ABDO Regions

Press Release: ABDO supports CHECT’s opticians protocol

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is supporting the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust’s (CHECT) new referral protocol for suspected retinoblastoma.

The protocol states that all staff working in an optical practice should be aware of the main signs of retinoblastoma and offers clear information on what action to take if a parent is concerned by any of the main symptoms (a white or abnormal pupil reflex in a photo or a new-onset squint).

ABDO clinical lead Max Halford said: “The ABDO board is happy to support the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust’s opticians protocol. It is important that all practice staff are aware of the most common signs of retinoblastoma and referrals are not delayed.”

CHECT chief executive Richard Ashton said: “We are delighted that ABDO has chosen to endorse our opticians protocol. This guide is aimed at everyone working within an optical store and highlights the most common symptoms of retinoblastoma. It emphasises the need for an urgent examination if a parent contacts the practice mentioning any of the symptoms. Unfortunately, early years children with eye cancer are turned away from optical practices because they are ‘too young to be seen’. Through ABDO’s endorsement and by sharing the protocol with all practice staff, we can help reduce needless delays in diagnosis, and ensure that young children with eye cancer are diagnosed and receive treatment as soon as possible.”

Read the full opticians protocol here.

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Notes to Editors

  1. Media enquiries to Carol Smith, csmith@abdo.org.uk
  2. Images are available.
  3. ABDO represents over 6000 qualified dispensing opticians in the United Kingdom. Registered office, Unit 2 Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent CT4 7DT.
  4. The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer.