Opticians first port of call for a third of Rb patients

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.