Usher Syndrome stands apart among inherited retinal conditions because it pairs progressive retinal degeneration with sensorineural hearing loss, and in some forms, balance problems caused by dysfunction in the inner ear’s vestibular system. It is generally grouped into three clinical types, each carrying a different pattern and severity of hearing loss and a different typical age at which retinal symptoms begin.
Because two separate sensory systems are involved at once, Ghanaian families are taken through a coordinated evaluation covering hearing, balance, and vision together, rather than looking at the retinal piece on its own.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Hearing loss is usually the first sign to be picked up, and depending on the type it may be present from birth (profound, in Type I) or emerge gradually during childhood (moderate to severe, in Type II). The retinal component follows a rod-cone pattern — night blindness and a shrinking field of peripheral vision — that typically becomes noticeable in later childhood or the teenage years. Type I also carries a risk of balance difficulties and delayed walking in infancy due to vestibular involvement, something generally not seen in Types II and III.
Underlying Causes
Usher Syndrome arises from mutations in any of several genes essential to the structure and function of hair cells in the inner ear and photoreceptor cells in the retina — two organ systems that, despite looking nothing alike, share overlapping cellular machinery. Inheritance is autosomal recessive, meaning both parents usually carry one copy of the altered gene without showing any symptoms themselves.
Diagnosis for Ghanaian Patients
A complete audiological work-up is combined with electroretinography and OCT imaging of the retina, with vestibular (balance) testing added whenever Type I is suspected. Genetic testing helps pin down the specific Usher type, which matters both for prognosis and because it clarifies which relatives might benefit from being screened themselves.
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
Retinal management follows the same principles applied to other rod-cone dystrophies, with stem cell therapy considered as a supportive option for eligible patients. Because hearing loss usually needs its own separate management — including hearing aids or evaluation for cochlear implant candidacy — the retinal care plan is designed to complement, not replace, any audiology care already underway or planned in Ghana.
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
Can you treat the hearing loss along with the vision loss?
“Our team’s focus is specifically on the retinal side of Usher Syndrome. Hearing management, including cochlear implant assessment, falls under a separate specialty, and we coordinate around whatever audiology care you already have in place or are pursuing locally.”
My child was diagnosed with hearing loss at birth — should we now worry about vision too?
”
It’s reasonable to request a retinal evaluation, particularly if Usher Syndrome Type I is a possibility, since visual symptoms in that type can start appearing from later childhood onward. An early baseline assessment makes it much easier to track any changes over time.”
Does every child with hearing loss have Usher Syndrome?
“No — congenital hearing loss has many possible causes, and Usher Syndrome accounts for only a fraction of them. Genetic testing alongside a retinal ERG is the most dependable way to confirm or rule it out.”
Which Usher type applies to my case, and does that change the treatment plan?
“Type is determined by the pattern and severity of hearing loss, whether balance problems are present, and the age at which retinal symptoms begin, ideally confirmed through genetic testing. It does shape prognosis discussions, though the general approach to retinal evaluation and management stays broadly similar across all three types.”
