Operationalization of Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening by the Application of the Essential Public Health Services Framework.

Overview

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading causes of preventable pediatric blindness worldwide. ROP screening programs have been previously implemented in multiple low- and middle-income countries. On a global scale, it is crucial that evidence-based, standardized screening criteria are utilized in the early detection and treatment of ROP. In this review article, we utilize the National Public Health Performance Standards (NPHPS) Ten Essential Public Health Services Model organized by the core functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance to evaluate the barriers and successes of existing ROP screening programs. This framework can be applied to countries facing the third epidemic of ROP and can be used to establish a generalized model for eye care and screening worldwide.