Most inherited retinal conditions affect the eyes alone; Usher Syndrome doesn’t. It pairs progressive retinal degeneration with sensorineural hearing loss, and in some forms, balance difficulties rooted in the inner ear — a combination that sets it apart from almost everything else on this list. It splits into three broad clinical types, each with its own hearing-loss severity and its own typical age for retinal symptoms to start.
Because two entirely separate sensory systems are involved, we evaluate hearing, balance, and vision together for patients coming from Kenya, rather than assessing the retina in isolation as if the rest of the picture weren’t relevant.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Hearing loss is generally what’s noticed first — profound and present from birth in Type I, moderate to severe and gradually appearing through childhood in Type II. On the retinal side, a rod-cone pattern follows: night blindness, then a shrinking peripheral field, usually becoming apparent in later childhood or the teenage years. Type I carries one more feature the other types don’t share — balance trouble and delayed walking in infancy, tied to inner-ear involvement.
Underlying Causes
The condition stems from mutations in genes essential to both hair cells in the inner ear and photoreceptor cells in the retina — two structures that look nothing alike but, at a cellular level, rely on more shared machinery than you’d expect. It’s inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both parents usually carry a single unaffected copy of the gene and show no symptoms themselves.
Diagnosis for Kenyan Patients
A full audiology work-up is paired with electroretinography and OCT imaging of the retina, with vestibular balance testing added on when Type I is suspected. Genetic testing helps pin down exactly which Usher type is involved — useful both for prognosis and for identifying which other family members might benefit from being screened.
Meet The Team
Our Eye Specialists
Dr. Pawan
Associate Professor, Vitreo-Retina Surgeon. 10+ Years Experience
Retinal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced retina procedures. Provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning for international patients.
Dr.Pallavee
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon· 26+ yrs experience
Areas of Focus: Cataract surgery, corneal disorders, refractive procedures, and glaucoma management. Provides comprehensive eye care and surgical expertise for global patients.
Dr. Robin
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon, MD, DO .16+ Years Experience
Areas of Focus: Cataract surgery, corneal disorders, refractive procedures, and glaucoma management. Provides comprehensive eye care and surgical expertise for global patients.
Treatment Approach in India
On the retinal side, care follows the same principles used for other rod-cone dystrophies, with stem cell therapy considered for eligible patients as part of that plan. Because hearing is usually managed separately — through hearing aids or cochlear implant evaluation, for example — our retinal plan is built to run alongside whatever audiology care is already underway in Kenya, not replace it.
Reviews
What Our Patients Say
DR NAAGALAKSHMI R
1 week ago
Asha Babbar
2 weeks ago
The overall experience at the RP Treatment Center was very good. The staff was supportive and caring, and we provided proper attention and guidance during treatment. The environment at the center was clean and comfortable. The doctors and staff tried to understand patients' needs and explained the treatment process well.
Overall, I am satisfied with the service and care. Highly recommended!
Overall, I am satisfied with the service and care. Highly recommended!
Harshita Kapoor
2 weeks ago
Life‑Changing Experience with RP Therapy”
After years of struggling with vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, I finally found hope here. The doctors were highly professional, explained the stem cell treatment in detail, and gave me confidence at every step. The therapy was smooth, and I’ve already noticed positive changes in my daily life. Their dedication, care, and advanced medical approach make this center truly trustworthy
After years of struggling with vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, I finally found hope here. The doctors were highly professional, explained the stem cell treatment in detail, and gave me confidence at every step. The therapy was smooth, and I’ve already noticed positive changes in my daily life. Their dedication, care, and advanced medical approach make this center truly trustworthy
Yash Chauhan
2 weeks ago
I had a really good experience at RP Treatment Centre. The doctor listened to my problem patiently and explained the treatment in a simple way. The staff was polite and the clinic was clean. I started feeling better after the treatment. Highly recommended!
pragya chauhan
2 weeks ago
Very satisfied with the service. The doctor is experienced and gives proper attention to every patient. The staff is friendly, and the overall environment is comfortable. Thank you, RP Treatment Centre, for the excellent care.
Manisha kapoor
2 weeks ago
I had been struggling with Retinitis Pigmentosa for years, and finding this center was truly life‑changing. The doctors provided a thorough medical evaluation and explained every step of the stem cell therapy process with clarity. The treatment was smooth, professional, and I noticed encouraging improvements in my vision within weeks. Their continuous follow‑up care and compassionate support made me feel confident throughout the journey. Highly recommended for anyone seeking advanced RP treatment in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help with the hearing loss too, or is it eyes only?
“Our focus is specifically the retinal side of Usher Syndrome. Hearing management, including any cochlear implant assessment, falls under a separate specialty, and we build our recommendations around whatever audiology care you already have in place or are pursuing.”
Our child has hearing loss from birth — do we need to worry about vision as well?
”
It’s worth asking about, particularly if Type I is suspected, since retinal symptoms in that type can begin showing up from later childhood onward. A baseline eye evaluation early on makes any future change much easier to track.”
Does congenital hearing loss automatically point to Usher Syndrome?
“No — there are many possible causes of hearing loss from birth, and Usher Syndrome only explains a portion of them. Genetic testing combined with a retinal ERG is the most reliable way to confirm or rule it out.”
How do you figure out which type applies, and does it change anything?
“Type is determined by the severity and pattern of hearing loss, whether balance is affected, and the age retinal symptoms began — ideally confirmed with genetic testing. It shapes the prognosis conversation specifically, though our general approach to retinal evaluation stays fairly consistent across all three types.”
