Between 1963 and 1987 admitted Lausanne University Eye Hospital 140 infants with suspected retinoblastoma. Of these, 98 (70%) were subsequently confirmed cases, while 42 (30%) were found to be suffering from a benign disorder. Among these pseudoretinoblastomas, Coats' disease was found to be the most prevalent (21%) in this study. The examination procedure is discussed and the importance of genetic research is emphasized.