Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial genetic condition that typically causes sudden, painless vision loss in young adults, most often men in their teens or twenties. Genetic testing and specialized mitochondrial disease clinics are scarce across Uganda, which can delay diagnosis for affected families. Optic Atrophy Treatment Center works with Ugandan families exploring stem cell therapy as a regenerative option for LHON-related optic nerve damage.
Because LHON is a rare, genetically inherited condition, specialized diagnostic testing (mitochondrial DNA analysis) and neuro-ophthalmology follow-up are concentrated in only a few centers worldwide, and largely unavailable within Uganda. Families often seek evaluation abroad both to confirm the genetic diagnosis and to explore treatment options for the optic nerve damage.

Associate Professor, Vitreo-Retina Surgeon. 10+ Years Experience

Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon· 26+ yrs experience

Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon, MD, DO .16+ Years Experience
Stem cell therapy is being studied for its potential to support mitochondrial-affected optic nerve tissue and help preserve remaining visual function. As with other regenerative approaches, outcomes vary and depend on how much viable nerve tissue remains at the time of evaluation.
Suitability depends on the stage and cause of the condition. Before travelling, our team reviews:

Your family is very thankful to stem cell cure india for being there for us. The doctors were very understanding and the staff made it a point to see that we were comfortable during the treatment. It was a very calming experience

From the first time we talked to the team and in all the discussions that followed, the team was really easy to talk to and explained everything clearly. They took the time to understand what was going on.
” It is helpful but not mandatory. If genetic testing hasn’t been done in Uganda, our team can advise on confirming the diagnosis as part of the evaluation.”
“LHON is mitochondrially inherited, meaning it passes through the maternal line. Family history is an important part of the evaluation, though we don’t provide genetic counselling remotely.”
” Any available genetic test results, OCT scan, visual field test, and a description of when and how vision loss began.”

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