Picture the retina running two separate work shifts — a night shift made up of rod cells built for low light, and a day shift made up of cone cells built for colour and fine detail. Retinitis Pigmentosa is essentially the night shift clocking out first, cell by cell, in a sequence that is broadly predictable even though the pace varies from person to person. It stands as the leading inherited cause of gradual vision loss worldwide, which is exactly why RP comes up so often once a Nigerian eye specialist first raises the term with a family.
No two RP patients travel this road at the same speed, so before anything else, the priority is pinpointing exactly where along that road a particular patient currently stands. Nearly everything discussed afterwards branches out from that single determination.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Because the night-shift cells falter first, difficulty seeing in low light or at twilight is typically the earliest complaint most patients raise — sometimes noticed long before anything else changes. As the condition advances, the field of vision narrows from the outer edges inward, eventually producing the tunnel-like vision RP is widely known for, occasionally with a ring-shaped blind area appearing along the way. Central, detail-oriented vision usually holds out the longest, though it is not guaranteed to stay untouched forever — it can be affected too, once the disease reaches a later stage.
Underlying Causes
RP is not caused by a single faulty gene but by more than 80 different ones, with RHO, USH2A, and RPGR turning up most frequently. The specific gene at play decides how the condition travels through a bloodline — dominant in some families, recessive in others, X-linked in a third pattern altogether. In Nigerian households where several members are affected, mapping that inheritance pattern across the family often reveals nearly as much as the clinical exam itself.
Diagnosis for Nigerian Patients
Four assessments carry most of the diagnostic weight: full-field electroretinography, which captures the electrical signal rods and cones produce; OCT scanning, which visualises the surviving photoreceptor layers; Goldmann visual field testing, which charts precisely how much peripheral vision remains; and fundus autofluorescence, which outlines where healthy retina ends and degeneration begins. Genetic testing is offered wherever it is feasible, since knowing the responsible gene can reshape both the outlook and the treatment options worth pursuing.
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
For patients whose evaluation supports it, regenerative stem cell therapy becomes part of a broader strategy built around preserving whatever retinal function remains. That plan is rounded out with low-vision rehabilitation, guidance on safe mobility and lighting adjustments, and nutritional advice — so a patient travelling from Nigeria leaves with an ongoing way of managing the condition, not just a single procedure.
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
Will RP eventually leave me completely blind?
“Not necessarily — outcomes vary widely from person to person, largely depending on the gene responsible and how it is inherited. Many people with RP keep meaningful, functional vision, especially centrally, well into later life. That is why every case is assessed individually rather than assumed to follow one fixed path.”
More than one of my children shows early signs — should the rest be tested?
”
That depends on the inheritance pattern tied to the specific gene involved, and genetic testing remains the most dependable way to work that out. We can talk you through what it likely means for your family, though for decisions involving future children, involving a certified genetic counsellor alongside that conversation is advisable.”
Why can’t a regular optician in Nigeria simply diagnose RP?
“A routine eye check is built to catch things like refractive error or cataract — not RP. Confirming and monitoring RP calls for specialised equipment, particularly ERG and detailed field mapping, that most general clinics do not stock, which is why a dedicated work-up usually means seeking it out elsewhere.”
What documents or history should I bring to a first consultation?
“Bring along any existing eye reports, a general sense of family history if RP has appeared before, and a timeline of when symptoms began and how they have changed since. Having that on hand speeds up the entire diagnostic process considerably.”
