We would like to bring to the attention of paediatricians the increasing incidence of irreversible retinal injury in children due to commercially available handheld lasers.1, 2 Recently, a 14-year-old male was referred to our service for evaluation of a presumed inherited retinal degeneration. The patient reported bilateral visual decrease over a course of 6 months. There was no significant medical or family history. Visual acuities were recorded as 6/18 right eye and 6/36 left eye. Ophthalmoscopy demonstrated vertical retinal scars bilaterally that involved the central fovea; the region of highest visual acuity. Infrared reflectance imaging demonstrated increased reflectivity at the site of scars due to glial remodelling and also photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial loss (Fig. 1). Upon questioning, the mother reported purchasing a handheld laser from an online website 6 months ago. The child admitted that he would frequently activate the laser and attempt to fixate on the flash as it reflected off the bedroom mirror. Visual acuity in his right eye deteriorated to 6/36 over the ensuing 2 months without improvement. In the last 5 years, the rise in the number of cases of laser-induced retinopathy in the ophthalmic literature has paralleled the rise in the number of handheld lasers sold by online merchants. From 2011 to 2012, the Sydney international mail centre alone reported a 60% increase in laser pointers seized.3 The interaction between thermal energy, due to lasers, and retinal tissue can result in necrosis of photoreceptors and catastrophic visual loss. Retinal lesions due to laser-induced injury typically have a vertical orientation and correspond to the direction of eye movement during the involuntary Bell reflex elicited by a bright flash. The vast majority of handheld lasers that are commercially available are of a specified wavelength and power such that it cannot cause injury to ocular structures. However, a small proportion of lasers exceed the specifications reported on the label and in most instances these lasers are manufactured in countries where the industry is not regulated. A recent case of laser-induced retinopathy showed an online-acquired laser labelled with a power output of <5 mW had an actual measured output of greater than 100 mW.4 Laser-induced retinal injury is physically significant and may impair quality of life by limiting job opportunities and the ability to qualify for a driver's licence in later life. Physicians should therefore be aware of this important cause of visual injury in children that is showing an alarming trend upwards.