Research released by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) for World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week 2025 (11-17 May) has revealed the key role optometrists play in the early diagnosis of the rare eye cancer.
In 2024, one in six children later diagnosed with retinoblastoma were taken to their local optometrist and 75% of optometrists correctly made urgent onwards referrals, compared to the 10-year average of 66%.
Richard Ashton, chief executive of CHECT, said: ‘We know that when children are examined by an optometrist, they have an excellent chance of the signs of retinoblastoma being spotted and the correct referrals made.’
