A Lifesaving Eye Exam

TaTiyana was just 6 months old when her mother noticed something was wrong with her eye. Mineka Holmes saw a subtle glare in her daughter’s eye, at first just in certain light. At 9 months old Mineka asked the pediatrician about the reflection. The pediatrician couldn’t see anything and suggested it may be allergies. Overtime the glare was unmistakable. 

By 18 months old the glare could be seen all the time. TaTiyana was taken to the emergency department and then referred to an optometrist. Her optometrist, Matthew Jones, O.D., immediately recognized the eye condition. TaTiyana was evaluated at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis where testing confirmed she had retinoblastoma in one eye.

Retinoblastoma is the most common form of ocular cancer in children. Despite being the most common childhood eye cancer, retinoblastoma is rare, with approximately 200 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. 

TaTiyana’s tumor had covered her retina and caused her to lose vision in the affected eye. The good news was that the cancer had not yet spread to her brain. Still, her eye needed to be removed immediately. Following surgery, TaTiyana had six rounds of chemotherapy, multiple exams under anesthesia, and full-body imaging to monitor for disease spread.

In June 2025, TaTiyana completed chemotherapy and was declared tumor-free. She continues to be monitored every three months for changes. 

Dr. Matthew Jones with TaTiyanna and her family.

Advocating for Children’s Eye Care

Today, Mineka Holmes urges other parents to trust their instincts. 

“If you feel like something is going on with your child, go now. Don’t put it off. If nobody listens to you, take a different route and go somewhere else. I feel like if I hadn’t gone to an optometrist, there could have been a totally different outcome.” -Mineka Holmes

Because children’s eyes develop quickly, regular eye exams with a doctor of optometry are essential for catching problems early, even before symptoms appear. The AOA recommends an exam at 6 to 12 months, at least once between ages 3 and 5, and then every year once a child starts school. Early detection helps support healthy vision, learning and overall development.  

Parents should also watch for signs that may indicate a problem, including:  

• Excessive tearing  

• Red or crusted eyelids  

• Eyes that constantly wander or turn  

• Frequent eye rubbing  

• Sensitivity to light  

• A white or cloudy appearance in the pupil (which can signal a serious condition, including eye cancer)  

TaTiyana’s optometrist, Matthew Jones, O.D. urges parents to advocate for their children and get an eye exam.

“We can check anyone’s eyes—whether they can speak, talk or walk. That’s why we have such extensive education and training” -Matthew Jones, O.D.

TaTiyana’s story highlights how comprehensive eye exams are about far more than just prescribing glasses and contacts. Sometimes, they can be lifesaving.

News story from the American Optometric Association

Excerpted from page 30 of the Summer 2026 edition of AOA focus