Unlike the majority of inherited retinal disorders, which stay confined to the eye, Usher Syndrome reaches further — pairing progressive retinal breakdown with sensorineural hearing impairment, and in select forms, inner-ear-related balance disturbances as well. Clinicians recognise three principal types, distinguished by how severe the hearing loss is and by the age at which retinal changes typically begin.
Given that two unrelated sensory systems are in play, our assessment for patients arriving from Zimbabwe brings hearing, balance, and vision together into one coordinated evaluation rather than examining the retina as an isolated concern.
10+
years Experience
years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
Patients treated
100+
Countries served
Countries served
NABH
Guided facility
Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Auditory loss tends to surface first — in Type I it is profound and present from the moment of birth, while Type II brings a moderate-to-severe loss that builds gradually across childhood. Retinal involvement then unfolds in the familiar rod-cone sequence: night vision struggles arrive first, with the visual field narrowing afterward, generally becoming noticeable during the later school years or adolescence. A further distinguishing feature of Type I is early balance impairment, often showing up as delayed walking in infancy due to inner-ear involvement.
Underlying Causes
A shared set of genes governs both the sensory hair cells of the inner ear and the photoreceptors of the retina, and it is mutations in these genes that produce Usher Syndrome — a reminder of how much cellular machinery these two very different organs actually have in common. The pattern of inheritance is autosomal recessive, meaning both parents usually carry a single silent copy without showing any symptoms themselves.
Diagnosis for Ugandan Patients
We pair a comprehensive audiology work-up with retinal electroretinography and OCT scanning, adding vestibular balance assessment whenever Type I is a possibility. Genetic testing narrows down exactly which subtype is present, which matters both for predicting how things may progress and for flagging relatives who 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 mirrors what we offer for other rod-cone conditions, including stem cell therapy where a patient qualifies. Hearing care sits with a different specialty altogether — cochlear implants or hearing aids, for example — so our retinal programme is built to complement whatever audiology support a family already has arranged back in Zimbabwe, rather than duplicate or replace 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
Can your team also address the hearing loss, or do you deal only with vision?
“We concentrate solely on the eye side of Usher Syndrome. Hearing-related care, cochlear implants included, belongs to a separate specialty, and our plan is designed to fit around whatever audiology arrangements you already have.”
Our baby has been deaf since birth — is it worth checking her eyes now?
”
Yes, particularly if Type I seems likely, since retinal changes in that form can begin appearing later in childhood. Establishing a baseline early on makes future changes far easier to detect and measure.”
Is congenital deafness usually caused by Usher Syndrome?
“Not usually — congenital hearing loss has many possible origins, and Usher Syndrome explains only a fraction of cases. A retinal ERG paired with genetic testing gives the clearest confirmation either way.”
How do you decide which type someone has, and does the type change the treatment plan?
“We look at the degree and pattern of hearing loss, whether balance is involved, and when retinal symptoms first appeared, confirming with genetic testing where possible. This mainly shapes what we tell you to expect going forward — our actual retinal evaluation stays broadly consistent regardless of which type is diagnosed.”
