Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Baby’s White Eye Glow Leads to Rare Cancer Diagnosis
Oliver was a baby whose mother noticed that one eye looked different from the other.
She later saw a white glow in that eye and contacted doctors.
Tests showed that he had retinoblastoma, a rare cancer in the back part of the eye.
Doctors started treating him about a week after finding the cancer.
His treatment included medicine sent directly to the blood vessel feeding the eye and laser treatment.
Retinoblastoma can affect one or both eyes in young children.
Finding it early can help doctors treat it successfully.
Oliver is now described as happy and thriving while doctors continue checking his eye.
Olivia Hannaford noticed that her four-and-a-half-month-old son Oliver’s right eye was not focusing like his left.
A recurring white glow in Oliver’s eye led doctors to urgently assess him for retinoblastoma.
Doctors confirmed the rare eye cancer at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Oliver received four rounds of intra-arterial chemotherapy and laser treatment beginning about a week after diagnosis.
He continues to receive laser treatment and examinations under anaesthetic to monitor the tumour.
- Who
- Four-and-a-half-month-old Oliver and his mother, Olivia Hannaford, were involved; doctors diagnosed and treated Oliver.
- What
- Oliver was diagnosed with retinoblastoma after his mother noticed a white glow and other changes in his right eye.
- When
- The symptoms were noticed when Oliver was four-and-a-half months old; treatment began about a week after diagnosis, and chemotherapy was completed on October 27, 2025.
- Where
- The family contacted a hospital in Liverpool, and the diagnosis was confirmed at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Why
- The white reflection and difference between Oliver’s eyes prompted medical assessment; ongoing treatment and examinations are being used to monitor the tumour.
- Condition
- Retinoblastoma, a rare cancer that develops in the retina.
- First warning sign
- A recurring white glow or reflection in Oliver’s right eye.
- Age at detection
- Four and a half months old.
- Chemotherapy
- Four rounds of intra-arterial chemotherapy, delivered through the artery supplying the affected eye.
- Additional treatment
- Laser treatment targeting the tumour.
- Chemotherapy completion
- October 27, 2025.
- Current monitoring
- Further laser treatment and regular examinations under anaesthetic.