Who are CHECT?

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare form of eye cancer that affects babies and young children.

CHECT is a small charity which plays a big role in the lives of people affected by Rb.

In the last three years:

  • 100% of families in the UK were offered support following a diagnosis of retinoblastoma and throughout their child’s treatment.
  • They provided over 2,000 hours of support to around 525 families each year.
  • More than £8,500 was given in grants for 40 families facing financial difficulty because of the expenses related to their child’s treatment.
  • In feedback 100% of people who responded said CHECT support helped them in their experience of dealing with eye cancer.

What do they do?

When a child is diagnosed, it can be a distressing and frightening time for everyone, and CHECT are there to help. They also understand that for some people retinoblastoma can have a long term impact and they offer lifelong support for anyone affected – from diagnosis to adulthood. CHECT have been helping families for over 30 years but they don’t receive any money from the government and rely on public support to fund their vital work.

They:

  • Provide support and information to families and individuals.
  • Fund research into the prevention and treatment of retinoblastoma.
  • Raise awareness among health professionals and the public.
  • Influence policy to improve services for patients.

 

Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a type of eye cancer that affects young children, mainly under the age of six. It develops in the cells of the retina, the light sensitive lining of the eye. Around 50-60 cases are diagnosed in the UK every year – approximately one child a week. Retinoblastoma can either affect one or both eyes.

Retinoblastoma has one of the best cure rates of all the childhood cancers. In the UK, around 98 per cent of children will survive but a swift referral pathway is vital to reduce loss of vision and the risk of mortality.

There are several signs which could indicate retinoblastoma, of which leukocoria and strabismus are the most common. If a child presents with any of the signs and symptoms of Rb, a red reflex test must be performed. All suspected cases or cases where retinoblastoma cannot be ruled out by the test must be referred urgently to a local ophthalmology department.

Would your practice know what to do if a parent came in mentioning a possible sign of retinoblastoma? Make sure you sign up to the Opticians Protocol on Retinoblastoma, supported by the College of Optometrists and Royal College of Ophthalmology, to ensure ALL your team know the correct steps to take.

View the Opticians-protocol or visit www.chect.org.uk/optician for more information.

Fundraising at Birmingham Optical

The team at Birmingham Optical are great supporters of the CHECT charity and are always looking for new challenges to help raise some money.

If you would like to donate please go to our just giving page by clicking the link or scanning the QR Code:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BirminghamOptical