The British journal of ophthalmology
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Aim To describe the clinical presentation and group classification of newly diagnosed retinoblastoma patients in China, and to identify future priorities for improving the medical care of this disease. Methods The retrospective review included all patients who presented with previously untreated intraocular retinoblastoma at Beijing Tongren Hospital between August 2006 and August 2009. The clinical charts were reviewed and fundus images taken for all patients were analysed. ⋯ The vast majority of eyes (501/595 or 84%) presented with an advanced stage of the tumour (Group D or E of International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification). Conclusion In China, diagnosis of retinoblastoma occurs at a relatively advanced clinical stage of the disease. An intensified programme for earlier detection of retinoblastoma including educating parents and physicians may be warranted to improve clinical outcome with fewer enucleations.