Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Trends in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) training and future practice intentions among retina and pediatric
Yannet Daniel1, Benjamin K Young2, Cagri G Besirli3
1University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Insights
Pediatric ophthalmology and retina fellows receive varied retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) training, with few exposed to telemedicine. Many fellows are hesitant to practice ROP care due to liability concerns.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Education
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Effective fellowship training is crucial for ROP management.
- Subspecialty training variations may impact future ROP care delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pediatric ophthalmology and retina fellows' perspectives on ROP training.
- To assess fellowship training components and future practice intentions regarding ROP.
- To identify barriers to ROP care provision among trainees.
Main Methods:
- A 16-item web-based survey was distributed to fellows completing training between 2021-2023.
- Participants included pediatric ophthalmology, medical retina, and vitreoretinal surgery fellows.
- Response rate was 12% (74/142 programs).
Main Results:
- Most fellows (91%) received ROP training, but content varied by subspecialty (P=0.002).
- Screening exams were universal in pediatric ophthalmology but less common in retina fellowships (68%).
- Telemedicine exposure was minimal (10%); pediatric ophthalmology fellows were more likely to intend future ROP practice (68% vs 30%).
Conclusions:
- Discrepancies in ROP fellowship training persist across subspecialties.
- Limited telemedicine exposure and liability concerns may affect future ROP care.
- Enhanced fellowship training is needed to address evolving ROP management strategies.
Purpose:
To assess the perspectives of pediatric ophthalmology and retina fellows on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) training in fellowship and future ROP practice intentions.
Methods:
A 16-item web-based questionnaire was administered to pediatric ophthalmology, medical retina, and vitreoretinal surgery fellows completing fellowships between 2021 and 2023.
Results:
A total of 74 participants responded from 142 programs contacted, a 12% response rate. Sixty-three fellows (91%) received ROP training in fellowship, though the exposure to various training components differed between pediatric ophthalmology and retina fellowships (P = 0.002). Screening examinations were performed by 100% and 68% of pediatric ophthalmology and retina fellows, respectively. The most common ROP treatment modality encountered was laser/cryotherapy across both groups, but at different rates for pediatric ophthalmology (n = 18 [72%]) and retina fellowships (n = 36 [95%]). Overall, only 7 fellows (10%) had telemedicine incorporated into their training. Pediatric ophthalmology fellows were more likely than retina fellows to indicate intent to incorporate ROP care in future practice (68% vs 30% [P = 0.004]). Thirty-nine fellows (57%) were either unsure or did not plan to provide ROP care, most commonly citing liability concerns (n = 12, 28%) as the reason.
Conclusions:
Although most fellows are trained in some aspect of ROP care, discrepancies remain in training across subspecialties, and few trainees have exposure to telemedicine. Continued efforts should be made to improve ROP training in fellowship to reflect the changing nature of the field.
More Related Videos
11:20Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model for Degenerative Retinal Diseases
Published on: June 14, 2021
08:38Electroretinogram Recording for Infants and Children under Anesthesia to Achieve Optimal Dark Adaptation and International Standards
Published on: September 3, 2020
