance with a preformed questionnaire which comprised of questions regarding demographic factors, number of premature children seen per month, awareness and referral scheme to ophthalmologist; responses thus obtained were analyzed.Results: Hundred percent knowledge about ROP orly artificial sweetener and need for screening in premature babies was observed among the respondents.However, only 135 (58%) pediatricians always referred for ROP screening, 19 (8%) referred only sometimes and 80 (34%) did not refer at all.Consistent referral protocols taking into account all plausible risk factors for ROP were followed by only 25% of those who always referred.
Major deterrent in ROP screening was perceived as non-availability of trained ophthalmologists.Conclusions: Only 14.5% of total pediatricians gold ps5 controller skin contacted were following international recommendations for ROP referral.Screening for ROP remains dismal as observed in this pilot survey as a consequence of non-availability of trained ophthalmologists as well as inconsistent screening guidelines.