Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Awareness Week has been established to increase public knowledge about ROP. This eye condition, caused by abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina, occurs as a complication of preterm birth and/or low birth weight. If the condition is severe and the retina detaches, it may lead to partial or complete vision loss. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics reported that rates have risen for both preterm births (delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and early term births (at 37 to 38 completed weeks). As part of the commemoration of ROP Awareness Week, Prevent Blindness has launched a new “Retinopathy of Prematurity Education and Support Program.” This initiative provides a number of free educational resources to the public and professionals, including fact sheets, social media graphics in English and Spanish, dedicated online resources, and a new video series. The education and support program emerged through the combined efforts of leading parent support, education, and advocacy organizations convened by Prevent Blindness to help address the need for ROP awareness and education. Find out more about ROP and available resources by visiting the webpage announcing that Prevent Blindness Launches New “ROP Education and Support Program as Part of Inaugural ROP Awareness Week.”
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