Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) belongs to a group of conditions called ciliopathies, where the root problem lies in tiny hair-like cellular structures called cilia that are essential to the normal working of several organs at once — including the retina, kidneys, and reproductive system. Vision loss is one of its most consistent features, but it exists alongside a wider set of systemic findings that Ghanaian families are often already managing with local physicians.
Because BBS affects the body as a whole, the retinal evaluation offered in India is deliberately narrow in scope: the team reviews existing records for the broader systemic picture, then concentrates the in-person visit on the eye-specific testing and care planning that requires equipment not typically available locally.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
On the retinal side, BBS produces a rod-cone dystrophy pattern — night blindness that becomes noticeable in early-to-mid childhood, followed by progressive narrowing of the visual field through the teenage years, with central vision often affected earlier than in isolated (non-syndromic) retinitis pigmentosa. Beyond the eyes, BBS is commonly linked with extra digits on the hands or feet (polydactyly), childhood-onset obesity, and reduced kidney function, among other features managed by other specialists.
Underlying Causes
Mutations across more than twenty identified BBS genes disrupt the normal function of primary cilia — structures present on nearly every cell type in the body — which explains why the syndrome touches so many organ systems at once. In the large majority of cases, inheritance is autosomal recessive.
Diagnosis for Ghanaian Patients
Retinal assessment includes electroretinography, OCT imaging, and visual field testing, with fundus photography used to document the pattern and pace of change across successive visits. Because vision loss in BBS can progress somewhat faster than in non-syndromic RP, a baseline assessment followed by scheduled monitoring is usually recommended rather than a single one-off evaluation.
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
Regenerative stem cell therapy is discussed as a supportive option for eligible patients, evaluated specifically against the retinal findings rather than the syndrome as a whole. Given the generally faster progression seen in BBS-related retinal disease, the follow-up schedule after returning to Ghana tends to be closer than for isolated RP, tailored to the individual’s own rate of change.
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 treating the eyes help with the other features of BBS, such as weight or kidney function?
“No — our evaluation and any retinal treatment address only the eye component. The systemic features of BBS, including weight management and kidney monitoring, need to continue under the relevant specialists managing those areas, ideally with information shared between the teams involved.”
Does BBS cause faster vision loss than typical retinitis pigmentosa?
”
In many cases, yes — central vision tends to be affected somewhat earlier in BBS compared with non-syndromic RP, which is one reason we generally recommend closer monitoring intervals for BBS patients.”
Our child has BBS but no vision complaints yet — is an eye evaluation still worthwhile?
“Yes. Establishing a baseline ERG and OCT before symptoms become noticeable makes it far easier to detect and measure any change at future visits, and to plan low-vision support proactively rather than reactively.”
Do you need our child’s full medical records from Ghana, or just the eye reports?
“Sharing the wider medical picture — not just prior eye reports — helps the team understand the full context of the syndrome, even though the in-person visit itself concentrates on retinal evaluation and care.”
