During a recent government meeting, a parent shared a poignant account of their child's struggle with Coats disease, a rare eye condition that can lead to vision loss and potentially the loss of an eye. The parent, whose son Caleb was diagnosed last year, highlighted the challenges faced in obtaining a diagnosis, noting that they consulted nine different doctors before receiving answers.

Coats disease is characterized by the leakage of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, a condition that is not widely known due to its rarity. The parent expressed gratitude for the school nurse in Shrewsbury, who played a crucial role in alerting them to the condition, ultimately guiding them toward the necessary medical care.

Caleb underwent his first surgery on December 19 of last year, which the parent reported went well. This personal testimony underscores the importance of awareness and early intervention in managing rare medical conditions, as well as the vital role that school health professionals can play in supporting families navigating complex health challenges.