Chief of Service
Paul Finger, M.D.

The Ocular Oncology Service at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary has recently expanded its services, by increasing the patient base, available hours, and involvement in the National Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study.

These changes have resulted in a more comprehensive oncology service for patients and a greater exposure for residents, medical students, and fellows.

Eye cancers can be found on the eyelids, conjunctiva, iris, retina, choroid and optic nerve. Specialized facilities are available for patients with eye cancer. Evaluation includes a comprehensive eye examination:

• Visual acuity assessment
• External examination
• Pupillary and ocular motion evaluation

Other examinations performed when necessary:

• Applanation tonometry
• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy
• Gonioscopy
• Transillumination of iris and ciliary body (anterior) tumors
• Ophthalmoscopy by direct, indirect and contact lens techniques
• Ultrasonography by contact and high frequency biomicroscopy (immersion)
• Fundus photography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms

Browse Ocular Oncology:
Resident Training | Related Information | Schedule an Appointment

Residents are expected to become competent in the evaluation and differential diagnosis of ocular tumors and to participate in the treatment of patients with ocular tumors. Surgical procedures such as biopsy techniques, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, local resection, enucleation, vitrectomy and ophthalmic plaque radiotherapy are learned.

Under the direct supervision of Dr. Finger, the second and third year residents attend a 2 month rotation during which they examine, diagnose and care for both clinic and private patients with a variety of ocular tumors and malignancies.

The Ocular Tumor Service curriculum is organized so that there are six hours of didactic instruction followed by a written examination. Attendance at lectures is mandatory, documented by the chief resident and affects the resident’s results on their final examination. Test scores are shared with the residents.

In addition to the didactic lectures, the examination and treatment of patients often generate spontaneous lectures in the clinical setting. Elements of patient education and informed consent are also discussed. 

From their experience residents are expected to form a differential diagnosis, describe how that diagnosis was made, and suggest methods of treatment. During each clinic session, individual residents are asked questions and an assessment is made about their current knowledge and reading habits.

Medical students and attending physicians visit our clinic if they express an interest. 

Resident research activities in ocular oncology are strongly encouraged. Manuscripts can be generated from unusual cases, reviews and basic science studies. Many investigational protocols are currently active within The Ocular Tumor Service.

Read more about the Resident Training Program in Ophthalmology.

TOP

Related Information

Health Matters - Ocular Oncology
Basic information about eye tumors

Highlights - Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun
(June 2002)

TOP

Schedule an Appointment

Find an Ocular Oncologist at NYEE
Find a physician specializing in ocular oncology at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

TOP

Home > Medical Departments > Ophthalmology > OCULAR ONCOLOGY