By Dr. Joni B. Abdon

The mission of the Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Masterclass 2026, held in University of Makati on May 16, 2026, was driven by a singular, haunting truth: babies are losing their vision due to poor   screening and treatment for ROP. Guided by the vision of Founding Chair Dr. Pearl Tamesis-Villalon, that “one baby blind from ROP is one child too many”, this initiative sought to transform healthcare professionals across the archipelago into “ROP Champions”, dedicated to preserving the gift of sight in the most vulnerable.

The Silent Threat
ROP is a potentially blinding disease affecting the development of retinal blood vessels of premature infants. As the quality of neonatal care improves and more premature babies survive, the risk of ROP increases, making it a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. However, experts emphasize that this tragedy is preventable with a systematic approach to early detection and proper management.

The Preventive Care Plan emphasizes that screening is mandatory for infants with a birthweight ≤ 1500 grams, an age of gestation (AOG) ≤ 32 weeks, or those up to 36 weeks AOG who demonstrate unstable clinical factors, such as: sepsis, transfusion, oxygen use, or prematurity with an unstable course.

Mastering the Battlefield’s Map
The Masterclass dove deep into the ICROP3 nomenclature, teaching clinicians how to map the disease within the three zones of the retina. Graced by one of the ICROP3 authors, R.V. Paul Chan, MD, clinicians received a comprehensive lecture  on how to stage the disease.

Innovation Meets Advocacy
This year’s ROP Masterclass also provided a hands-on workshop that highlighted the importance of proper swaddling techniques during ROP exams, as well as provided a checklist for the ROP exam proper.  The Masterclass also conducted simulated training sessions with the Eye-Si ROP Simulator and Virtual Reality (VR) platforms. Participants were taught how to use widefield imaging systems like the RetCam, Phoenix ICON, and smartphone fundoscopy to stage ROP. Participants were also able to practice laser indirect ophthalmoscopy with the Norlase program.

The Roadmap to Treatment
When treatment is indicated, speed is of the essence. Early and appropriate treatment is the best protection against vision loss. Type 1 ROP and Aggressive ROP (A-ROP) require immediate referral for peripheral retinal ablation (laser or cryotherapy) or intravitreal anti-VEGF injections with agents, such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept. For advanced Stage 4 or 5 ROP, the Masterclass highlighted the urgent need for vitreoretinal surgery.

A Collective Mission
The success of ROP prevention relies on a vast, collaborative network. The PH ROP Network serves as a centralized directory that facilitates nationwide referrals, ensuring that no matter where a baby is born, they can access life-changing care. This mission unites ophthalmologists, neonatologists, nurses, and families in a shared responsibility. As Dr. Alvina Pauline Santiago, Chair of the PAO-ROPWG, noted, the goal is to create a nation where every at-risk baby receives the care they deserve.