Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition present at birth characterized by a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes.

Almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are at risk of developing skin cancer. Albinism occurs regardless of ethnicity or gender. Both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if neither have albinism themselves.

It is important to note that a child with albinism received the defective information from both parents and that it is common for parents with normal skin colour to have a child with albinism.