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.
Children living in Kraszewo medical facility and hospice know how it is to take each day as it comes. We, on the other hand, know that we are obliged to provide the dedicated staff at the nursing care centre with top quality equipment.
It doesn't take much to become a hero - it's enough to decide that it is the right time to act and stick to the conviction that you need to do your best to help. Young Gabrysia from Szydłowiec has the real makings of a superhero - knowledge, conviction, and skills!
Doctors and researchers agree that early diagnosis considerably increases the chances of successful cancer treatment. Inspired by the work done in the Regional Center for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Zduńska Wola, we want to help establish more similar medical facilities across the country!
Our 5K charitable run will take place on the day of the Grand Finale fundraiser - the flagship edition of the run will take place in Warsaw and local editions of the race will take place across Poland and abroad! Register now to take part.
