Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a major cause of visual loss in very premature infants. First described by Terry¹ in 1942 the condition reached epidemic proportions before the introduction of controlled oxygen administration. During the 1970s and 1980s a second epidemic occurred as a result of the increased survival of very low birthweight infants (under 1000 g).

While the incidence and severity of ROP have reportedly declined in some centres, there still remains a significant threat …