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The Oncology Service ~
The Ocular Oncology Service is the largest eye tumor service in the nation. It is
one of the few departments in the world
to specifically assist patients who are diagnosed with an eye tumor. Worldwide, the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills
Eye Hospital is recognized as a leader
in eye tumors from both clinical and
research perspectives.
What happens on
the Oncology Service ~
The Ocular Oncology Service was established in 1974, and since its inception, has been devoted exclusively to the diagnosis and management of patients with eye tumors. Currently, the staff of the Oncology Service treats approximately 1,400 new patients with eye tumors each year. Some of these patients have benign conditions such as a choroidal nevus or conjunctival nevus. Unfortunately, approximately one-half of these patients have malignant, life-threatening conditions such as choroidal melanoma, choroidal metastasis, and retinoblastoma. Approximately 30% of all patients with uveal melanoma in the United States and nearly 50% of all children with retinoblastoma in the United States are managed on the Oncology Service. This amounts to approximately 500 new patients with melanoma and 120 new patients with retinoblastoma each year.
Where are the patients from ~
Overall, eye tumors are uncommon. Most eye doctors rarely see a patient with an eye tumor, so affected patients typically travel great distances to seek modern treatment methods. Each week, doctors on the Oncology Service care for patients from many states in the United States, as close as New York to as remote as Alaska and Hawaii. Patients have visited from every state in the nation. But the need for care extends far beyond the borders of the United States and patients from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia are frequently treated on the Oncology Service.
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Where are the doctors from ~
The Oncology Service is world renown and doctors travel from “all corners of the earth” to visit and learn from this experienced team. Some doctors visit for a few weeks while others devote one or two years in fellowship training to perfect their skills to use in their home country. Over the past three decades, the Oncology Service has trained fellows from many countries including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, China, Korea, Phillipines, India, Australia, and others.
Tell me about the nurses
and technicians ~
The Oncology Service has experienced nurses, technicians, photographers, and staff who are familiar with eye tumors. The nurses and technicians assist the doctor in the evaluation of the patient. The ancillary staff are well informed and provide a strong source of information and help for the family.
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