We had nothing to guide us, the future was an unknown. The paediatrician made a tentative diagnosis of ocular albinism and, equally importantly, reassured us that Sebastian was otherwise healthy. She referred us on to an ophthalmologist who, at last, was able to start answering our questions. Ocular albinism is a rare inherited condition affecting about one in 50,000 of the UK population. As the inside of the eye lacks its dark pigment lining, light bounces around inside the eyeball causing a blurred image.
Sight is worse in bright light, which is also uncomfortable.
We have continued to attend the hospital and feel particularly fortunate in having seen the same doctor practically every time we go. This summary of Sebastian's progress and her advice is very useful. Sebastian was given eye patches to wear several hours a day for his squint. He would only keep them on if distracted, and my wife spent hours trying to keep him amused. Even then the patch would be off as soon as her back was turned.