ROP screening and imaging of neonates - an orthoptist’s perspective
| Sunday, November 3, 2024 |
| 1:20 PM - 1:30 PM |
| Panorama Rooms 2 & 3 |
Overview
Fiona Lau
Speaker
Fiona Lau
Orthoptist
SALHN
ROP screening and imaging of neonates - an orthoptist’s perspective
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding retinal condition which affects infants who are born extremely premature (30 weeks or less) and/or has very low birth rate (1250g or less). While treatable, severe ROP can cause retinal detachment and blindness. Furthermore, prematurity and low birthweight have also been associated with an increased risk of amblyopia, strabismus and refractive error – even in the absence of ROP.
The paediatric team at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) provides eye screening for all premature infants with gestational age of less than 30 weeks and/or birth weight of less than 1500g. ROP screening is performed by an ophthalmologist and classified using the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP). Fundus photography using Retcam 3 Wide-Field Camera is performed when necessary, not only to assist in the documentation of disease progression, but also to enable better team collaboration and discussions of management without subjecting patient to repeated dilated fundus examinations.
Treatments for threshold ROP currently includes laser ablation to the peripheral retina, and/or intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).
There are two main aims to this presentation:
• To audit and subsequently evaluate the 1-year outcome of ex-prem patients born between 2019-2022 at FMC who have had treatment for their ROP
• To explore the role of the orthoptist in performing Retcam imaging during ROP screening
The paediatric team at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) provides eye screening for all premature infants with gestational age of less than 30 weeks and/or birth weight of less than 1500g. ROP screening is performed by an ophthalmologist and classified using the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP). Fundus photography using Retcam 3 Wide-Field Camera is performed when necessary, not only to assist in the documentation of disease progression, but also to enable better team collaboration and discussions of management without subjecting patient to repeated dilated fundus examinations.
Treatments for threshold ROP currently includes laser ablation to the peripheral retina, and/or intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).
There are two main aims to this presentation:
• To audit and subsequently evaluate the 1-year outcome of ex-prem patients born between 2019-2022 at FMC who have had treatment for their ROP
• To explore the role of the orthoptist in performing Retcam imaging during ROP screening
Biography
Fiona has worked as a clinical orthoptist in a variety of different settings including public hospitals, private ophthalmology practices, and a rural country clinic. Her current work routinely involves orthoptic-led clinics where she performs ocular motility assessments and provides orthoptic management plans for both adult and paediatric patients. Fiona also has clinical experience in a number of general ophthalmology specialties. She has had the privilege of supervising both student and junior orthoptists at her workplaces, and has also assisted as an examiner for final year students at UTS.
Fiona is currently a board member on OA. She is invested in advocating and advancing the scope of practice for orthoptists, not only so that orthoptists can work at the peak of their abilities, but also so that the orthoptic profession can continue to be sustainable for many future generations.
