Cancers of the eye can be divided into those covering the surface of the eye and those occurring internally. Most external tumors are relatively benign and slow growing and can be treated by superficial excision. Internal tumors involving the retina and choroid are more serious and often call for radiation and other therapy in addition to surgery. They include intraocular melanoma in adults and retinoblastoma in children, both of which can metastasize to other organs.

Cancers of the eye socket frequently require multidisciplinary therapy for effective local control. Many of the more common cancers, such as breast and lung cancer, can spread to the eyes. The ophthalmologist plays a central role in the management of these tumors but will readily call in other specialists as needed.

Our excellence in cancer care is reflected in our designation by the National Cancer Institute, the nation’s top cancer organization. Only 60 other cancer centers nationwide have successfully competed for this designation, a mark of the highest standards and achievements in cancer research and treatment.

Research efforts are under way at UC Davis to evaluate expanded use of radiation therapy for internal cancers of the eye and to increase knowledge of the effects of other cancers upon the eye.

Jeffrey Caspar, M.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Phillip Choo, M.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Oculoplastic Surgery

Vahid Feiz, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Corneal Disease and Surgery

John L. Keltner, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery
Neuro-Ophthalmology

Esther Kim, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Comprehensive Ophthalmology

William Lloyd, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology
Ocular Pathology

Mark J. Mannis, M.D.
Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Corneal Disease and Surgery

Lawrence S. Morse, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Vitreo-Retinal Disease and Surgery

Mary A. O'Hara, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science

Susanna S. Park, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Vitreo-Retinal Disease and Surgery

Mark Rosenblatt, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Corneal Disease and Surgery

Ivan R. Schwab, M.D.
Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Corneal Disease and Surgery

David G. Telander, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology & Vision Science
Vitreo-Retinal Disease and Surgery

UC Davis Cancer Center
4501 X St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

New patient appointments: (916) 703-5210 or (800) 362-5566

Updated 12/2007.