A Mother’s Concern Led to a Life-Saving Diagnosis

When Mineka Holmes first noticed something unusual in her daughter’s eye, it was subtle. Sometimes, when light hit just right, there was a glare that didn’t look normal. It wasn’t constant, but it was enough to make her concerned.

Her daughter, TaTiyana, was around six months old when the reflection first caught her attention. By nine months, she felt something might be wrong and mentioned it to TaTiyana’s pediatrician, but the provider couldn’t see it and suggested it may be allergies. As time passed, the change became more noticeable.

By 18 months, Mineka says, “you couldn’t not see it.” After taking TaTiyana to the emergency department, she was referred to Dr. Matthew Jones, a doctor of optometry in Blytheville, Arkansas.

During his exam, Dr. Jones immediately recognized the condition and urgently arranged for evaluation at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis.

Additional testing confirmed that TaTiyana had retinoblastoma in one eye, the most common form of ocular cancer in children. Despite being the most common childhood eye cancer, it is rare, with approximately 200 cases diagnosed each year in the United States.

In TaTiyana’s case, the tumor had covered her retina and caused her to lose vision in the affected eye. Doctors determined it had not yet spread to her brain, but immediate treatment was necessary, and her eye was surgically removed.

Following surgery, TaTiyana went through six rounds of chemotherapy. Her treatment included eye examinations under anesthesia (EUA) and full-body imaging, including MRIs, to monitor for spread.

In June 2025, she completed chemotherapy and was declared tumor-free. She continues follow-up care every three months for testing and every six months for MRIs.

Looking back, Mineka 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,” she says.

“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.”

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 American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends an exam at 6–12 months, at least once between ages 3–5, 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)

Dr. Jones says stories like TaTiyana’s highlight that comprehensive eye exams are far more than just prescribing glasses and contacts. Sometimes, it can be lifesaving.

He hopes more parents will trust their instincts the way Mineka did and continue advocating for the care their child needs.

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

If you notice any unusual changes in your child’s eyes or vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an AOA doctor of optometry. Visit AOA.org to find a doctor near you.

Dr. Matthew Jones has practiced in Arkansas since 2009, quickly becoming a leader in optometry at both the state and national levels. He has served in numerous roles with the Arkansas Optometric Association, including State Legislative Chair and President (2017–2018).

In 2021, he became the first Arkansas-licensed optometrist to perform anterior segment lasers in the state and has been instrumental in advancing access to expanded eye care procedures through legislative efforts.