Two distinct types of light-sensing cells keep the retina working — rods tuned for faint, low-light conditions, and cones tuned for bright light, colour, and fine detail. Retinitis Pigmentosa begins when the rod population starts breaking down first, following a sequence that repeats itself fairly reliably across patients even though the pace of decline varies considerably. It is the single most frequently diagnosed inherited cause of progressive vision loss anywhere, which is why the term comes up so regularly once an Ethiopian eye specialist first raises it with a family.
Every RP patient’s disease moves along its own timeline, so the opening step of any consultation is establishing precisely where a particular patient currently stands on that timeline. Nearly every recommendation that follows is anchored to that single piece of information.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Because rod cells falter first, difficulty seeing at dusk or in poorly lit rooms is usually the earliest symptom patients describe, often noticed years before anything else changes. From there, the visual field begins narrowing from its outer edges inward, eventually producing the tunnel-like vision RP is best known for, sometimes with a ring-shaped blind area forming along the way. Central vision, governed by the cones, generally holds out the longest — though that does not mean it is permanently protected, since it too can decline once the disease reaches a more advanced stage.
Underlying Causes
RP is not the result of one single gene malfunctioning; more than 80 have been identified so far, with RHO, USH2A, and RPGR appearing most often among them. Whichever gene is responsible shapes how the condition moves through a family — dominant in some, recessive in others, X-linked in a further group. When several members of an Ethiopian family are affected, tracing that inheritance pattern across the family tree often reveals nearly as much as the clinical examination itself.
Diagnosis for Ethiopian Patients
Four assessments carry most of the diagnostic weight: full-field electroretinography, which records the electrical signal generated by rods and cones; OCT scanning, which visualises whatever photoreceptor tissue survives; Goldmann visual field testing, which maps how far peripheral vision has narrowed; and fundus autofluorescence, which outlines the boundary between healthy retina and the advancing degeneration. Genetic testing is offered wherever it is practical, since identifying the responsible gene can meaningfully change both the outlook and which treatment paths are worth pursuing.
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 whose evaluation supports it, regenerative stem cell therapy becomes part of a wider plan focused on 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 Ethiopia returns home with an ongoing way of managing the condition rather than a single isolated 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
Am I going to eventually lose all my vision because of RP?
“Not necessarily — outcomes differ a great deal from patient to patient, largely depending on which gene is responsible and how it has been inherited. Many people with RP retain genuinely useful vision, particularly centrally, well into later life. That is why each case is looked at on its own terms rather than assumed to follow a single fixed path.”
A few of my children already show early signs — should the others be checked too?
”
That depends on the inheritance pattern tied to the specific gene involved, and genetic testing remains the most dependable way to work that out. We can explain what it likely means for your family, though for decisions about future children, bringing a certified genetic counsellor into the conversation is a good idea.”
Why can’t a general optician in Ethiopia simply diagnose RP?
“A standard eye check is designed 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 on hand, which is why a dedicated evaluation usually means seeking it out elsewhere.”
What should I bring for a first consultation?
“Bring along any eye reports already in hand, a general outline of family history if RP has appeared before, and a timeline of when symptoms first began and how they have changed since. Having that ready considerably speeds up the diagnostic process.”
