Where most inherited retinal conditions confine themselves to the eye, Usher Syndrome doesn’t — it brings together a gradual decline in retinal function with sensorineural hearing loss, and in some of its forms, inner-ear balance issues on top of that. Three clinical subtypes are recognised, distinguished mainly by how severe the hearing impairment is and by the age at which retinal changes typically begin to show.
Given that two unrelated sensory pathways are involved, we approach the assessment holistically — reviewing hearing, balance, and vision as a connected set, rather than treating the retina as the only thing that matters.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
In most cases, hearing difficulties are noticed well before anything happens with vision — profound and congenital in Type I, more gradual and moderate through childhood in Type II. The eye findings track a rod-cone course: night-vision struggles first, followed by a visual field that continues to shrink, usually becoming apparent by the later school years or adolescence. Type I carries one additional signal absent in the others — delayed walking and balance problems in infancy, stemming from inner-ear involvement.
Underlying Causes
The genes implicated in Usher Syndrome play essential roles in both the inner ear’s hair cells and the retina’s photoreceptors — an unlikely pairing of tissues that, at the molecular level, turn out to depend on much of the same cellular machinery. Inheritance is autosomal recessive, so both parents are usually unaffected carriers of a single altered copy.
Diagnostic Evaluation
We pair full audiological testing with electroretinography and OCT imaging of the retina, bringing in vestibular balance assessment when Type I appears likely. Establishing the precise Usher type through genetic testing is valuable on two fronts — it clarifies prognosis and points to 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
The retinal component of care is managed using the same approach applied to other rod-cone dystrophies, with stem cell therapy weighed for patients whose findings make them suitable candidates. Since hearing loss is generally handled by a separate specialty — hearing aids, or a cochlear implant assessment where indicated — our retinal recommendations are designed to sit alongside that care rather than overlap with it.
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
Is hearing loss something you treat as well, or just the eyes?
” We concentrate strictly on the retinal aspect of Usher Syndrome. Hearing-related care, cochlear implant evaluation included, falls to a different specialty, and our plan is built to complement whatever support you already have there.
”
Our baby was born deaf — is there any reason to have their eyes examined as well?
”
There is, especially if Type I is a possibility, given that its retinal symptoms can start showing from later childhood. An early baseline eye exam makes it much simpler to spot any change down the line.”
Does congenital deafness always point to Usher Syndrome?
” Not at all — there are numerous causes of congenital hearing loss, and Usher Syndrome explains only a portion of them. The combination of a retinal ERG and genetic testing gives the clearest answer.”
How do you settle on which of the three types is present, and does it affect your approach?
“We look at how severe the hearing loss is, whether balance is affected, and when retinal symptoms first appeared, usually with genetic testing to confirm. It changes how we frame the prognosis conversation more than it changes the retinal evaluation itself, which stays fairly consistent across all three types.”
