The Eye Believe Podcast

Using TikTok to Empower Patients with Dr. Zack Oakey | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Zack Oakey, a board-certified ophthalmologist and ocular oncologist with extensive training in retinal disease and ocular oncology.

 

Dr. Oakey shares his unique approach to using social media—especially TikTok—to educate patients, combat misinformation, and make complex ocular melanoma topics more accessible. Drawing from his training at institutions including the NIH, UC Irvine, the University of Wisconsin, and the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, he offers valuable insight into how trusted medical information can reach patients where they already are.

 

This episode blends medical expertise with modern communication, offering both reassurance and actionable information for patients, caregivers, and advocates alike.

 

Tune in to hear how education, accessibility, and innovation can make a real difference in the OM community.

How Oncology Social Workers Help Patients Find Resources | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Molly Vocino, LCSW, an oncology social worker at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia.

 

Molly is passionate about ensuring all people have access to quality healthcare and compassionate support—especially individuals and families navigating serious illness.

 

In this conversation, she helps patients better understand the types of professionals available to support them throughout their cancer journey and how oncology social workers can play a critical role in care.

 

Together, we explore:

What oncology social workers do and how they support patients and families

How to find and access resources, including financial assistance and practical support

Why emotional, social, and logistical care are just as important as medical treatment

 

This episode is a valuable guide for anyone facing cancer who may not know where to turn for help—or what support is available beyond the exam room.

My 15 Years | Episode 3: Ocular Melanoma 101 & My Treatment Experience

Episode 3: Ocular Melanoma 101 & My Treatment Experience

 

Understanding a rare cancer can feel overwhelming — especially at the moment of diagnosis.

 

n Episode 3 of My 15 Years, Melody breaks down the basics of ocular melanoma (OM 101) in a clear, approachable way. She explains what ocular melanoma is, and how she felt as a newly diagnosed patients.

 

Melody also goes deeper into her personal treatment experience, sharing what plaque brachytherapy was like — from preparing for the procedure to living through treatment and recovery.

 

This episode is designed to help patients, caregivers, and loved ones better understand ocular melanoma, while grounding the information in real lived experience.

 

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 awareness

I Didn't Ask For Any Of This | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Allan Finnegan—a reverend, comedian, and former Britain’s Got Talent finalist—who is living with metastatic ocular melanoma.

 

Allan shares an extraordinary, hope-filled conversation about life, faith, purpose, and finding light even in the most difficult seasons. With honesty, warmth, and humor, he reflects on what it means to live fully, love deeply, and hold onto hope through uncertainty.

 

We also discuss Allan’s new book, “I Didn’t Ask for Any of This,” a moving and uplifting perspective on navigating the unexpected challenges of life. Get your copy here- https://amzn.to/3MfTmXD (affiliate links help support OM patients)

 

This episode is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, the power of laughter, and the resilience that hope can bring. Tune in for an unforgettable interview that will stay with you long after it ends.

My 15 Years | Episode 2: Mental Health After Diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body — it touches every part of life.

 

In Episode 2 of My 15 Years, released during Mental Health Month, Melody opens up about the emotional reality of the months following her ocular melanoma diagnosis. She shares the fear, grief, and isolation she experienced, how her marriage began to fall apart, and the complex ways she related to her family during that time.

 

This episode is an honest conversation about mental health, relationships, and the invisible weight that often follows a life-altering diagnosis — especially when that diagnosis is rare.

 

Looking back 15 years later, Melody also reflects on what she wishes she had known then, offering thoughtful takeaways and perspective shaped by time, healing, and survivorship.

 

This episode is for anyone navigating the emotional aftermath of diagnosis — and for those supporting someone who is.

 

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 awareness

My 15 Years | Episode 1: My Diagnosis

Episode 1: My Diagnosis

Fifteen years ago, Melody heard the words that would change her life forever: you have ocular melanoma.

In the first episode of My 15 Years, Melody — founder and president of A Cure in Sight — shares an overview of her diagnosis and the moments surrounding it. From the initial symptoms and medical appointments to the shock, fear, and uncertainty that followed, this episode begins the story at its starting point.

This conversation lays the foundation for the series, offering an honest look at what it’s like to receive a rare cancer diagnosis and begin navigating a future filled with unknowns.

This episode is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone facing a diagnosis they never expected.

Thank you for being here — and for walking this journey with us.

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 awareness

ESMO 2025 Highlights: Key Uveal Melanoma Trial Updates with Dr. Hadfield | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Hadfield, a medical oncologist treating uveal melanoma patients in the Northeast, for an in-depth discussion of the most important takeaways from ESMO 2025.

Dr. Hadfield breaks down key study results and emerging data from major trials, including the CHOPIN Trial, Immatics Trial, IDEAYA Trial, and more—offering expert insight into what these findings may mean for patients, caregivers, and the future of uveal melanoma treatment.

Links mentioned in this episode

Q1 Eye on the Experts Webinar: Eyes on the Chopin Study: What does this mean for patients? https://events.zoom.us/ev/AgpsCnGSA4Hnib_afWXvh5jNq0qqSTvpKhOB8xHg0M9cItAlsoSw~Ah8MbImmpM---YQJIycJ2xa5cdZV0t5y8JSYZGuk2DnZJoO6vsGncOFduA

ACIS Physician Finder: https://acureinsight.org/resources/ - click physician finder

ACIS Metastatic Treatment Resources (including the July 2025 updated clinical trial summaries of enrolling trials): https://acureinsight.org/metastatic-om/

ASCO Fiber Study 2025: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.9511

Summary of Studies discussed from attendance at ESMO: (https://acureinsight.org/acis-summary-of-uveal-melanoma-um-presentations-abstracts-and-posters-at-the-annual-meeting-of-the-european-society-for-medical-oncology-esmo-october-17-21-2025-berlin-germany/

ACIS NEWS RELEASES: follow along and subscribe to our newsletter to see the latest updates as we have them. https://acureinsight.org/ocular-melanoma-news/

Whether you’re a patient, advocate, or clinician, this episode provides a clear and accessible overview of the latest research shaping the uveal melanoma landscape.

Tune in to learn what’s new, what’s promising, and where the field may be headed next.

Exploring the TIL Trial: Sophie's Story | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Sophie Cantu, who shares her personal experience participating in a TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) clinical trial for ocular melanoma.

 

After previous treatments were unsuccessful, Sophie enrolled in the TIL trial—and saw encouraging results, including tumor shrinkage. She speaks candidly about what led her to the trial, what the experience was like, and how it changed her outlook moving forward.

 

Sophie’s story offers hope to patients and families navigating treatment decisions and highlights the importance of continued research and clinical trials in advancing options for ocular melanoma.

 

Tune in to hear Sophie’s journey, her perspective on perseverance, and why sharing patient experiences matters.

 

NCT pages for trials mentioned:

TIL TRIAL - https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03467516

IDEAYA TRIAL - https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05987332

RP2 TRIAL - https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06581406

 

Sophie Socials: https://www.facebook.com/SophieStevens9 https://www.instagram.com/sophiegstevenscantu/

Mental Health With A Dash Of Humor with Frank King | The Eye Believe Podcast

Mental Health With A Dash Of Humor with Frank King | The Eye Believe Podcast

 

In this powerful episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Frank King, the Mental Health Comedian, for an honest, eye-opening, and surprisingly hopeful conversation about mental health.

 

Frank shares practical guidance on how to start conversations about mental health, key signs to look for in people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, and—most importantly—what we can actually do to help. Drawing from his own lived experience and years of advocacy, Frank shows how humor, empathy, and listening can truly save lives.

 

This episode is for anyone who wants to support a loved one, a colleague, or even themselves—and isn’t sure where to begin.

 

🧠 In this episode, we cover:

How to talk about mental health without fear or judgment

Warning signs of depression and suicidal ideation

What actually helps when someone is struggling

How humor can open the door to healing

 

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—and this conversation could make a difference. 👉 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share. You never know who might need to hear it.

 

📌 If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, please reach out to local emergency services or call/text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

Connect with Frank- https://mentalhealthcomedian.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theMentalHealthComedian/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOTSdhj3ny4

 

Collective Grief, Collective Hope | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we are joined by Carol McColl, an ocular melanoma patient of more than seven years, who offers a powerful and deeply human perspective on collective grief and collective hope.

 

Carol shares how community and connection play a vital role in navigating the grief and loss that often accompany an OM diagnosis. Through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and mutual support, patients can find purpose, develop resilience, and cultivate hope—even on the most difficult days.

 

As you listen, we invite you to reflect and engage: share an inspiring quote, a favorite book, or a song that brings you comfort and light when things feel heavy. Together, these small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.

 

As Carol beautifully reminds us: “Meaning fuels hope, and hope fuels strength and courage, which fuels resilience and perseverance.”

 

Tune in and be part of this conversation about hope, healing, and the power of community.

 

Carol's Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/carol.g.mccoll

 

Drippy The Sad Raincloud: https://abjustforyou.com/product/gwyn-morgan-the-tale-of-the-sad-rain-cloud/

 

Other great book we recommend-

Mans Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl- https://amzn.to/3L073cL

Try Softer by Aundi Kobler- https://amzn.to/4bg6J43

Strong Like Water by Aundi Kobler- https://amzn.to/4aGTVnf

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzaro- https://amzn.to/4qffujO