The Role of Neonatal Nurses in the Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

The main risk factors for preterm babies developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are poorly administered supplemental oxygen, infections, poor weight gain and transfusion of blood products, meaning ROP is sensitive to the quality of neonatal inpatient care provided, especially the nursing care. Nurses are the primary caregivers in neonatal units and play a critical role in preventing ROP related blindness. We discuss the role of the neonatal nurse in prevention of ROP based on a framework of five dimensions of care: specialist knowledge, clinical advocacy, leadership and mentorship, service management and counselling. Developing the role in the prevention of ROP needs to be supported by a wider movement to develop core training competencies and national benchmarks for neonatal nurses. As part of the national newborn action plans, countries such as India have an opportunity to play a leading role in developing the nursing role in minimising the rates of visual impairments and blindness due to ROP.