Tag Archive for: white eye glow

Headshot of a young child, around 18-months old, with a blue and white pacifier in their mouth. There is the characteristic yellow-white glow in the pupil of their right eye, commonly seen in retinoblastoma and Coats’ disease. Text reads “Early diagnosis is the best cure”

“Have We Spoken Before?” Same Retinoblastoma Diagnosis Story, Different Parents…

Many families tell of delayed pathways to care when their child is diagnosed with eye cancer. Orthoptist and retinoblastoma care coordinator, Sandra Staffieri, and leukocoria awareness advocate, Megan Webber, are frustrated by the repeated stories and their negative patient impacts. They explore why these delays continue, some efforts to overcome the challenges, and where they find hope for the future.

A baby has a white pupil glow in the left eye, and healthy red reflex in the right eye.

If In Doubt, Check It Out: Common and Not-So-Common Signs and Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Prompt investigation of signs and symptoms is vital to diagnose retinoblastoma early. Timely diagnosis provides the best opportunity to save a child’s life and sight.  For Retinoblastoma Awareness Week 2022, Rb Care Coordinator Sandra Staffieri explores the signs and symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis of childhood eye cancer.

A baby boy looks at the camera. his right eye shows a white reflex while his left eye is turned in towards his nose.

When ‘Something’ Looks the Same As ‘Nothing’: Strabismus, Leukocoria and Childhood Eye Cancer

Strabismus (turned eye) and leukocoria (white pupil), the most common signs of retinoblastoma, can also occur in healthy eyes. Sandra Staffieri, Retinoblastoma Care Co-ordinator at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, examines both and answers the key question – when should parents and doctors be concerned?

“Some journeys don't have endings, they lead to new beginnings. These are the journeys that lead to great adventures!” Alex Haditaghi from ‘Softly, As I leave her’ 2016. Quote set against background of sunrise painting a golden pathway over blue ocean, into a slightly clouded blue sky.

One Retinoblastoma World, A New Realm of Discovery

When Sandra Staffieri left Australia in August 2012 for a conference in Italy and a tour of retinoblastoma centres in North America, she had no idea how radically the journey would change her life and care at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Yet as she departed, the key destination was not even on her itinerary…