Short Term ‘Retinopathy of Prematurity’ Training Courses
A. ROP Screening
Who can apply:
Ophthalmologists/ Neonatologists/ Pediatricians
Duration of Course:
One to six weeks (depends on the previous experience and skill of candidate, will be customized after resume and interview)
Training details:
- The trainee will travel with the KIDROP team(s) to neonatal intensive care units on 5 – 6 days of the week. Each day, 1-5+ NICUs are covered by the team in different outreach regions of Karnataka state.
- During the NICU screening sessions, trainees will perform indirect ophthalmoscopy on selected babies. Approximately 50-75 infants will be examined by the candidate per week.
- Technique refinement, diagnosis, decision and follow-up protocols will be taught through practical, hands-on, real-world methods which comply with the latest National ROP screening guidelines.
- Those intending to be trained in ROP imaging-based screening using wide-field imaging, will be additionally taught this during their sessions in the headquarters and outreach during their training duration.
- Neonatologists and Pediatricians are trained only in imaging methods as per the National ROP Screening guidelines (2018 – Course C, below)
- Ophthalmologists not previously trained in indirect ophthalmoscopy on adult patients will be trained inimaging-based screening (Course C, below)
B: ROP Screening and Treatment:
Who can apply:
Essential: Ophthalmologists already trained and comfortable with laser indirect ophthalmoscopy in adult patients
Desirable: Ophthalmologists already comfortable with infant retinal examination or already performing ROP screening at their hospital/ institute/ center.
Duration of Course:
Two to four weeks (depends on the previous experience and skill of candidate, will be customized after resume and interview)
Training details:
- Training for ROP screening as detailed above under Course A (above).
- Treatment training will be for ROP Laser treatment and Anti VEGF injections for ROP.
- Trainees are trained to perform laser (532 nm Nd:Yag, Green) and injections under topical anesthesia.
- The number of lasers and intravitreal injections are not predictable during the period of training. On average, 25-50+ babies are treated under KIDROP in a month.
- KIDROP follows the ETROP guidelines for ROP laser treatment and the Anti VEGF injections are given for aggressive ROP, posteriorzone 1 and zone 1 cases.
- All laser treatment sessions are imaged before and after the treatment, and practical aspects of techniques are discussed for the best outcomes.
C: ROP Imaging Course:
Who can apply:
Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Ophthalmic Assistants, Optometrists interested in screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity. No prior experience is required.It is preferable if the candidate returns to a center that already has a ROP camera or is likely to acquire one within a month of completion of the training.
Course Duration:
Four weeks (in exceptional cases, can range from 2 – 12 weeks)
Training details:
- Wide-field imaging for ROP screening performed by non-physicians is a validated model that allows access ROP care to infants in outreach centers.
- This model was initiated in Bangalore by KIDROP in 2008 and is accepted as a screening modality by the National Operational Guidelines for ROP (2017-18).
- This course is provided by the KIDROP team with the aim of creating accredited imaging specialists who would comply with the stringent quality control and practice high ethical standards in imaging infants.
- Travel and logistics are similar to the ROP screening course A (above).
- Hands-on-Training with Wide-Field Cameras – RetCam and Forus Neo.
- Candidate will also be taught practical tools in setting up or expanding ROP services. IT aspects related to tele-ROP
- Certification is provided at the successful completion of the course.
Course Fees (for all above courses):
The course fee shall depend on duration and pre-training experience and skill of the candidate. Narayana Nethralaya does not have accommodation facilities. The trainees are required to arrange for their accommodation and transport themselves. Please email candidate details to [email protected] for more information.
Faculty:
Dr Anand Vinekar, Program Director, KIDROP and Head, Pediatric Retina (See biodata at https://www.narayananethralaya.org/dr-anand-vinekar)
Dr Snehal Bavaskar, Consultant Adult and Pediatric Retina(See Biodata at https://www.narayananethralaya.org/dr-snehal-bavaskar-2/)
