Al-Shifa Trust saves 16,000 premature babies’ vision over 11 years

RAWALPINDI: At least 16,000 babies born prematurely have been saved from acute eye damage because of timely intervention by the doctors at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, over the past eleven years.
Highlighting the growing concern over the increasing incidence of retinal abnormalities in premature infants across Pakistan, Dr. Wajid Ali Khan, Chief of Medical Services at Al-Shifa Trust, says these babies, especially those weighing less than 1.5 kilograms, are at high risk for developing abnormal retinal blood vessels, which can result in serious vision problems, including permanent blindness.
Dr. Wajid said that premature infants face numerous health challenges during their early weeks, with abnormal eye development being a significant concern, stressing  the importance of early screenings and surgical procedures to prevent severe vision impairments. 
Normally, the retina's blood vessels begin developing three months after conception and complete their growth by full-term birth; however, premature births can disrupt this process.
"Recent studies indicate that maintaining lower levels of oxygen saturation can reduce the incidence of advanced retinopathy," Dr. Wajid noted.
He added that one in ten babies worldwide is born prematurely and may face vision issues, urging parents to ensure vision screenings as part of their baby's health check-ups between six and twelve months of age. 
Premature infants require ongoing ophthalmological care due to their increased risk of eye misalignment, amblyopia, and potential need for corrective lenses.
In Pakistan, approximately 900,000 babies are born each year, with about 100,000 being premature. Of these, 80 percent are at risk of developing eye problems. 
Dr. Wajid stated that Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi has a team of over 40 highly qualified eye surgeons and a Pediatric Department staffed by senior eye specialists, handling over 500 outpatient cases of premature babies daily.
He also mentioned that Al-Shifa Trust has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Fauji Foundation Hospital, Combined Military Hospital, and Benazir Bhutto Hospital. These agreements enable the trust to provide comprehensive support, including transportation, screening, and surgical interventions, for premature babies born in these facilities.
Al-Shifa is recognized as the only hospital in the SAARC region, and one of the few worldwide, with advanced facilities and expertise to treat newborns with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Since March 2013, the hospital has been screening and treating newborns, particularly those born before seven months of gestation, successfully treating around 16,000 babies over the past eleven years.
Dr. Wajid added that the trust employs Teleophthalmology to offer free guidance to both state-owned and private health facilities, including those abroad.