About Pediatric Retina

Founded in 1990 by a concerned group of physicians and volunteers, ROPARD was the first organization in the country dedicated to eliminating the problems of low vision and blindness in children caused by premature birth and other retinal retinal diseases.

Since its inception, ROPARD has funded research at Oakland University's Eye Research Institute, the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University.  It also established a pediatric retinal rescue lab at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

ROPARD has established a pediatric retinal research laboratory at Oakland University.

Funding has supported:

  • Research that has identified a genetic link between premature birth and retinal detachment of retinopathy of prematurity;
  • The first international internet photographic screening trial for ROP to facilitate physician education and improve patient care.

In 2001, ROPARD established the Children's Low Vision Resource Cente. The Center provides free services and materials to families who visit Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan for medical and surgical intervention for their child.

Today, the primary goal of the Vision Research ROPARD Foundation is to fund clinically relevant research to understand, treat and prevent retinopathy of prematurity and other retinal diseases which include Persistent Fetal Vasculature Syndrome (PFVS), Retinoschisis and Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).

Expanding lab facilities, exploring new therapeutic interventions, and further genetic research continue to be our primary objectives. The Vision Research ROPARD Foundation funds researchers who submit competitive grant requests to be reviewed by a Scientific Review Board and approved by the Board of Directors. 

The Vision Research ROPARD Foundation's accomplishments are made possible by the continuing support of responsive and generous individuals.

You can make a difference. To make a tax deductible contribution which will be used to support the highest levels of clinically relevant research, contact Vision Research ROPARD Foundation.