Ocular Melanoma

In collaboration with colleagues at Emory Eye Center, our team of specialists provide a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of ocular melanoma and other tumors of the eye.

As a patient with ocular melanoma, you will benefit from access to the Emory Eye Center, a nationally ranked eye institute with a wealth of clinical expertise, groundbreaking research and treatment options for patients. 

Our multidisciplinary care teams include ophthalmologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in ocular melanoma.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

  • Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
  • Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
  • Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
  • Availability of specific new treatment options for ocular melanoma within our clinical trials program.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with ocular melanoma or other tumor of the eye, we are ready to help you. Contact the Emory Eye Center at (404) 778-2020 to request an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists. Or call (404) 778-1900. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

Though ocular melanoma can be lethal and is fairly difficult to recognize by symptoms alone, periodic retinal examinations by an ophthalmologist have the potential to diagnose a problem at an early stage, therefore saving a patient's life.

An examination through a dilated pupil is one of the only ways that a doctor can diagnose ocular melanoma with enough time to save a patient's eye. Although a thorough eye examination by an experienced clinician is the most important procedure for detecting ocular melanoma, ancillary diagnostic testing may also be used. Ancillary diagnostic testing may include fluorescein angiography and ultrasonography.

Fluorescein angiography uses an injection of a fluorescent dye through the hand or arm to allow the photography of the blood vessels in the back of the eye. This procedure is most commonly used to confirm a diagnosis or to create guidelines for a treatment method.

Ultrasonography uses a small probe within the closed eyelid in order to bounce sound waves off of the eyeball. The reflected sound waves produce a 2D image of the interior of the eye, therefore helping a doctor to see abnormal tissues and the blood vessels in the eye.

A CT scan takes a series of detailed pictures of the eye using x-rays and a computer imaging system. These pictures allow doctors to see tumors within the orbits (eye sockets). In some cases, a dye may be injected into a vein so that the tissues are more visible in x-ray images.

An MRI uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer to create images of a targeted area such as the ocular orbits in order to see tumors and irregular tissues.

Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method that uses light beams and a reference mirror to reflect light on the retinal tissue in order to produce cross-sectional images of ocular tissue.

The treatment method used for ocular melanoma depends not only on the size and location of the tumor (choroid, ciliary body, or iris), but also whether or not the cancer has spread.

The patient's overall health must also be taken into account. The main goals in treating ocular melanoma are to prevent the spread of the tumor and to maintain the patient's vision. The following methods of treatment may be used for the treatment of ocular melanoma:

Observation may be used for the treatment of small or slowly growing ocular tumors. It may also be the best option for those whose cancer is in their only functioning eye. If the cancer grows larger than 10mm in width or 2-3mm in height (thickness), the doctor and the patient may begin to sort through alternate treatment options.

Surgery is a common procedure for the treatment of ocular melanoma. A doctor will remove the affected parts of the eye depending on the size and spread of the tumor.

In some cases, the removal of the eye or enucleation is the only viable treatment option in order to save the patient's life. With the loss of an eye, a patient will have to work through various issues with depth perception and vision. Most patients adjust to these differences within a year.

Most patients are worried about what they may look like after the removal of an eye. There are many cosmetic options and plastic prostheses that can be used to restore a normal looking appearance.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill the cancer. Radiation therapy can be conducted using proton beams (charged particles), brachytherapy (internal radiation), or traditional external radiation. Radiation therapy is a localized therapy that treats only the area surrounding the cancer.

There are often times many side effects to radiation therapy. Radiation to the eye can result in cataracts (cloudy eye lens), loss of eyelashes, or dry eyes. There are methods of treatment that can alleviate symptoms that result from radiation to the eye.

Laser therapy uses heat from lasers to shrink smaller tumors. This method usually has fewer side effects than surgery and radiation therapy.

Clinical Trials

Emory Eye Center physicians are involved in numerous clinical trials and studies. Being part of a major medical center allows access to collaborative studies not otherwise possible. Emory Eye Center has ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of many eye disorders and diseases.

Cascade Link

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Anna Bausum ND

  • Integrative Oncology Specialist
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                                 Anna Bausum ND
Anna Bausum ND

Anna Bausum ND

  • Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients' conventional oncology care regimens.
  • Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0600

Laura Brachman MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Laura Brachman MD
Laura Brachman MD

Laura Brachman MD

  • Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
  • Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
  • (404) 778-6448

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Ms. Cohen works with patients treated for all types of malignancies and disorders that may need consideration for radiation treatment.
  • Social Worker, Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Hannah H. Collins NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Hannah H. Collins NP
Hannah H. Collins NP

Hannah H. Collins NP

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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                                 Kimberly A. Curseen MD
Kimberly A. Curseen MD

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
  • Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-6448

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Adrien Edoo MTS
Adrien Edoo MTS

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Adrien provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (404) 991-8429

Hans E. Grossniklaus MD, MBA

  • Ophthalmologist
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                                 Hans E. Grossniklaus MD, MBA
Hans E. Grossniklaus MD, MBA

Hans E. Grossniklaus MD, MBA

  • Dr. Grossniklaus specializes in the treatment of diseases and cancers of the eye, specifically uveal melanoma, and retinal and conjunctival tumors.
  • Director, Section of Ocular Oncology and Pathology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-2020

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

G. Baker Hubbard III MD

  • Ophthalmologist
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                                 G. Baker Hubbard III MD
G. Baker Hubbard III MD

G. Baker Hubbard III MD

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Ashish Khanna MD
Ashish Khanna MD

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Dr. Khanna focuses on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
  • Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Susan K. Kunihiro MD
Susan K. Kunihiro MD

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Dr. Kunihiro works to improve quality of life for patients with cancer, no matter the stage of illness - from initial diagnosis, during treatment, in remission or closer to end of life.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Rupeng Li MD, PhD
Rupeng Li MD, PhD

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Dr. Li works with care teams at Winship to treat chronic pain symptoms in patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Meredith Maxwell MD
Meredith Maxwell MD

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Dr. Maxwell collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship to help patients address symptoms and improve their quality of life during their journey with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Sonal Oza MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Sonal Oza MD
Sonal Oza MD

Sonal Oza MD

  • Dr. Oza is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with fellowship training in cancer rehabilitation medicine.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Dr. Peacock leads the Winship Spiritual Health Team in the work of offering compassionate, inclusive, supportive, evidence based care to patients, families and staff.
  • Director of Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-8029

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • A cancer pain management expert, Dr. Qadri collaborates with oncologists at Winship to treat patients with cancer suffering from chronic pain symptoms.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Margaret A. Riso MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Margaret A. Riso MD
Margaret A. Riso MD

Margaret A. Riso MD

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Missy Roberts MDiv
Missy Roberts MDiv

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Missy provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Hui-Kuo Shu MD, PhD, FASTRO

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Hui-Kuo Shu MD, PhD, FASTRO
Hui-Kuo Shu MD, PhD, FASTRO

Hui-Kuo Shu MD, PhD, FASTRO

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Vinita Singh MD, MS
Vinita Singh MD, MS

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Jesse A. Soodalter MD
Jesse A. Soodalter MD

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • A palliative care specialist, Dr. Soodalter provides specialized outpatient medical care with a focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer and other illnesses.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Karin Van Vlack

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Karin Van Vlack
Karin Van Vlack

Karin Van Vlack

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Raymond provides administrative leadership to the Winship Spiritual Health Team, supporting and assisting in their work of compassionate and inclusive care of patients, staff, and their loved ones.
  • Process Improvement Specialist III, Senior Spiritual Health Clinician, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Jill R. Wells MD

  • Ophthalmologist
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                                 Jill R. Wells MD
Jill R. Wells MD

Jill R. Wells MD

Ted H. Wojno MD

  • Ophthalmologist
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                                 Ted H. Wojno MD
Ted H. Wojno MD

Ted H. Wojno MD

  • Dr. Wojno is a board certified ophthalmologist with sought-after expertise in oculoplastics and the treatment of tumors of the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit.
  • James and Shirley Kuse Professor, Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-2020

Nan Xiang MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Nan Xiang MD
Nan Xiang MD

Nan Xiang MD

  • Dr. Xiang specializes in managing chronic pain symptoms for patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Palliative Oncologist
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                                 Ali J. Zarrabi MD
Ali J. Zarrabi MD

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Jim Zhong MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Jim Zhong MD
Jim Zhong MD

Jim Zhong MD

  • Dr. Zhong practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of central nervous system malignancies, including brain and spine tumors, and head and neck cancer.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3473
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