The retina depends on two quite different kinds of cells to do its work — rods that respond to only the faintest available light, and cones that handle bright light, colour, and fine detail. Retinitis Pigmentosa sets in when the rod population starts to decline first, following a sequence that repeats fairly consistently from patient to patient, even though how fast it moves differs considerably. It is the most commonly diagnosed inherited cause of gradual vision loss anywhere in the world, which is why the term surfaces so often once a Zambian eye specialist first mentions it to a family.
Every patient’s RP moves at its own pace, so the very first thing any consultation establishes is exactly where along that path a given patient currently sits. Practically everything discussed afterward builds outward from that one finding.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Since the rods give way first, trouble seeing at dusk or in dimly lit spaces is usually the earliest symptom patients bring up, often noticed well before anything else feels different. The visual field then starts narrowing inward from its outer edges, eventually creating the tunnel-shaped vision RP is best known for, occasionally with a ring-like blind zone appearing along the way. Central vision, handled by the cones, tends to remain functional the longest — though that is not a guarantee it stays untouched forever, since it too can be affected once the disease has advanced further.
Underlying Causes
RP does not stem from one single faulty gene; more than 80 have been identified to date, with RHO, USH2A, and RPGR turning up most frequently among them. Which gene is at fault determines how the condition is passed down through a family — dominant in some cases, recessive in others, X-linked in a further group. Where several members of a Zambian family are affected, tracing that inheritance pattern across the family tree often reveals nearly as much as the clinical examination itself.
Diagnosis for Zambian Patients
Four investigations carry most of the diagnostic weight: full-field electroretinography, which records the electrical signal produced by rods and cones; OCT scanning, which visualises whatever photoreceptor tissue remains; Goldmann visual field testing, which maps precisely how far peripheral vision has narrowed; and fundus autofluorescence, which marks the line between healthy retina and advancing degeneration. Genetic testing is offered wherever it is practical, since pinpointing the responsible gene can meaningfully shift both the outlook and which treatment options are worth considering.
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
Where a patient’s evaluation supports it, regenerative stem cell therapy becomes part of a broader plan aimed at preserving whatever retinal function still remains. That plan is rounded out with low-vision rehabilitation, guidance on safe mobility and lighting, and dietary advice — so a patient travelling from Zambia returns home with an ongoing way of managing the condition, not a single one-off 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 take away all of my vision?
“Not necessarily — outcomes vary a great deal from one patient to another, largely shaped by which gene is responsible and how it has been inherited. Many people with RP keep genuinely useful vision, particularly centrally, well into later life. That is why every case is assessed on its own terms rather than assumed to follow one fixed path.”
A couple of my children already show early signs — should the others be tested as well?
”
That depends on the inheritance pattern tied to the specific gene involved, and genetic testing remains the most reliable way to establish it. We can walk you through what it likely means for your family, though for decisions about future children, bringing a certified genetic counsellor into that conversation is worthwhile.”
Why can’t a general optician in Zambia simply diagnose RP?
” A routine eye check is set up to catch things like refractive error or cataract, not RP. Confirming and monitoring RP calls for specialised equipment — ERG and detailed field mapping in particular — that most general clinics do not have available, which is why a dedicated assessment usually means seeking it out elsewhere.”
What should I bring along for a first consultation?
“Bring any eye reports you already have, a general sense of family history if RP has come up before, and a timeline of when symptoms first started and how they have changed since. Having that ready speeds up the diagnostic process considerably.”
