If you’re a regular viewer of EastEnders, you’ll know that Lauren and Peter’s baby, Jimmy, was recently diagnosed as severely sight impaired.
Lauren first noticed something was wrong when Jimmy struggled to focus while breastfeeding. Worried, she took him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed her fears—Jimmy was visually impaired.
Telling an authentic story
The show will explore how the family navigates life with a newborn facing visual impairment. It will focus on:
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The early signs Lauren spotted
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How the diagnosis unfolded
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The emotional and practical impact on the family
To ensure the storyline’s accuracy, the BBC worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Expert guidance from RNIB
The College of Optometrist’s member and RNIB’s Head of Eye Health, Optometry and Low Vision praised the collaboration:
“Working with EastEnders on this important storyline involving Lauren, Peter and baby Jimmy has been such a great experience. The team at EastEnders has worked closely with RNIB by listening to our advice and developing a story that authentically captures the experiences of parents of children with visual impairment. While every family’s experience is different, the story demonstrates the emotional impact and challenges of vision impairment. It highlights and raises awareness of the support that is available for people with sight loss – parents, carers, children, and young people.”
Eye health in babies: What to look out for
The red reflex test
- The red reflex is light which is reflected by the inside of the eye which can sometimes be seen through the pupil e.g., when taking a photo with a flash. Normally, the reflected light is red because of the blood supply under the retina (the seeing layer of the eye). Newborn babies have a ‘red reflex check’ twice within their first few weeks by an eye health professional. If any abnormalities with the red reflex are found eg a red reflex in one eye but not the other, the should be referred to the hospital eye service urgently.
Eye turns or misalignment
- Up to 70% of babies are born with an eye constantly turning outwards but this usually resolves itself within the first few months. If in the rare case your baby’s eyes do not straighten up or they develop a turn in the eye, this could be strabismus (squint), so make sure you visit your optometrist for advice.
Conjunctivitis
- Some young babies can develop conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which occurs from an infection during or after birth. There are many causes of infection, most are not serious but in some rare cases they can be. If your baby has swollen eyelids, red and sticky eyes, you should speak to your optometrist.
Watery eyes
- Babies can have watery eyes as the normal drainage of the tears to the nose hasn’t fully opened up. This usually clears up by the time babies hit one year but if you are worried, make sure you speak to your optometrist.
There is often a lot of manage when you bring home a new baby but if you have any concerns about your baby’s eyes please contact your local optometrist.
June 12, 2025
