Retinopathy of Prematurity Prevention and Treatment
The programme was launched in 2001. Initially, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation purchased 7 diode lasers for treatment centres in hospitals in Katowice, Łódź, Białystok, Poznań, Szczecin, Gdańsk, and Wrocław.
The Foundation equipped all neonatal intensive care units in Poland with 125 ophthalmoscopes (used to see inside the fundus of the eye) and 27 laser devices. Currently, there are 21 treatment centres, which have been equipped by the Foundation and till January 2021 doctors have examined and diagnosed 254 919 prematurely born babies and saved the eyesight of 10 697 babies!
This type of retinopathy is caused by premature birth and it basically means that the retina (part of the eye) is not developed properly yet when the child is born. The damaged retina can eventually cause substantial loss of eyesight and when left untreated in the early stages, can result in loss of eyesight. First symptoms can be diagnosed between 1 and 3 months of baby's life, so doctors need to have access to sophisticated equipment such as laser surgery devices. The best chance to save the child's eyesight is a quick diagnosis, and effective treatment undertakes as early as possible.
See the light - this is the very telling motto of our winter fundraising initiative. We will raise money to buy equipment for children's ophthalmology. Next year we will buy medical devices to save children's eyesight!
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1st, as the International Day of Older Persons. The day serves to remind us about the needs of older persons.
October first marks International Healthcare Workers Day. We wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate how grateful we are for all the work and commitment it takes to pursue a career that focuses on saving lives and helping people get better.
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation announces 58th Open Tender held for the purchase of medical equipment for children's Ear, Nose, and Throat wards.
