Nearly every cell in the human body carries tiny hair-like projections called cilia, and faults in the genes that build or maintain them can disrupt several organs at once — a category of disease known as ciliopathies. Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is one such condition, and while vision loss features prominently, it exists alongside a much wider set of systemic issues that Zimbabwean families are typically already addressing with physicians back home before they contact us.
Because BBS involves so much of the body beyond the eyes, we keep our own evaluation tightly focused: existing records are reviewed in advance to understand the full systemic context, freeing up the in-person visit for the retinal testing and planning that requires equipment most local facilities don’t have.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Retinal involvement in BBS follows a rod-cone trajectory — night blindness first noticed in early-to-mid childhood, followed by a narrowing visual field through the teenage years, with central vision often declining somewhat sooner than in RP that isn’t part of a syndrome. Beyond the eyes, BBS is commonly associated with extra fingers or toes, childhood-onset obesity, and reduced kidney function, all of which fall to other specialists to manage.
Underlying Causes
More than twenty genes linked to BBS interfere with how primary cilia function, and since these structures exist on nearly every cell type in the body, the resulting disease touches multiple organ systems simultaneously. Inheritance is autosomal recessive in the vast majority of diagnosed cases.
Diagnosis for Zimbabwean Patients
Our work-up includes electroretinography, OCT scanning, and visual field testing, supplemented by fundus photography to document how the retina changes across repeated visits. Given that BBS-related vision loss can advance somewhat faster than isolated RP, we generally set a baseline assessment and follow it with scheduled reviews rather than a single 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
For patients who qualify, regenerative stem cell therapy is considered purely on the strength of the retinal findings, independent of the syndrome’s other features. Because the retinal component of BBS tends to move a bit faster, we typically arrange closer-spaced follow-up once a patient has returned to Zimbabwe, tailored to how quickly that individual’s condition is progressing.
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
Would successful retinal treatment also improve the weight or kidney issues linked to BBS?
“No — our evaluation and treatment stay strictly focused on the retinal component. Weight management and kidney function need continued care from the appropriate specialists, and we’re happy to share updates with that team.”
Does BBS cause vision to deteriorate faster than typical RP?
”
Often, yes — central vision in BBS tends to be affected somewhat sooner than in non-syndromic RP, which is exactly why we recommend more frequent monitoring for these patients specifically.”
My child has BBS but no vision complaints yet — should we still get an eye exam?
“Definitely. A baseline ERG and OCT before symptoms appear gives us a reference point that makes future changes far easier to catch, and allows us to plan low-vision support ahead of time rather than reacting later.”
Should we bring our child’s complete medical records from Zimbabwe, or just the eye-related ones?
“The complete picture is genuinely useful for understanding the syndrome as a whole, even though our hands-on evaluation during the visit will concentrate specifically on the retina.”
