Celebrating World Sight Day 2025
Retinoblastoma is the most common childhood eye cancer and is fatal if left untreated. With early detection and access to new treatments, survival and preserving vision is now a reality for children diagnosed in Western Australia.
For the first time, children in Western Australia diagnosed with the rare childhood eye cancer retinoblastoma can now access cutting-edge treatment locally, avoiding the burden of interstate travel and giving families hope for saving both life and sight.
Dr Benjamin Host, paediatric ophthalmologist at the Lions Eye Institute (LEI), along with a multidisciplinary team at Perth Children’s Hospital, are now delivering intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) – a procedure where chemotherapy is delivered locally to the eye via the ophthalmic artery, greatly increasing the dose to tumours within the eye whilst dramatically reducing side effects compared to traditional systemic chemotherapy.
Dr Benjamin Host checking Zoe’s eyes
Until now, WA families were forced to travel to Melbourne or Sydney every few weeks for months on end to access this treatment. Some families, unable to manage this treatment burden, instead faced the devastating decision of having their child’s eye removed.
This breakthrough service is being led by Dr Benjamin Host, paediatric ophthalmologist at LEI, alongside a multidisciplinary team including Dr Geoff Lam, paediatric ophthalmologist, Dr Timothy Phillips, neurointerventional radiologist, Dr Hetal Dholaria, paediatric oncologist, and Dr Jessica Gillett, paediatric anaesthetist.
“The goal is always to save life, save the eye and save vision,” said Dr Host. “Providing this treatment here in WA not only improves equity of access for families but can also achieve better visual outcomes with fewer systemic side effects. Early detection is critical — if you have any concerns about your child’s eyes, please don’t wait. See an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.”
A mother’s story
One Perth family knows this reality all too well. During pregnancy, genetic screening revealed baby Zoe carried a mutation in the RB1 gene, putting her at high risk of retinoblastoma. Repeated eye examinations from birth meant that Dr Host detected Zoe’s tumour at 4 weeks of age, when it was less than 1mm in size. Thanks to early detection and world-class care, Zoe was treated with laser therapy in WA and is now thriving and cancer-free.
Her mother, Sue Yin, recalls:
“When we heard the word ‘retinoblastoma’ during pregnancy, the room felt instantly cold. Even before Zoe was born, the possibility of cancer weighed so heavily on us.”
“When the tumour was detected, within hours she was in theatre. That urgency and speed was astonishing. She was back to her happy self within days. Seeing her resilience, and the team’s confidence, gave us immense hope.”
“Hearing the words ‘cancer free’ was surreal – I just held Zoe so tight, and for the first time since her birth, I let myself breathe again.”
“Without this service in WA, our lives would have been very different. More invasive treatments, possibly the loss of her eyesight. Instead, today Zoe is joyful, curious and thriving – she is living proof of what good care and early detection can achieve.”
“To any parent who has even the smallest doubt about their child’s eyes – don’t wait, don’t second guess. That instinct could save your child’s sight, or even their life.”
About retinoblastoma
- Retinoblastoma affects 1 in 15,000 live births, with around 3-4 cases diagnosed each year in WA.
- With early detection, survival rates exceed 95%.
- Signs for parents to watch for include a white reflex in the pupil (leukocoria) or an eye that turns (strabismus). LEI urges families to seek immediate specialist advice if they notice these signs.
