Australian parents turn to China to help blind tot

The parents of a four-year-old Australian child blinded since birth by a condition called septo-optic dysplasia hope to raise $50,000 to pay for controversial stem cell treatments being offered in China. An Australian scientist, calling the treatment “risky,” noted that there was no concrete evidence to support claims that the procedure is safe and effective.  “I would not recommend anyone go to an unregulated country for an unregulated trial,” says Bob Williamson. But her mother says, “We’re hoping it will give her sight but even for it to improve her pituitary gland function would . . . make a big difference to her life.”

By Janelle Miles, “Parents turn to China to help blind tot Jenna Swain”, © The Courier-Mail, July 30, 2009