Almost 30% of children diagnosed with retinoblastoma (Rb) in 2018 were seen by their local optician in the first instance.
Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) released the figures to mark Rare Disease Day 2019. They showed that opticians have a key role in swiftly diagnosing cancer in babies and children under six.
Patrick Tonks, chief executive of CHECT, said: ‘It is crucial that optometrists familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms, appropriate examinations and urgent referral processes for Rb to ensure these children are diagnosed and begin treatment as soon as possible.’
Around one child a week is diagnosed with Rb in the UK. Early diagnosis is essential in order to save a child’s eyes, sight and life. The main symptoms of Rb presenting in UK children between 2012 and 2018 were leukocoria and squint at 70% and 33%, respectively.
However, it also emerged that 25% of families who contacted an optician were turned away without an appointment, usually due to the child’s age.
‘We are aware that some families are turned away by front line, non-optical staff who, not recognising the severity of the symptoms described, advise that their practice does not see very young children and babies,’ said Tonks.
CHECT has therefore developed the Optical Assistants’ Protocol for Rb, which explains the red-flag symptoms of Rb and the appropriate action to take.
