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:
June 2022 Activity Updates
Ocumel Canada Patient Survey Reports:
Spring 2022 Report Coming Soon!
Ocumel Canada Annual Reports:
Ocular Melanoma Webinars
2023 Canadian Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium
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
Prognostic Testing and What It Means to Ocular Melanoma Patients
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.
