Who We Are

Ocumel Canada, an initiative of Save Your Skin Foundation, was formed to increase awareness, advance treatment options, and build a supportive community for those diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic ocular melanoma (OM). Ocumel Canada is in close collaboration with a global Medical Advisory Board and partner patient representation organizations with the endeavour to build on international best practices to improve patient outcomes for Canadians touched by this disease.

This rare cancer is a challenge in so many ways. The small number of diagnoses in Canada does make it difficult for the mainstream Cancer Agencies to provide adequate services. In some provinces and territories, there are no services at all.

We envision a future when ocular melanoma will be a treatable and manageable disease and where patients in Canada can easily find support and courage after diagnosis.

A warm thank you to Save Your Skin Foundation for hosting this space. Staff are already knowledgeable and skilled in providing help to Canadians diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma and their experiences in building a powerful support group are our foundation.  

Contact us at ocumelcanada@saveyourskin.ca or 1-800-460-5832

If you wish to make a donation directly to Ocumel Canada, please click here.

Our Work

In 2020, Ocumel Canada surveyed Health Care Providers to assess the services currently provided by centres working in the ocular melanoma treatment landscape.  And in Spring 2021, and again in 2022, we conducted an ocular melanoma patient/caregiver survey to assess the patient experience as it is today, across Canada. 

We are now working with multiple OM Patient Care Providers across the country to address gaps in the system and advocate for standardized care and improved access to treatment and clinical trials in Canada. Please click the links below to view our reports and news:

Ocumel Canada Patient Survey Reports:

Spring 2022 Report Coming Soon!

Updating the OM Care Landscape in Canada, 2021

Ocular Melanoma Webinars

2023 Behind the Lens of Ocular Melanoma: Dr. Marcus Butler’s Insights

November 27th, 2023

Together, we shed light on the latest developments and advancements in the realm of ocular melanoma (OM). Ocular melanoma, a rare and challenging cancer, necessitates increased awareness, a supportive community, and improved treatment options for those affected. During this webinar, Dr. Marcus Butler provided updates on the current state of ocular melanoma research, highlighting breakthroughs and innovations that can significantly improve patient outcomes. Discover Ocumel Canada’s collaborative efforts with a global Medical Advisory Board and partner patient representation organizations, specifically tailored to benefit Canadians diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic OM.

APRIL 15 & 16, 2023

The Symposium was brought to you by Ocumel Canada & featured four key presenters. It consisted of 7 virtual sessions over 2 days and provided up-to-date information on primary and metastatic disease, treatment options, testing, and the psychosocial experience of patients. Patients living with primary and metastatic ocular melanoma also shared their experiences.

Key presenters:

  • Dr. Marcus Butler, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
  • Dr. Hatem Krema, Director, Ocular Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/UHN
  • Dr. Ezekiel Weis, Provincial Medical Lead, Alberta Ocular Brachytherapy Program
  • Monica Tan, Social Worker, Telus Health/ Private Practice

Recording of Day 1 of the Symposium

Recording of Day 2 of the Symposium

Ocular melanoma: innovative treatments and beyond

February 2019

With Dr. Marcus Butler, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada  &   Dr. Omid Hamid, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Los Angeles, California

This webinar provides an update on the landscape of metastatic ocular melanoma treatment in Canada and the United States. Dr. Hamid and Dr. Butler share their knowledge of current practices and care pathways, identifying the most pressing needs for patients.  They also discuss new and emerging treatment options such as IMCgp100 (now named Tebentafusp), as well as clinical trials available to Canadian patients with ocular or uveal melanoma

September 2022

With Katherina Alsina, PhD, Castle BioSciences and Dr. Marcus Butler, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

This webinar help patients understand prognostic testing when diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma. It also discusses options for health care professionals for prognostic testing, what it can mean to patients and how it can affect treatment decisions.

Connect With Us

Contact us at ocumelcanada@saveyourskin.ca or 1-800-460-5832

Canadian bilingual Facebook group:

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with primary or metastatic ocular melanoma, connect with our community of support, Canadian bilingual Facebook group:  Ocular Melanoma Connect/Connexion mélanome oculaire 

Donate to Ocumel Canada

If you wish to make a donation directly to Ocumel Canada, please click here.

All funds donated go to our patient support fund to help OM patients reach life-saving treatment.

Support Ocumel Canada with the purchase of a t-shirt:

With Thanks to our Supporters, including:

Listed above are a few sources of information and support you might find useful. These groups are not necessarily connected to Save Your Skin Foundation. We are providing the links as useful sources of information but do not monitor content for accuracy and quality.

NOTE: The information on the Save Your Skin Foundation website is not intended to replace the medical advice of a doctor or healthcare provider. While we make every effort to ensure that the information on our site is as current as possible, please note that information and statistics are subject to change as new research and studies are published. 

Making awareness and education available is crucial. Since 2006, the Foundation has worked to raise awareness of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, and ocular melanoma, focusing on the need for improved patient care.