Ocular oncology department

Ocular oncology in London and Moorfields has a long history with the first ocular oncologist Mr. Robert Foster-Moore appointed to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in 1926. Mr. Foster-Moore introduced radioactive plaque treatment for choroidal malignant melanoma. In 1997 London, along with Liverpool and Sheffield, was designated a Centre of Excellence in England by the National Commissioning Group (now known as NHS England). These services are tertiary referral services meaning most patients have already seen their local ophthalmology team prior to referral.

The Ocular Oncology Team

Senior doctors:

Doctors completing fellowships in ocular oncology:

We have 3 fellows at any one time. Fellows have completed all their core ophthalmology training, often internationally, and spend one year in our department doing further training in ocular oncology.

Clinical nurse specialists:

  • Sister Sinead Hanrahan
  • Sister Nana Gyasi-Twum

Oncology pharmacist:

  • Dominic Sergian

Secretarial team:

  • Angela Edgar
  • Pamela Jackson

Information about specific conditions

Information for new patients

New patients may need to have some extra tests before and after seeing the consultant. As we aim to get everything done in one appointment, please expect to be with us all day (and in some cases into the evening).

Travel arrangements

  • Please ensure these are flexible, i.e. by booking an open ended or later return ticket. There are multiple places in and near the hospital to purchase refreshments, or you can bring your own to eat in the waiting areas.
  • Please do not drive to your appointment as the dilating drops which may be given will cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light for up to six hours.

What to bring with to your appointment

  • Please bring your appointment letter, together with a list of current medications, distance glasses (if you have been prescribed them) and a pair of sunglasses (even if it is not sunny, these will help with the effects of dilating drops you may receive).

What to expect before seeing the consultant

  • A nurse and/or technician will test your vision, intraocular pressure and ask questions about your general health, past medical history and any current medications you are taking.
  • Dilating drops that will enlarge your pupils may be instilled.
  • You may need to have an ultrasound scan and medical imaging (photographs) of your eye taken. Please be aware that there can be delays in waiting for these tests as the imaging departments can be busy.

What to expect after seeing the consultant

  • You may need a pre-operative assessment, which will include a chest x-ray and blood tests in the pre-assessment clinic. The clinical nurse specialist will discuss this with you and will accompany you to the clinic. Both the consultant and clinical nurse specialist will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Who can I speak to if I have any questions?

If you need to change or reschedule your follow-up appointment:

  • Contact the booking centre on 020 7566 2357
or 

For non-medical queries, please contact our Ocular Oncology Medical Secretaries:

  • Pamela Jackson: 020 7253 3411 ext. 4872
  • Angela Edgar: 020 7253 3411 ext 2267

If they are not available to take your call, please leave a message and they will call you back when possible.

Moorfields Direct telephone helpline

Phone: 020 7566 2345

  • Monday-Friday, 8.30am-9pm
  • Saturday, 9am-5pm

Information and advice on eye conditions and treatments from experienced ophthalmic-trained nurses and optometrists.

Patient advice and liaison service (PALS) 

Moorfields’ PALS team provides confidential advice and support to help you with any concerns you may have about the care we provide, guiding you through the different services available at Moorfields. The PALS team can also advise you on how to make a complaint.

Nurse Counsellors

If you are finding it difficult to come to terms with your diagnosis and the treatment that you require, you may find it helpful to speak to one of our nurse counsellors based at Moorfields City Road. Counselling provides an opportunity to talk things through, allowing you the time to explore your thoughts and feelings and to make sense of the way you feel. The counsellors are based in City Road and can offer confidential, face-to-face counselling to all adult patients over the age of 18yrs.

The service is available Monday to Friday 9-5pm.

Contact details:

You may need to leave a voicemail but please do not worry as this line is confidential. It is helpful to keep the message short and clear, including your contact details. 

Your clinician can also refer you to the counselling service. If we are not able to help, we will be able to talk things through with you or point you in the direction of alternative support.

Eye clinic liaison officers (ECLOs)

Eye clinic liaison officers (ECLOs) are available at Moorfields Eye Hospital in City Road to assist those living with sight loss. This includes patients, their relatives and carers. For more information about ECLO services at City Road, please ask a member of staff for an information leaflet, these are also available at the health hub, located at the main entrance of the hospital. 

In need of urgent help?

If you are feeling very distressed, despairing or suicidal and need immediate help, please contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment. If your GP is closed, please consider calling the national non-emergency number 111 or 999.

You can also go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department where a mental health practitioner will be able to assess you and give you appropriate help.