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A Cure In Sight (ACIS) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by ocular melanoma. Through education, patient support programs, advocacy, and research funding, ACIS works to raise awareness and accelerate progress toward better treatments and outcomes.
The Eye Believe Podcast, hosted by A Cure In Sight, brings together patients, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals to share stories, discuss advances in ocular melanoma research, and highlight the strength of the community. The podcast’s mission is to inform, inspire, and give a voice to those impacted by ocular melanoma.
Episodes
3 hours ago
3 hours ago
What’s Up, Doc? Featuring Dr. Zack Oakey | The Eye Believe Podcast
In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Zack Oakey!
Dr. Oakey shares the journey that led him to establish Blue Coast Retina and discusses his approach to caring for patients with ocular melanoma.
We explore his philosophy of medicine, the importance of building lasting relationships with patients, and what inspired him to create a practice centered on exceptional, compassionate care.
But this series is about more than medicine. Get to know Dr. Oakey on a personal level as he reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, the mentors who influenced his path, and the values that continue to guide both his life and work. From his motivations for becoming a physician to the lessons he's learned along the way, this candid conversation offers a unique look at the person behind the white coat.
🎧 Listen, learn, and get to know the people behind the white coats.
Learn more about A Cure In Sight: https://acureinsight.org
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
Ideaya Biosciences
Delcath Systems
Aura Biosciences
Castle Biosciences
Immunocore
Natera
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #EyeBelievePodcast #WhatsUpDoc #DrZackOakey #BlueCoastRetina #RetinaSpecialist #EyeCancer #RareCancer #ACureInSight
5 days ago
5 days ago
Episode 12: Asking for Help & Setting Boundaries
One of the hardest parts of a cancer diagnosis isn't just managing treatments—it's learning how to navigate relationships with the people who love you.
In Episode 12 of My 15 Years, Melody shares her experiences managing the expectations of friends and family after being diagnosed with ocular melanoma. She talks about the challenges of asking for help when you need it, setting boundaries when well-intentioned support isn't what you need, and finding a balance that works for you.
Drawing from 15 years of lived experience, Melody offers practical advice for patients, caregivers, and loved ones, along with helpful tools and resources that can make the journey a little easier. She discusses platforms like CaringBridge, Meal Train, and WhatFriendsDo, as well as the valuable support available through oncology social workers and other community resources.
Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode provides honest insights and actionable ideas to help make communication, support, and caregiving a little less overwhelming.
No one should have to figure it all out alone.
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series.
💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight.
🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and patient support: https://acureinsight.org/donate/
Monday Jun 29, 2026
Monday Jun 29, 2026
In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Basil Williams, ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon, educator, and leader at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Dr. Williams serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Medical Director of the Ocular Oncology Service, and Vice Chair of Inclusive Excellence, where he is helping shape the future of eye care and ocular oncology.
But this conversation goes far beyond medicine.
Dr. Williams shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the Bronx after being born in Grenada, to Yale University, medical school, and ultimately becoming a leader in ocular oncology and retinal surgery. We discuss the mentors who influenced him, the experiences that shaped his path, and the values that continue to guide his work with patients and trainees alike.
As with every episode of What's Up, Doc?, our goal is to help patients, caregivers, and families get to know the people behind the white coats. Through candid stories, personal reflections, and professional insights, Dr. Williams offers a unique perspective on medicine, leadership, mentorship, and finding purpose in serving others.
Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or healthcare professional, this episode provides an opportunity to connect with one of the dedicated physicians helping advance care for patients with ocular melanoma and other ocular cancers.
🎧 Listen, learn, and get to know the people behind the white coats.
Learn more about A Cure In Sight: https://acureinsight.org
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
-Ideaya Biosciences
-Delcath Systems
-Aura Biosciences
-Castle Biosciences
-Immunocore
-Natera
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #EyeBelievePodcast #WhatsUpDoc #BasilWilliams #BascomPalmer #OcularOncology #EyeCancer #RareCancer #ACureInSight
Thursday Jun 25, 2026
Thursday Jun 25, 2026
Episode 11: When It's Not Just Ocular Melanoma
Living with ocular melanoma is challenging enough—but what happens when other health issues enter the picture, too?
In Episode 11 of our special 15-year series, Melody opens up about navigating multiple health conditions while living with ocular melanoma. She discusses the judgment, guilt, and embarrassment that can come with compounding health issues.
This honest conversation explores the emotional weight of managing overlapping diagnoses, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and giving yourself permission to acknowledge all of your health challenges without comparison or shame.
If you've ever felt like your struggles were minimized, questioned, or misunderstood, this episode is for you.
🎥 Watch now and join the conversation.
💙 Support our mission: https://acureinsight.org/donate/
💬 Join our support group: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/780974096#success
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
Monday Jun 22, 2026
Monday Jun 22, 2026
In this episode of Living in the Long-Middle, we are joined by Phil and Caitlyn Stewart, a husband-and-wife team sharing their experiences from both sides of the cancer journey—the patient perspective and the caregiver perspective.
When cancer enters a relationship, it impacts more than just one person. Phil and Caitlyn offer an honest look at how they have navigated the challenges, uncertainties, and realities of ocular melanoma together. Through their conversation, they explore the unique roles of patient and caregiver, the importance of communication, and how partnership can provide strength during difficult times.
Their story highlights the resilience that comes from facing adversity as a team and the lessons they have learned while living in the long-middle of cancer survivorship.
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend, this episode offers meaningful insights into the power of support, understanding, and shared hope.
📱 Connect with Phil on the A Cure In Sight App!
Username: philestewart_fMuFlrJ
Download the ACIS App:
https://acureinsight.org/a-cure-in-sight-acis-app/
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.createcommunity.acureinsight&pli=1
Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/a-cure-in-sight/id6748178227
Connect with Caitlyn:
https://www.facebook.com/caitlyn.moran23
Learn more about the inspiration behind "Living in the Long-Middle":
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/22/i-have-stage-four-cancer-there-will-be-no-cure-but-death-isnt-necessarily-imminent-this-is-how-it-feels-to-live-in-the-long-middle
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
-Ideaya Biosciences
-Delcath Systems
-Aura Biosciences
-Castle Biosciences
-Immunocore
-Natera
Learn more about A Cure In Sight:
https://acureinsight.org
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #LivingInTheLongMiddle #CaregiverSupport #CancerSurvivorship #ACureInSight #PatientStories #CaregiverPerspective #EyeBelievePodcast
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday Jun 15, 2026
In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Miguel Materin, a leading ocular oncologist and retina specialist, for a conversation that goes beyond medicine.
Dr. Materin shares insights into his recent transition from Duke University to Northwell Health, what inspired the move, and what it means for patients seeking ocular melanoma care. We also discuss his approach to treating ocular melanoma, the importance of personalized patient care, and how he works alongside patients and families facing a rare cancer diagnosis.
But this series is about more than credentials and clinical expertise. Get to know Dr. Materin on a personal level as he reflects on his journey into medicine, the experiences that shaped his career, and the passions that drive his work today.
Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or healthcare professional, this episode offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the experts helping lead the way in ocular melanoma care.
🎧 Listen, learn, and get to know the people behind the white coats.
Learn more about A Cure In Sight: https://acureinsight.org
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
- Ideaya Biosciences
- Delcath Systems
- Aura Biosciences
- Castle Biosciences
- Immunocore
- Natera
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #EyeBelievePodcast #WhatsUpDoc #MiguelMaterin #NorthwellHealth #OcularOncology #RareCancer #EyeCancer #ACureInSight
Monday Jun 08, 2026
Monday Jun 08, 2026
In this episode of Living in the Long-Middle, we welcome back Sam Franklin for a deeply personal conversation about life, survivorship, and what it means to truly live while facing cancer.
Sam’s story reminds us that how we approach the “living” part of the long-middle matters. He reflects on the thoughts, emotions, and lessons that have shaped his journey since being diagnosed with metastatic ocular melanoma in 2019.
Now, as Sam shares that his chapter as a cancer patient is nearing its end, he offers a perspective that is both honest and inspiring. While this moment has arrived sooner than he hoped, it is also far later than he ever imagined when metastatic disease was first discovered.
Through vulnerability, wisdom, and grace, Sam discusses finding meaning in the time between diagnosis and uncertainty, the importance of connection, and the value of living fully in the face of difficult realities.
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, Sam’s story is a powerful reminder that every day matters.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
Learn more about A Cure In Sight and our programs:
https://acureinsight.org
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #LivingInTheLongMiddle #CancerSurvivorship #ACureInSight #MetastaticCancer #CancerPodcast #PatientStories #HopeAndResilience
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
In Episode 10 of My 15 Years, Melody shares the story behind the creation of Lookin' For A Cure 5K and how a small community event grew into an important tradition for the ocular melanoma community.
She talks about what inspired the first race, the work that goes into organizing an event year after year, and why bringing patients, caregivers, families, and supporters together matters so much.
Of course, not every year has gone according to plan.
Through the challenges, surprises, and memorable moments, the mission has remained the same: bringing hope, awareness, and community to those affected by ocular melanoma.
Whether you've participated in a Lookin' For A Cure 5K, volunteered, donated, or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the event going and why it continues to make a difference.
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series
💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight
🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and patient support: https://acureinsight.org/donate/
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kristie Nguyen to talk about protecting your eyes and preparing for a safe, healthy summer season. ☀️🕶️
As National Sunglasses Day approaches on June 27th, Dr. Nguyen shares practical tips for maintaining eye health during the summer months and explains why protecting your eyes from UV exposure is so important.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- The importance of wearing quality sunglasses
- How UV exposure can impact eye health
- Summer eye safety tips for everyday life
- What to look for when choosing sunglasses
- Simple habits that can help protect your vision long-term
Whether you’re spending time outdoors, at the beach, on the water, or just enjoying the sunshine, this episode offers helpful reminders for keeping your eyes healthy and protected all summer long.
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Kristie Nguyen:
https://www.drkristienguyen.com
https://www.instagram.com/dr.kristienguyen/?hl=en
https://www.kazokulunettes.com
🎧 Tune in for an informative and timely conversation about eye safety, prevention, and why awareness looks good on everyone. 💙