Apurba D., 1

Apurba Das is a one-month-old baby girl who has already faced serious health challenges since birth and remains dependent on her family for care. She lives with her parents, two siblings, and grandparents in a modest home, while her father, Sajib Das (33), works as a fisherman earning only BDT 7,000 (approximately USD 57) per month, making it impossible to afford specialized treatment. After requiring four days of NICU care for convulsions, the family exhausted their savings and relied on help from neighbors and relatives to manage her medical expenses. Apurba has now been diagnosed with ROP in both eyes and urgently needs treatment to protect her vision; without timely care, the condition may progress to irreversible retinal damage and permanent blindness.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sheikh, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, ROP Specialist at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur, Apurba urgently requires Anti-VEGF (Avastin) injections in both eyes, followed by regular retinal examinations to monitor her recovery. The doctors are optimistic that timely treatment can successfully stop the abnormal blood vessel growth, allow the retina to develop properly, and preserve Apurba's vision, enabling her to grow up with functional eyesight and enjoy a normal childhood. However, if treatment is delayed or unavailable because of financial hardship, the disease may progress rapidly, resulting in irreversible retinal damage and permanent blindness.