Alström Syndrome touches several organ systems at once, and quite often it’s the eyes that give families their first hint something is wrong, well before the syndrome’s other features start to surface. It’s worth contrasting with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome here: where BBS tends to hit rods before cones, Alström Syndrome typically runs in the opposite direction, presenting as a cone-rod dystrophy where central and colour vision are among the earliest functions to be affected.
For families travelling in from Uganda, we treat Alström Syndrome as a whole-body condition from the start — staying in touch with whatever local specialists are already managing its other systemic effects, while keeping our own retinal work-up centred on the cone-rod pattern that makes this condition distinct from other inherited dystrophies.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Families frequently pick up on strong light sensitivity early, together with the involuntary, rhythmic eye movements known as nystagmus, and a steady decline touching both central and peripheral vision that usually starts in infancy or the earliest years of childhood — noticeably earlier than most other inherited retinal conditions. Because central vision is caught up in the process relatively early, trouble with fine visual tasks and telling colours apart often shows up alongside the broader vision loss.
Underlying Causes
Alström Syndrome traces back to mutations in the ALMS1 gene, passed down in an autosomal recessive pattern. ALMS1 is involved in cilia function across a range of organ systems, and because the retina relies so heavily on that function, it’s typically among the first tissues to show measurable effects, and one of the most consistently affected.
Diagnosis for Ugandan Patients
Our retinal work-up brings together electroretinography, OCT imaging, and visual field testing, with special attention paid to whether cone involvement on the ERG shows up before or alongside rod involvement — that particular pattern is what confirms this as a cone-rod rather than a rod-cone process. Confirming ALMS1 mutations through genetic testing backs up the clinical diagnosis and helps separate Alström Syndrome from other syndromic and non-syndromic dystrophies that can present similarly in the early stages.
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
Given how early visual symptoms tend to surface in Alström Syndrome, the retinal care plan puts real weight on assessing eligible patients for stem cell therapy promptly, combined with low-vision strategies suited to a young child, all coordinated with whatever care the family already has in place for the syndrome’s broader systemic effects.
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
Why is my child losing central vision earlier than what I’ve read about with other retinal conditions?
“That’s characteristic of Alström Syndrome specifically — it generally follows a cone-rod course, meaning central and colour vision are affected relatively early, unlike the rod-first pattern more typical of classic retinitis pigmentosa.”
How does Alström Syndrome compare to Bardet-Biedl Syndrome? Several symptoms sound alike.
”
They’re separate conditions caused by different genes, with some systemic features in common but different retinal patterns — Alström tends to affect central vision earlier through a cone-rod process, while Bardet-Biedl generally follows the rod-first course seen in typical RP. Genetic testing distinguishes between the two.”
Given that multiple organs are involved, what else should our family be keeping an eye on?
” Alström Syndrome can involve hearing, cardiac function, and metabolic health, so keeping up coordination with the specialists managing those areas back in Uganda stays important alongside the retinal care we provide.”
Is there a minimum age before we should bring in a child suspected of having Alström Syndrome?
“There isn’t one. Because visual symptoms in this condition tend to appear so early, getting a baseline assessment done sooner rather than later gives us something solid to measure any future changes against.”
