Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disorder that causes progressive vision loss, usually beginning with night vision and peripheral vision. Genetic counselling and specialist retinal care for RP are scarce across Ethiopia, leaving many patients without clear guidance after diagnosis. Stem Cell Cure India works with Ethiopian patients exploring stem cell therapy as an option to discuss alongside standard retinal care and genetic counselling.
RP affects the retina's photoreceptor cells, and conventional ophthalmology currently offers no established cure. Genetic testing to identify the specific gene involved — which can be relevant to certain research and treatment pathways — is rarely accessible within Ethiopia, prompting some patients and families to seek specialist evaluation overseas.
Dr. Tyagi leads the regenerative medicine protocol design at Stem Cell Cure India, overseeing stem cell sourcing, lab processing, and treatment planning for patients — including those travelling from Nigeria .
Dr. Pallavee brings over two decades of clinical ophthalmology experience, supporting the eye-specific evaluation and treatment planning for patients undergoing stem cell therapy for retinal and optic nerve conditions at Stem Cell Cure India
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon
Specialist in advanced cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus with extensive clinical experience.
Associate Professor | Vitreo-Retina Surgeon
Experienced cataract and vitreo-retina surgeon with expertise in retinal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced retina procedures.
Stem cell therapy for RP is studied for its potential to support surviving photoreceptor cells and slow disease progression, using Mesenchymal Stem Cells typically sourced from umbilical cord tissue or bone marrow. This remains an active research area globally, alongside gene therapy approaches targeting specific RP-causing mutations. Results vary by individual, disease stage, and (where known) the genetic cause; stem cell therapy should be understood as a supportive option rather than a cure.
Suitability depends on the stage of RP and, where available, genetic information. Before travelling, our team reviews:
No, there is currently no cure for RP. Stem cell therapy is studied for its potential to support remaining retinal function and help slow progression in some patients — it should be viewed as a supportive option, not a guaranteed cure.
Not always, but where available it can help our team provide more specific guidance, since some RP-related treatments (such as certain gene therapies) depend on the exact gene involved. We can advise on genetic testing as part of your case review.
A recent ophthalmology assessment, OCT scan, ERG results if available, and any genetic testing or family history details. This lets our team give an initial opinion before you commit to travel.
Most patients stay between 5 and 8 days, depending on the treatment plan and further evaluation required.
Yes. Once treatment is confirmed, we provide the invitation and supporting documents Ethiopian citizens need to apply for a Medical Visa through the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Cost depends on the treatment plan required. Contact us for a personalised quote after sharing your ophthalmology and genetic testing reports.
"Stem Cell Cure (P) Ltd." deals in the following servies:-
| General Medical/Surgical Treatment | Stem Cell Treatment for Degenerative Diseases |
|---|---|
| Bariatric surgery | Neuro-Applications 1. Brain Stroke/Injury |
| Cardiology | 2. Spinal Cord Injury |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 3. Spinal Fusion |
| Colorectal surgery | 4. Autism |
| Drug and alcohol services | 5. Cerebral Palsy |
| Ear, nose & throat (ENT) | 6. Motor Neuron Disease(ALS, PBP) |
| Gastroenterology | 7. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) |
| General surgery | Ortho- Applications 1. Knee Cartilage Defect or arthritis |
| Gynaecology | 2. Hip Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis |
| Haematology | 3. Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Internal medicine | 4. Non-Union Fracture/Delayed Union |
| Mental Health | Vascular Applications 1. Coronary Arterial Disease |
| Neurology | 2. Peripheral Arterial Disease such as CLI |
| Neurosurgery | 3. Diabetic Foot ulcer/Gangrene |
| Obstetrics, gynaecology and IVF | Eye related Application 1. Optic Nerve Damage |
| Oncology / cancer | 2. Retinitis Pigmentosa |
| Oral and Maxillo surgery | 3. Macular Degeneration |
| Orthopaedic (Knee/Hip) surgery | Other Applications 1. Diabetes |
| Paediatric surgery | 2. Acute/Chronic kidney disease |
| Physicians | 3. Acute/Chronic Liver disease |
| Plastic & reconstructive surgery | 4. Acute/Chronic Lung disease |
| Rehabilitation | 5. Muscular Dystrophy as DMD & SMA |
| Renal | 6. Myocardial Infarction (MI) |
| Respiratory medicine | 7. Hair Regeneration |
| Urology | 8. Blood related cancer treatment |
| Vascular surgery | 9. Anti-aging |
| Dentisity |
