Ocular Oncology

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of only four centres in the UK to offer this highly specialist ocular oncology service, treating tumours of the eye. Many tumours, such as a cyst, haemorrhage or naevus (mole) are benign.

As well as benign vascular tumours, intraocular lymphoma and uveal tract metastases, we treat a rare type of eye cancer called uveal tract melanoma. This is a very rare cancer with approximately 600 new cases diagnosed each year in England. 

In addition, we treat patients with ocular surface tumours such as conjunctival lymphoma, conjunctival melanoma/primary acquired melanosis, squamous cell carcinoma and associated conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia.

We do not treat retinoblastoma (an eye cancer that affects children). This service is provided by Barts Health NHS Trust as part of their children’s department.

If your patient presents with ocular oncology symptoms arrange for them to have an outpatient appointment with us. 

Referral pathways for adult ocular tumours

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists provides guidance or referring patients to adult ocular oncology services. 

Referrals to ocular oncology services need to include images of the lesion in question so that patients can be triaged to a virtual consultation, unless an in-person hospital appointment attendance is needed for an investigation or surgical procedure that cannot be done at their local hospital eye service. 

Ocular Oncology referral form PDF

Ocular oncology referral form DOCM

Ocular prosthetics referral form DOCX

As you are a new patient, you may need to have some extra tests before and after seeing the consultant. As we aim to get everything done in one appointment, please expect to be with us all day (and in some cases into the evening).

Travel arrangements

• Please ensure these are flexible, i.e. by booking an open ended or later return ticket. There are multiple places in and near the hospital to purchase refreshments, or you can bring your own to eat in the waiting areas.
• Please do not drive to your appointment as the dilating drops which may be given will cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light for up to six hours.

What to bring with to your appointment

• Please bring this letter, together with a list of current medications, distance glasses (if you have been prescribed them) and a pair of sunglasses (even if it is not sunny, these will help with the effects of dilating drops you may receive).

What to expect before seeing the consultant

• You will have a variety of tests, which will take place in different departments. You will be shown where to go by the nurse or ward clerk after checking in. Please do be aware that as these departments can be busy there may be delays. 
• You may need to have an ultrasound scan and medical imaging (photographs) of your eye taken in a separate department.
• A nurse and/or technician will test your vision, intraocular pressure and ask questions about your general health, past medical history and any current medications you are taking.
• Dilating drops that will enlarge your pupils may be instilled.

What to expect after seeing the consultant

• You may need a pre-operative assessment, which will include a chest x-ray and blood tests in the pre-assessment clinic. The clinical nurse specialist will discuss this with you and will accompany you to the clinic. Both the consultant and clinical nurse specialist will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Review date: March 2022