Clinical Report: Assessing the Economic and Social Impact of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Overview

This narrative review evaluates the social and economic burden of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and highlights the cost-effectiveness of various screening and treatment strategies.

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of preventable blindness in premature infants, necessitating effective screening and treatment strategies. The economic implications of ROP are substantial, with societal costs far exceeding those associated with timely interventions. Understanding these factors is crucial for healthcare systems.

Data Highlights

The review synthesized findings from 15 eligible studies and 71 additional relevant publications, focusing on cost-effectiveness analyses and burden-of-disease reports.

Key Findings

• AI-assisted telescreening and smartphone-based imaging are identified as cost-effective screening options.
• Mobile screening units and national telemedicine networks are feasible in low- and middle-income countries.
• Long-term societal costs from ROP-related blindness significantly exceed costs of timely screening and intervention.
• Effective ROP care models require multisectoral cooperation among healthcare systems, education, and technology stakeholders.
• Integrated screening programs and digital innovation can enhance access to care and reduce preventable blindness.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare systems should consider the implementation of validated screening programs and telemedicine technologies to improve ROP management.

Conclusion

Future research should focus on enhancing cost-effectiveness analyses and developing tailored economic models.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Advances in Understanding the Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Approaches, and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity
2. Retinal Physician, 2025 -- Incorporating AI Into Global ROP Care
3. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Epidemiology of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Northwest China: a decade-long retrospective single-center analysis (2015–2024)
4. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Optimizing retinopathy of prematurity screening in China using a single objective criterion: a 10-year retrospective analysis
5. International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity, Third Edition - Ophthalmology, 2021
6. Multicenter trial of cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity. Preliminary results, 1988
7. Anti-VEGF versus laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on recurrence patterns and retreatment needs
8. International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity, Third Edition - Ophthalmology
9. Multicenter trial of cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity. Preliminary results. Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group.
10. Anti-VEGF versus laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on recurrence patterns and retreatment needs - PMC