If you see something white inside a child’s eye, seek help

• This is easier to see in the early morning or late evening, or by a dim light
• Vision may not be affected
• Be determined. Do not let anyone turn you away until a specialist eye doctor has looked inside the child’s eyes
• Health workers: believe the parents/carers and refer to a specialist – it is an emergency

Test the red reflex if you are able to

• The reflex should be the same in both eyes
• Check the red reflex in a relative’s eye for comparison if you are unsure
• An abnormal, or absent, red reflex in one or both eyes is serious and may indicate cataract or retinoblastoma
• An absent red reflex is also abnormal
• An abnormal red reflex is an emergency. Refer the child to a specialist urgently
• If you have any doubts, refer to a specialist who can examine the back of the eye

Enucleation saves lives. With well fitted prostheses, children can have an attractive outcome