AIM:To investigate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)in infants born in the Panyu district of Guangzhou, China, and to determine the applicability of video-incorporated binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy for its screening in primary hospitals.

METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2011, 185 premature infants were examined with a computer-assisted imaging system, using a digital binocular indirect ophthalmoscope.

RESULTS: ROP was diagnosed in 14 infants(7.5%). Among them, 7 infants had stage l, 3 had stage 2, and 4 had stage 3 ROP, according to the standard classification of ROP.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that the incidence of ROP in the Panyu district of Guangzhou, China was 7.5%. Furthermore, the digital binocular indirect ophthalmoscope system is suitable for ocular fundus examination in primary health units.