Learn about clinical trials and research opportunities in Diagnosis/Treatment section
Learn about clinical trials and research opportunities in Diagnosis/Treatment section
You are not alone —
On this page, patients and their loved ones will find several types of ocular melanoma support services enabling direct communication, and all have no costs to participate:
Additional support resources can be found on EyeMelanoma.org's Vision-Related Support, Patient Empowerment, and Financial Assistance webpages.
"A Cure In Sight offers the Cure Companions program to provide the newly diagnosed or those suffering from disease progression with a 'veteran' OM companion to be a friend, to offer support, and to help navigate travel and treatment options."
Live podcasts provide informal interviews and conversations with one or more OM patients (or with other OM resources) for "sharing information and insights on treatment, research, and living with ocular melanoma."
"Imerman Angels provides peer-to-peer support services to melanoma patients and caregivers. We invite you to register to be matched with a Mentor Angel or to volunteer to be a Mentor Angel. The process of receiving a match takes just a few days."
"Patient True Talk, a patient-to-patient registry, makes matches based on diagnosis and treatment parameters as well as geographical location. Patients and caregivers then have the ability to send secure messages directly to those whom are willing to share their experience."
At these weekly Ocular Melanoma Support 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."
These free meetings on Zoom are held every Tuesday of each month, 7 – 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The OM Support Group "provides virtual support to individuals diagnosed with primary and metastatic OM. The group is facilitated by a licensed social worker, and includes a mix of educational and wellness information, as well as space to connect with other patients for emotional support and companionship."
These free meetings on Zoom are held on the first Wednesday of each month, 1 – 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The Ocular Melanoma Support Alliance "is a monthly virtual support group for those who are survivors and thrivers with OM. We often have speakers and a professionally facilitated open discussion."
These free meetings on Zoom are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, 8 – 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
"Do you have ocular melanoma cancer or are you a new member? Join us to meet other people online" in the OcuMel UK Ocular Melanoma Community Support Group.
These free meetings on Zoom are held on the first Tuesday and third Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. UK Standard Time.
"The Cancer Support Community is here to help you by offering free support and coaching for cancer patients or their loved ones by phone and online. The Helpline is staffed by community navigators, resource specialists, and a Helpline navigator. [...] We provide help with coping 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 [at a select CSC affiliate location or by phone], 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."
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. (This service is also available in Spanish.)
"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 on a confidential basis. [...] Our online form is available at any time, and you can expect answers within 48 business hours." [Note: This free service includes ocular melanoma. See their webpage for types of non-urgent questions that can be addressed.]
"Do you have a specific, more medically-based question? If so, you can submit your question to the Melanoma Research Foundation's nurse by email. You can expect a personalized answer from our experienced nurse within 72 hours." [Note: This free service includes ocular melanoma.]
• Support group created in 2015. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2020. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2014. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2011 by Eye Cancer Foundation. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2019. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2011 by Ocular Melanoma Foundation. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2019. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2016. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2013. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2016. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2012. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2016 by Melanoma Patient Network Europe. Language: English. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2020 by Ocumel Canada. Languages: English and French. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2015. Language: English. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2017. Language: English. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2017. Language: English. Information on joining.
• OcuMel UK offers the following six support groups on Facebook, created in 2014 and 2015: "Patient Group," "Family & Friends," "Bereaved Support," "Knowledge and Strategy Group," "Welfare Support," and "Scottish Members." Language: English. Click on individual links for information on joining.
• Support group created in 2016. Language: Swedish. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2021 by Melanoma Network of Canada. Language: English. Information on joining.
• Support group created in 2016. Language: Dutch. Information on joining.
New information added to this webpage: September 28, 2023
Links to all external sites re-verified on this webpage: September 6, 2023
Feedback? Email: Erica@EyeMelanoma.org
This not-for-profit website does not contain any advertisements and does not receive funding/donations of any kind.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.
Copyright © 2011–2024. EYEMELANOMA.ORG. All Rights Reserved.
EyeMelanoma.org has been providing current information on ocular melanoma since 2011.
This not-for-profit website does not contain any advertisements and does not receive funding/donations of any kind.
Google Analytics is used within this site to determine the number of visitors. Data is anonymous.