CHECT highlights role of optometrists in early diagnosis of retinoblastoma

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has highlighted the role of optometrists in the early diagnosis of retinoblastoma (Rb). 

Recognising World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week 2024 (12–18 May), the charity shared that around one child a week in the UK is diagnosed with the condition – which mainly occurs in babies and young children up to the age of six.

According to figures released by CHECT, in 2023 a third of children later diagnosed with retinoblastoma had seen their local optometrist in the first instance.

Each year the charity shares the experiences of UK families who have received a diagnosis of retinoblastoma to identify common challenges and what can be done to help.

In 2023, 51 children from the UK were diagnosed with retinoblastoma, and CHECT has information from 33 of those families.

Reporting the findings, CHECT noted that fewer parents took their child to the GP in the first instance and more parents took their child to an optometrist than any other year.

This may be due to challenges accessing GP appointments, or eye queries being triaged towards optometrists. The charity suggested: “Optometrists are consistently a vital route for referral, with 69% over the past ten years making appropriate onward referrals for children.”

We know that when children are examined by an optometrist, they have an excellent chance of the signs of Rb being spotted and the correct referrals made

However, CHECT noted “room for improvement,” indicating that the main issue parents reported to the charity was being turned away from optical practices by front of house staff because their children are too young to be seen.

CHECT highlighted its guide for optical support staff to highlight the main signs of retinoblastoma and outline what to do if a parent contacts the practice citing these concerns. The Optical Assistants Protocol can be seen here.

Richard Ashton, chief executive of CHECT, said: “It is really positive to see so many parents consulting their local optometrist with concerns about their child’s eyes.”

“We know that when children are examined by an optometrist, they have an excellent chance of the signs of Rb being spotted and the correct referrals made,” Ashton added.

He continued: “However, we do need to ensure these parents are not turned away and would encourage practices to make sure all their staff are aware of the need for children with symptoms of Rb being examined by the optometrist as soon as possible.”