Bellamy Eyecare Partners With The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

Helping families spot the signs of childhood eye cancer early

At Bellamy Eyecare, we’ve always believed eye care is about more than sight tests and spectacles – it’s about preserving vision for the long term and, on some occasion for opticians like us, that can even stretch to protecting lives.

That’s why we’re beyond proud to announce our new partnership with the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting families affected by retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare form of childhood eye cancer.

Every week, one child in the UK is diagnosed with Rb. While most survive, many lose an eye and some lose their sight altogether.

Early diagnosis makes a massive difference but, because Rb is rare and its symptoms can be subtle, it’s often parents, grandparents, or family friends who first notice something isn’t right.

The symptoms of Rb are easily mistaken for something else

The early signs of retinoblastoma can include:

• A white glow in the pupil, sometimes only visible in photos.
• The eyes pointing in a different direction.
• The iris (the coloured part of the eye) changing colour.
• Redness or swelling around the eye where no infection is present.
• Uncontrolled eye movements.
• Vision problems, child may have difficulty reading or looking at screens.
• Pain in 1 or both eyes.

Because most of these symptoms are also caused by other conditions, awareness of this rare cancer is vital. Knowing what to look for – and acting fast – can save a child’s sight and in some cases, their life.

Alan Bellamy, owner of Bellamy Eyecare, explains:

“As opticians, we’re passionate about helping people of all ages protect their vision. Partnering with CHECT felt like a natural step.

“We want to make sure every parent and grandparent knows what to look out for. We’re setting ourselves a £5,000 fundraising target over 12 months to help CHECT continue their incredible work supporting families through the most difficult of times.

“We’ll also be holding local events and offering community talks for anyone who’d like to know more about eye health – so please get in touch if your group or organisation would like to host one.”

Together we can make a difference to children living with cancer

Throughout the next 12 months the Bellamy team will be holding a series of fundraising events, starting with a Christmas hamper raffle packed with local goodies – from Melton Mowbray pork pies and Stilton cheese to a bottle of wine from a nearby vineyard.

Each month will bring new opportunities to raise funds and awareness, from donations linked to private eye exams to in-store campaigns during Retinoblastoma Awareness Week.

Raising £5,000 could help CHECT:

Fund Pip the Penguin toys to comfort children after surgery.

Cover travel expenses for families attending specialist hospitals.

Provide vital support sessions with dedicated CHECT workers.

Sponsor community events that connect and empower families.

How you can help

You can support our fundraising throughout the year by entering our raffles, making a donation in practice, or scanning the QR code on our posters in store. Every contribution helps families facing unimaginable challenges get the care and support they need.

To learn more about the signs of retinoblastoma and the work of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, visit chect.org.uk.

And if you’d like to invite Alan Bellamy to give a community talk on childhood eye health or the early signs of retinoblastoma, please email alan@bellamyeyecare.co.uk or call your local Bellamy practice in Leicester or Irthlingborough.