Share with others! EyeMelanoma.org quickly gets you to the info & resources you need.
Share with others! EyeMelanoma.org quickly gets you to the info & resources you need.
——— You are not alone! ———
On this page, patients and their loved ones will find links to many types of Ocular Melanoma Support Services that enable direct communication with others. There is no cost to participate in any of them.
To shorten this page, the long list of Ocular Melanoma Support Groups on Facebook has been moved to its own page. Be sure to look there as well.
Links to additional no-cost psychosocial support resources for the OM community can be found on EyeMelanoma.org's Patient Empowerment, Vision-Related Support, and Mental Health Support webpages.
A Cure In Sight "offers the [free] Cure Companions program — designed to connect ocular melanoma patients and caregivers with 'veteran' companions who have walked the same path and are ready to offer guidance, support, and friendship. Whether you are seeking emotional support, help with navigating treatment options, or just a compassionate ear, the Cure Companions program is here to provide the support you need." Patients and caregivers can click on the link below to find out how to receive or offer peer-to-peer support in this program.
"Peer Connect is a free service provided by AIM at Melanoma Foundation that matches melanoma survivors and caregivers with other survivors and caregivers in need of peer support. Connections are available for anyone at any point in their melanoma experience. The peer mentor provides one-on-one support, a listening ear, and guidance in a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment." Patients and caregivers can click on the link below to find out how to receive or offer peer-to-peer support in this program. (Choose "ocular" where types of melanoma are listed.)
"MRF’s Buddy Program offers a [free] supportive lifeline for people newly diagnosed with melanoma. It is a peer-to-peer support program designed to connect melanoma patients or caregivers with survivors or family members who have 'been there.' Volunteer Buddies provide non-professional, peer-to-peer emotional support and advice." As part of MRF's CURE OM initiative, matches are made for those with ocular melanoma. Patients and caregivers can click on the link below to find out how to receive or offer peer-to-peer support in this program.
At these weekly ACIS Ocular Melanoma Support Group Meetings, "connect with other OMies for support, friendship, and sharing experiences. We will split into two groups, one for metastatic patients and one for non-metastatic patients." [Note: There is no specific webpage about the support group. However, the link to the meeting is always displayed near the bottom left of ACIS' homepage. For more information, contact ACIS.]
These free meetings on Zoom are held every Tuesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
"Whether you're newly navigating an ocular melanoma diagnosis or have been living with it for years, CURE OM online support groups are a space to reflect, express feelings, explore coping strategies, and find comfort in community. For more info or to join a group, please reach out to cureom@melanoma.org." [Note: This information was provided in CURE OM's latest newsletter (July 2025).]
These free meetings on Zoom are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and on the fourth Thursday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
"We bring people together to make OM feel a little less rare. Join us for a supportive gathering where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. Share experiences, ask questions, and receive valuable information from the OM UK team and other people who have lived experience."
These free meetings on Zoom — using Eventbrite registration — are usually held on the first and third Tuesday of each month and the second and fourth Friday of each month.
Additional support at no charge: One-on-one private online "sessions with specialist psychologist."
"Staffed by community navigators and resource specialists who have extensive experience in helping people affected by cancer. We provide [free] guidance, resources, and support to cancer patients or their loved ones with a variety of needs." [...] Over-the-phone translation support in over 200 languages."
1-888-793-9355 [toll-free], Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m and Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.. Eastern Standard Time. Both phone support and one-on-one online chats are available during these hours.
"This [free] decision-support counseling program can help you prepare for an appointment in which you will be making a treatment decision. The program is available in English or Spanish for people with any stage of cancer. In a brief 1-hour session, an Open to Options Specialist can help you develop a personal list of questions and concerns that will help you and your doctor explore your situation and develop the best treatment option for you."
"NCI's Cancer Information Service can help answer your cancer-related questions whether you are a patient, family or friend, health care provider, or researcher. CIS is a free and confidential service. Our trained information specialists provide personalized responses to a range of cancer topics. [...] All services are available in English and Spanish."
1-800-422-6237 [toll free], Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Both phone support and one-on-one online chats are available during these hours.
"Our team includes a specialized physician assistant to help you navigate through the entire spectrum of care. Our melanoma medical expert can provide accurate answers to a wide range of melanoma questions."
[Note: This free and confidential service includes ocular melanoma patients and family/caregivers. Click on their webpage link below to access the online form and phone number options for contacting the physician assistant.]
"Ask a Nurse is your go-to guide for support, answers, and peace of mind. You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. [...] Let us help you find the answers you’re looking for."
[Note: This free and confidential service includes ocular melanoma patients and family/caregivers as part of MRF's CURE OM initiative. Click on their webpage link below to access the email address and phone number options for contacting the nurse.]
Creating Private Webpages for Social, Emotional, and Practical Support:
On both of these platforms developed by nonprofit organizations, you can choose from features like documenting your cancer journey, providing updates to others, and coordinating needs in a help calendar for rides, meals, childcare, etc. You can select who sets up and updates any of your webpages. Click on their links to learn more about how it works:
New information added to this webpage: October 22, 2025
All content and links to external sites re-verified on this webpage: September 5, 2025
Any Feedback? Please Email: Erica@EyeMelanoma.org
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Medical Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.
Focus Area: Ocular Melanoma Eye Cancer — Both Uveal Melanoma and Conjunctival Melanoma.
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