Survey of current retinopathy of prematurity practices in China

AIM:To understand retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)screening and treatment preferences among Chinese ophthalmologists.METHODS:A Chinese language survey was administered anonymously using Web Q(Catalyst,Seattle,WA,USA)among Chinese ROP screeners from December 2016 to January 2017.RESULTS:Among 70 ophthalmologists contacted,65 responded(93%;78%female,mean age 40 y,57%pediatric ophthalmologists and 25%retina specialists).Most used screening criteria of birth weight≤2 kg(62%)with variation in cut-off gestational age(≤37 wk,34%;≤34 wk,22%;≤32 wk,31%).Ret Cam(Natus Medical Incorporated,Pleasanton,CA,USA)wide-field fundus photography assisted most screeners(72%)and was exclusively used by many(29%).Among 55 ophthalmologists treating ROP,anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)was preferred over laser for both zoneⅠ(76%vs 24%)and zoneⅡROP(58%vs 42%).Retina specialists(P=0.004)and ophthalmologists with>3 mo of training(P=0.03)were more likely to use antiVEGF over laser for zoneⅠROP.Lack of laser training(8/20,40%),access(6/20,30%)and anesthesia(4/20,20%)were common barriers to laser treatment.CONCLUSION:Chinese ROP screeners favor antiVEGF injection and Ret Cam imaging for ROP management.A better understanding of ROP screening and treatment informs future research and education efforts in China.