The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Carol L. Shields, Chief of the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital and one of the world's most recognized leaders in ocular oncology.

Dr. Shields has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding and treatment of ocular tumors, including uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma. With more than 1,400 published articles, 12 textbooks, and decades spent caring for patients from around the world, her impact on the field of ocular oncology is remarkable.

But in What's Up, Doc?, we want to know the person behind the accomplishments.

Dr. Shields takes us beyond the white coat to share more about the journey that shaped her, the drive and determination behind her career, and what continues to motivate her after decades in medicine. From her days as a student-athlete to becoming a trailblazer in ophthalmology, we get a more personal look at the experiences and values that have influenced the physician—and person—she is today.

Join us for a conversation that blends ocular oncology, patient care, life lessons, and personal stories as we get to know Dr. Carol Shields beyond the exam room.

🎧 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 #CarolShields #WillsEye #OcularOncology #UvealMelanoma #EyeCancer #RareCancer #ACureInSight

🧬 The Living Library of Uveal Melanoma with Dr. Lauren Dalvin

What if researchers could study uveal melanoma using models created from real patient tumors?

In this episode of The Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Lauren Dalvin of Mayo Clinic to explore the Living Library of Uveal Melanoma—an innovative research effort using patient-derived organoid models to help scientists better understand this rare cancer.

Dr. Dalvin explains why the models used in cancer research matter, some of the limitations of traditional cell lines, and how organoids created from patient tumor samples may provide researchers with a more representative way to study uveal melanoma.

We also talk about how the Living Library is growing, how researchers can use these models to investigate drugs and drug combinations, and the potential for this work to help inform more personalized approaches to research and future clinical trials.

🔬 What are organoids—and how are they created?
🧬 Why is tumor diversity so important in uveal melanoma research?
💊 How can researchers use these models to study potential treatments?
🔭 What could the Living Library mean for the future of OM research?

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, researcher, or simply interested in where uveal melanoma research is headed, this is a fascinating conversation about building better tools to answer some of the biggest questions facing our community.

🎧 Watch, listen, and share this episode with the OM community!

Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
-Ideaya Biosciences
-Delcath Systems
-Aura Biosciences
-Castle Biosciences
-Immunocore
-Natera

#EyeBelievePodcast #UvealMelanoma #OcularMelanoma #CancerResearch #MayoClinic #Organoids #RareCancer #ACureInSight

Caregiving can be an act of deep love—but it can also take a physical and emotional toll, especially when the caregiver is facing health challenges of their own.

In Episode 14 of Melody’s 15-year series, she shares her experience caring for her mother through dementia while navigating her own ocular melanoma diagnosis. Melody discusses the complicated reality of being the person others depend on while also reaching moments when you need care and support yourself.

Whether you are supporting a loved one, living with cancer, or trying to balance both roles at once, this episode is a reminder that you do not have to carry everything alone.

💙 Support our mission: https://acureinsight.org/donate/

💬 Join our support group: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/780974096#success

Episode featuring social worker Molly Vocino- https://youtu.be/Lbl3f51dZAE?si=Qto4v3zbWSvjIXJC

What does it mean to live well with ocular melanoma for more than a decade?

In this episode of Living in the Long Middle, we're joined by Dr. Ian Kamerman, a physician from Australia who has been living with ocular melanoma for 14 years. Ian shares his personal journey—from the shock of his initial diagnosis to navigating survivorship while continuing to care for patients as a physician.

 

With the unique perspective of both a doctor and an ocular melanoma survivor, Dr. Kamerman reflects on the lessons he's learned, the challenges he's faced, and how life has evolved over the years. His story is one of resilience, hope, and finding purpose in the "long middle"—the years between diagnosis and whatever comes next.

 

Whether you're newly diagnosed, years into survivorship, or supporting a loved one with ocular melanoma, Ian's story is a powerful reminder that life continues beyond diagnosis—and that you're not alone.

 

🎉 Meet Dr. Ian Kamerman in person! Dr. Kamerman will be joining us at the Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar, taking place October 1–3 in Dallas, Texas. Join Ian, leading ocular oncology experts, and the A Cure In Sight team for three days of education, connection, and community.

Register today: https://acureinsight.org/education-events/

Learn more about A Cure In Sight: https://acureinsight.org

 

A special thank you to our podcast sponsors:

Ideaya Biosciences

Delcath Systems

Aura Biosciences

Castle Biosciences

Immunocore

Natera

Their support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations, education, and hope to the ocular melanoma community.

 

🎥 Technical Note: You may notice the audio and video are occasionally out of sync during this episode due to a recording issue. We've corrected it as much as possible in editing, but we didn't want a technical hiccup to keep us from sharing Ian's inspiring story. Thank you for your understanding—we think this conversation is well worth it!

 

#OcularMelanoma #LivingInTheLongMiddle #EyeBelievePodcast #CancerSurvivor #RareCancer #Survivorship #PatientStory #ACureInSight #EyeBelieve2026 #DallasTexas

What if one decision today could help unlock tomorrow's breakthrough treatments for ocular melanoma?

In this episode of The Eye Believe Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Justin Moser to explore the INSIGHT Biobank—what it is, how it began, why it's so important, and the incredible impact it could have on the future of ocular melanoma research.

Dr. Moser explains how donated tissue and blood samples help researchers better understand this rare cancer, identify new treatment targets, and accelerate discoveries that could benefit patients for generations to come. Most importantly, he shares why the success of the biobank depends on one thing: our community's participation.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with ocular melanoma, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you understand how you can play a direct role in advancing research and improving outcomes for future patients.

Join the INSIGHT Biobank today:
https://acureinsight.org/om-registry/bio-bank-ocular-melanoma/

Learn more about A Cure In Sight:
https://acureinsight.org

---

A special thank you to our podcast sponsors:
• Ideaya Biosciences
• Delcath Systems
• Aura Biosciences
• Castle Biosciences
• Immunocore
• Natera

Their support helps make conversations like these possible while advancing education and awareness throughout the ocular melanoma community.

#OcularMelanoma #EyeBelievePodcast #Biobank #CancerResearch #RareCancer #ClinicalResearch #PatientAdvocacy #ACureInSight #INSIGHTBiobank #ResearchSavesLives

 

Episode 13: What Long-Term Survivorship Really Looks Like

What happens after 10 years? After 15?

While much of the conversation around cancer focuses on diagnosis and treatment, long-term survivorship comes with its own unique challenges, questions, and victories.

In Episode 13 of My 15 Years, Melody reflects on what life looks like 15 years after being diagnosed with ocular melanoma. She shares stories from her journey, lessons learned through experience, mistakes she made along the way, and the wisdom she's gained over the years.

This episode is an honest conversation about what it means to keep moving forward—one year, one milestone, and one lesson at a time.

And today is an especially meaningful day for Melody. ❤️ You'll have to watch to find out why.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, years into survivorship, or supporting someone you love, we hope this episode reminds you that there is life beyond cancer—and that every milestone is worth celebrating.

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/

In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lauren A. Dalvin, ocular oncologist and ophthalmologist at Mayo Clinic, for a conversation that goes beyond medicine.

Dr. Dalvin shares the journey that led her to a career in ophthalmology and ocular oncology, the mentors and experiences that shaped her path, and her passion for caring for patients facing rare eye cancers. We also discuss her approach to patient care, her commitment to advancing research, and what continues to inspire her each day.

But this series is about more than professional accomplishments.

Get to know Dr. Dalvin on a personal level as she reflects on the experiences that have influenced her life, the values that guide her work, and what it's like to balance the challenges and rewards of being both a physician and a researcher. Through personal stories and candid conversation, you'll discover the person behind the white coat.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or healthcare professional, this episode offers an opportunity to connect with one of the dedicated physicians helping shape the future of ocular oncology.

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 #LaurenDalvin #MayoClinic #OcularOncology #EyeCancer #RareCancer #ACureInSight

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

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/

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