What is Childhood Eye Cancer?

Childhood Eye Cancer or Retinoblastoma is a cancer which develops in the cells of the retina (the light sensitive lining of the eye) in children. If diagnosed at an early stage Retinoblastoma can be treated and more often than not, cured. The disease is congenital which means that children who are affected by it generally have it at birth. Early identification is crucial to treatment as tumours often form near to the optical nerve and in such cases may pose a threat to life when tumour cells enter the blood stream.
The Hadassah Team
Hadassah has one of the leading teams in the world in the treatment and management of Retinoblastoma. The team is lead by Professor Jacov Pe'er who is the head of the Department of Ophthalmology and is recognised as one of the worlds leading practitioners in this field. Professor Pe’er works together with Dr Michel Weintraub who is the head of the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and is too recognised as a leading practitioner worldwide in the treatment of childhood cancers. Both Professor Pe'er and Dr Weintraub sit on the board of the charity and are involved in the decision making process for the deployment of monies raised.