Leber Congenital Amaurosis, known more commonly as LCA, sits at the severe end of the inherited retinal dystrophy spectrum — it shows up right at birth or within the child’s first few months, bringing with it substantial vision impairment from the very start. It’s one of the leading identifiable causes of blindness diagnosed in infancy, so it’s no surprise that parents in Uganda facing this diagnosis usually arrive with an urgent list of questions about cause and next steps.
Given how early LCA makes itself known, the whole evaluation process runs differently from what’s typical for adult-onset retinal disease. Speed matters here — confirming the diagnosis without delay, tracking down the responsible gene where that’s achievable, and getting developmental and low-vision support started for the child as soon as reasonably possible.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
In the earliest weeks and months, parents commonly pick up on poor fixation and tracking, along with the roving eye movements known as nystagmus, and a marked sensitivity to bright light. Many infants also develop what’s called the oculodigital sign — repeatedly pressing or rubbing at their eyes, believed to be a way of self-generating visual stimulation. Refraction testing frequently turns up a significant degree of far-sightedness alongside these findings.
Underlying Causes
Upwards of two dozen genes are known to cause LCA, with GUCY2D, RPE65, and CEP290 showing up most often in confirmed cases; inheritance is autosomal recessive in the overwhelming majority. Identifying the specific gene involved carries real weight — it influences what other findings might be expected and, for a subset of genes, opens or closes the door to gene-targeted treatment options.
Diagnosis for Ugandan Patients
The defining test result in LCA is an electroretinogram that comes back severely diminished or flat, which is the main way clinicians rule out other causes of poor vision in infancy, such as simple delayed visual maturation. We push for genetic testing at the earliest possible opportunity, with a close eye on RPE65-related mutations specifically, since the identified gene directly informs both the outlook we discuss and what future treatments the child may qualify for.
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
Because LCA appears so early and so significantly, our approach brings together a full retinal evaluation — weighing regenerative stem cell therapy where the findings support it — with immediate low-vision and developmental support tailored to a young child, on the understanding that early support genuinely changes developmental trajectories. We stay involved as the child grows, walking families through what each stage tends to bring.
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
Does an LCA diagnosis mean our baby has no vision whatsoever?
“Not automatically — the degree of vision loss depends on the specific gene involved and the child themselves, and quite a few children retain some usable light perception or even basic form vision. A thorough evaluation is what tells us exactly where a given child’s function stands”
How quickly should we get our child assessed?
”
The moment unusual visual behaviour catches your attention. Getting evaluated early means genetic testing can start sooner — which matters a great deal for catching RPE65-related cases — and it means developmental support can begin without losing valuable time.”
The clinical picture already looks like LCA — do we still need genetic testing?
“We’d still recommend it. LCA can be caused by any of more than twenty different genes, and identifying the right one changes the prognosis conversation and can determine whether your child qualifies for gene-specific treatments that already exist or are under development, especially where RPE65 is involved.”
Is mainstream schooling realistic for a child with LCA?
“It depends heavily on how much functional vision remains and how early developmental support gets going. A good number of children with LCA thrive with early intervention in place, and we’re happy to talk through what a realistic path might look like for your child.”
