Retinopathy of Prematurity Prevention and Treatment
The programme has been 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.
By the end of 2017, the Foundation equipped all neonatal intensive care units in Poland with 122 ophthalmoscopes (used to see inside the fundus of the eye) and 24 laser devices. Currently, there are 19 treatment centres, which have been equipped by the Foundation and by the end of 2017 doctors have examined and diagnosed 215 453 prematurely born babies and have performed 9 028 laser operations and saved the eyesight of 8 680 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.
The upper house of the Polish parliament will host a debate on children's mental health services on October 21st. Our charity will join forces with the Senate to find the solution to the problems which plight children's psychiatric care in Poland
A brand new roundabout in Gorzów Wielkopolski has been officially named after our charity. We are delighted, especially because the town is located in the vicinity of Kostrzyn nad Odrą, where we host our festival.
PET / CT scanner is a highly advanced diagnostics device in treating children. The facility, worth over several million PLN is the first machine tailored to diagnose the youngest patients. The purchase will be made as part of the 54th Open Tender held by our charity.
Next year's edition of our winter fundraiser will take place, on January 10th, 2021. We are making all necessary adjustments to the fundraising process to ensure that we can hold our charitable fete safely and still have fun raising money for modern medical equipment.
