Vision depends on two families of photoreceptor cells working together — rods, tuned to catch even minimal light, and cones, responsible for colour and fine detail in daylight. In Retinitis Pigmentosa, it is the rod population that starts to falter first, and while the exact pace differs from person to person, the broad pattern repeats itself with striking consistency. It stands as the leading inherited driver of gradually worsening vision worldwide, so it is little surprise that the name keeps coming up once a Zimbabwean eye specialist raises the possibility with a family.
Since no two patients experience RP in quite the same way, the opening step of any consultation is pinning down precisely how advanced a given case already is. Nearly every subsequent recommendation 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 rods falter before cones, difficulty coping with dim light or dusk is usually what patients notice first — often years ahead of any other change. From there, the field of vision starts closing in from the outer edges inward, producing the tunnel-like vision so often linked to RP, with some patients developing a ring-shaped blind patch partway through the process. Central sight, which depends on cone function, usually holds up for the longest stretch, although it is not guaranteed to stay untouched forever — it too can be affected once the disease has advanced considerably.
Underlying Causes
No single gene accounts for RP; researchers have linked more than 80 different genes to the condition, with RHO, USH2A and RPGR turning up most often in practice. Which gene is at fault decides how the condition travels through a family — dominant in some lines, recessive in others, X-linked in a further subset. Where several relatives within a Zimbabwean family show signs of RP, mapping out that inheritance pattern often tells the clinical team almost as much as the eye examination itself.
Diagnosis for Ugandan Patients
Four tests anchor the diagnostic work-up: full-field electroretinography, which captures the electrical output of rods and cones; OCT scanning, which shows how much photoreceptor tissue is still present; Goldmann visual field testing, which charts exactly how far peripheral vision has drawn in; and fundus autofluorescence, which outlines where healthy retina ends and degeneration begins. Genetic testing is offered whenever feasible, since knowing the responsible gene can genuinely reshape both the prognosis conversation and the treatment path worth exploring.
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
When a patient’s work-up supports it, regenerative stem cell therapy becomes one part of a broader plan built around protecting whatever retinal function is still present. It is paired with low-vision rehabilitation, hands-on guidance on lighting and safe movement, and nutritional advice — the goal being that a patient who has travelled from Zimbabwe goes home with a continuing care plan, not just a single 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 sight?
“Not inevitably — the outcome varies a great deal between patients, depending heavily on which gene is involved and how it was inherited. A considerable number of people with RP keep meaningful vision, especially centrally, well into later life, which is why every case gets assessed individually rather than assumed to follow one fixed path.”
A couple of my children are already showing signs — should we test the others?
”
That depends on how the specific gene involved is inherited, and genetic testing remains the clearest way to work that out. We can walk you through what it’s likely to mean for the rest of your family, though for questions about future children it’s worth bringing in a certified genetic counsellor alongside our team.”
Why can’t an optician back home in Zimbabwe just pick this up?
“A routine eye check is built to catch things like short-sightedness or cataract, not RP. Confirming and tracking RP calls for specialised equipment — ERG and detailed field mapping especially — that most general clinics simply don’t stock, which is why a proper assessment usually means travelling somewhere better equipped.”
What should we bring to a first appointment?
“Any existing eye reports, a rough family history if RP has shown up before, and a timeline of when symptoms started and how they’ve changed since. Having all of that ready speeds the diagnostic process up considerably.”
