Advancing newborn eye health through the first comprehensive ROP screening program in KPK

SPIRESPIRE VISION

About SPIRE
Explore Our Projects

Project Overview

SPIRE-VISION is a landmark collaborative project between SPIRE and the Department of Ophthalmology at Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar. It focused on creating the first-ever comprehensive database of children born at less than 32 weeks gestation and screening them for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) — a preventable condition that can cause blindness in preterm babies.
This groundbreaking effort, funded by USAID, was carried out under the leadership of Prof. Sadia Sethi and Dr. Nazli Gul, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Imran Ahmad also playing a central role in the research.

Spire Vision Banner

Why This Project Matters

Silent Threat

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a preventable cause of childhood blindness, yet often goes undetected in preterm infants.

High-Risk Population

Pakistan has one of the highest preterm birth rates in South Asia, leaving thousands of babies vulnerable each year.

Lack of Local Data

Until SPIRE-VISION, no structured registry existed in Pakistan to track ROP cases in premature newborns.

Global Relevance

Early detection and timely intervention can prevent lifelong disability, making this data crucial for neonatal care standards.

Implementation & Impact

Collaborative Screening Program

Implemented at the Department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), under the leadership of Prof. Sadia Sethi, Dr. Nazli Gul, and Dr. Imran Ahmad.

USAID-Funded Initiative

Supported by international funding, enabling advanced screening facilities and sustainable data collection.

First ROP Database in KPK

Established a comprehensive registry of infants born before 32 weeks gestation, creating a benchmark for neonatal eye health in the region.

Capacity Building

Strengthened the skills of ophthalmology teams in screening, documenting, and managing ROP cases.

Published Findings

Final report published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, providing credible, peer-reviewed evidence for policymakers and practitioners.

Future Potential

This project sets the stage for expansion of neonatal eye screening programs across Pakistan, reducing preventable blindness in vulnerable populations.

Gallery

Real impact, real change — moments from SPIRE-VISION field implementation.

Spire Vision Banner

Project Updates

Update 01

First ROP database successfully compiled at KTH, Peshawar.

Update 02

Final research paper published and available online.

Update 03

SPIRE is exploring expansion of neonatal eye screening in other hospitals of KPK and beyond.

Collaboration Opportunities

SPIRE-VISION represents a major step forward in improving neonatal eye health in Pakistan. Future collaborations are welcome in:

Review and sign the official SPIRE-VISION MOU

  • Expanding neonatal screening programs

  • Building ROP registries across additional hospitals

  • Research and publications on child eye health
Download SPIRE-VISION MOU
Become a Collaborator
Frequently Asked Questions

SPIRE VISION FAQs

What is SPIRE-VISION?

SPIRE-VISION is a collaborative project between SPIRE and Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar. It developed the first comprehensive database of preterm infants (<32 weeks) screened for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).

Why is this project important?

ROP is a preventable cause of childhood blindness. Pakistan has one of the highest preterm birth rates in South Asia, yet no structured screening or registry existed before this project. SPIRE-VISION filled this critical data gap.

Who funded the project?

The project was funded by USAID and carried out in KTH’s Ophthalmology Department under the leadership of Prof. Sadia Sethi, Dr. Nazli Gul, and Dr. Imran Ahmad.

What were the outcomes of SPIRE-VISION?

  • Creation of Pakistan’s first ROP screening database in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • Publication of the final report in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.
  • Training and capacity building for ophthalmology teams in neonatal screening.

How can researchers or institutions collaborate?

Future collaborations are welcome in expanding neonatal eye screening, building ROP registries in other hospitals, and publishing further research on child eye health.

Where can I read the publication?

The final research article is available online: Exploring Retinopathy of Prematurity – ResearchGate Link

Partner With SPIRE in Child Eye Health

Join us in expanding neonatal eye screening and preventing childhood blindness in Pakistan. Together, we can protect vision and secure healthier futures for preterm babies.

Contact Us
Donate