Last night, long running British Soap, Eastenders kicked off visual impairment storyline involving the new born baby of Lauren Branning and Peter Beale.
Mother of two Lauren (played by Jacqueline Jossa) has been worried for weeks that something isn’t right her baby Jimmy, but her please fell on deaf ears to her fiancé and family. Finally taking matters into her own hands, she fights for her child for be seen, not without facing hostility from the hospital receptionist. Once her son gets examined, she is given the heartbreaking news that baby Jimmy is severely sight impaired.
Eastenders worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People tonsure that the storyline is being told with accuracy, empathy and as much research to portray what happens to families around the world. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw says “It was imperative that we worked with RNIB and experts in the field when consulting on Jimmy’s visual impairment storyline to ensure it was portrayed sensitively and accurately”.
Medical News share some signs to look out for ass babies start to develop:
The following can be signs of problems with the eyes in infants:
- red, crusty eyes
- excessive tearing
- extreme light sensitivity
- eye turning to one side constantly
- white spot in pupil or white pupil
For the first 2 months, an infant’s eyes are not well coordinated and may wander or cross. However, an eye evaluation may be necessary if an eye appears to turn in or out constantly.
For more information, check out NHS Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-tests-in-children/
You can also check out RNIB: https://www.rnib.org.uk
