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Retinoblastoma Program

UCSF Benioff Children's pediatric Retinoblastoma Program is a specialized eye clinic at our San Francisco location. We provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for children with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and color. Retinoblastoma can cause blindness and is life-threatening, but thanks to earlier diagnoses and improved treatment, survival rates for the disease are now as high as 95 percent.

Our team includes doctors who are expert in treating ocular cancers, a registered nurse, and an ultrasonographer who uses special noninvasive equipment to capture images of the inside of the eye. They collaborate closely to deliver compassionate, effective care. A social worker is also available to support patients and their families through treatment and connect them with resources they may need.

Please note: If your child is scheduled to undergo an eye exam under anesthesia, this will take place at UCSF's Mission Bay campus at 1975 Fourth Street in San Francisco. Eye exams not performed under anesthesia will take place at UCSF's Parnassus Heights campus. You will be given instructions and directions before the exam.

Our locations (1)

    Awards & recognition

    • Best in Northern California for cancer care

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • All medical records relevant to your child's condition from the referring physician, if available. This includes diagnostic imaging like CT scans, MRI, radiograph, etc.
    • Glasses if your child wears them
    • List of all medications and prescriptions
    • Appointment information: the doctor's name and the appointment location and time
    • Insurance card
    • Primary care physician's name, address and telephone number
    • Referring physician's name, address and telephone number
    • Co-payment if required by insurance

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (3)

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    Oncology Clinic

    Oncology Clinic

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    Ophthalmology & Optometry Clinic

    Ophthalmology & Optometry Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / San Ramon

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    Radiation Oncology

    Radiation Oncology

    San Francisco / Berkeley

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Beads of Courage

    We help children cope with cancer testing and treatment challenges by awarding colorful beads for each milestone they achieve. Find out about our program.

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    Camp Okizu

    This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-childrens-cancer-program-clinical-trials-2x

      UCSF Children's Cancer Program Clinical Trials

    • ucsf-department-of-ophthalmology-research-2x

      UCSF Department of Ophthalmology Research

    Soothing the soul

    Our music therapy program nurtures patients with bedside serenades, rap workshops and more.

    Find out more

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