Lighting the Way: How CURE OM is Transforming Hope into Action for Ocular Melanoma

When you hear the word “melanoma,” you probably think of skin cancer. But for a small number of people - roughly six out of every million - melanoma appears somewhere no one expects it: inside the eye.

This rare and relentless cancer, known as Ocular Melanoma, often strikes without warning. It’s not caused by sun exposure, it doesn’t announce itself with a visible mole, and it has no known cure once it spreads beyond the eye. For the roughly 3,200 Americans diagnosed each year, the journey can feel isolating.

But one organization is determined to change that story.

A Focused Mission

CURE OM - Community United for Research and Education of Ocular Melanoma - is a dedicated initiative of the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). Founded by patients and caregivers who saw the urgent need for targeted advocacy and research, CURE OM has become the country’s most visible and coordinated movement for people affected by this rare disease.

“Ocular melanoma may be rare, but that doesn’t mean patients should feel alone,” says a CURE OM spokesperson. “Our mission is to fund research, educate the community, and empower every person touched by this cancer.”

Through education campaigns, scientific summits, patient support programs, and real-world data collection, CURE OM works to accelerate discovery and improve outcomes.

What Is Ocular Melanoma?

Ocular Melanoma (OM) - also called Uveal Melanoma - is a cancer that develops in the pigment producing cells of the eye, called melanocytes. These tumors often begin as a nevus - similar to a mole or freckle inside the eye - and in some cases, that nevus can later develop into melanoma.

• Incidence: About 6 in 1,000,000 people annually

• U.S. diagnoses per year: ≈3,200

• Key risk factor: Largely unknown (not UV-related), Light Colored Eyes, Fair Skin, Existing Nevus

• Detection: Usually found during routine dilated eye exams

• Major challenge: 50% of patients eventually develop metastases, most commonly to the liver

Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial.

The Power of Awareness

Because Ocular Melanoma is so rare, many people - including healthcare providers - have never heard of it. That’s why one of CURE OM’s cornerstone efforts is public education.

Their #EyeGetDilated campaign urges everyone to schedule regular dilated eye exams, since most ocular melanomas are discovered this way. The campaign’s message is simple but lifesaving: awareness equals earlier diagnosis.

“A simple dilated eye exam can mean the difference between early treatment and metastasis,” says one CURE OM advocate and survivor. CURE OM’s digital resources also demystify the complex world of ocular melanoma treatment - from radiation and surgical options to emerging immunotherapies and clinical trials.

Where Science Meets Compassion

At the heart of CURE OM’s mission lies research - and the collaboration needed to make it happen. The organization funds promising projects, builds patient registries, and convenes some of the most important scientific meetings in the field.

Each year, the CURE OM Global Science Meeting brings together researchers, clinicians, and patients to share discoveries and set new priorities. Another signature event, the Eyes on a Cure Patient & Caregiver Symposium, gives families access to leading experts while offering emotional and practical support.

“It’s the only place where science and community truly intersect,” says one symposium attendee.“You leave with hope - and a plan.”

Inside the CURE OM Programs

🔹 Awareness & Early Detection - Nationwide campaigns like #EyeGetDilated emphasizes preventive eye care.

🔹 Patient Education - Accessible guides and webinars explain treatment options, clinical trials, and survivorship.

🔹 Research Funding - Targeted grants fuel studies on metastasis, new therapies, and genetic profiling.

🔹 Patient Registries - Collecting real-world data accelerates discovery and connects patients with trials.

🔹 Annual Convenings - Science meetings and patient symposiums foster collaboration between experts and survivors.

A Global Network of Hope

While CURE OM leads the charge within the Melanoma Research Foundation, it works closely with other patient-focused groups and organizations to create a seamless community for the cause. Together, they form a powerful network that supports patients, funds research, and pushes for more awareness at the national level.

“We may be small in number, but we are mighty in purpose,” says one long-time volunteer.“Every ribbon worn, every dollar raised, and every story shared brings us closer to a cure.”

Looking Ahead

New research in immunotherapy and liver-directed treatment is giving patients renewed optimism. But for CURE OM, the mission is far from over. The next frontier includes expanding global patient registries, improving clinical trial access, and ensuring every newly diagnosed patient finds accurate, compassionate information from day one.

As science advances, so does the movement’s momentum - fueled by patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates who refuse to give up.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Fund research or support patient programs at melanoma.org/CUREOM

• Share Awareness: Post your #EyeGetDilated photo and encourage regular eye exams

• Volunteer or Host an Event: Bring the message to your community

• Enroll in a Registry: Help scientists understand the disease better

“We’re not just raising awareness,” says the CURE OM team.“We’re raising the standard of care - and the possibility of a cure.”

Fast Facts

• Founded: 2011 as an initiative of the Melanoma Research Foundation

• Focus: Research, education, patient support, and awareness

• Annual events: CURE OM Global Science Meeting & Eyes on a Cure Symposium

• Colors of awareness ribbon: Baby blue and navy blue - representing Ocular Melanoma Awareness

• Website: CureOM.org

Your Story. Your Journey. Your Voice.

When survivors, caregivers, and advocates use their voices, creativity, and courage to share their journeys, they transform isolation into inspiration and knowledge into action. 

By collaborating with organizations like CURE OM and the Ocular Melanoma Society, these voices gain powerful platforms - amplifying the call for routine dilated eye exams. Together, patients and partners are not only spreading awareness but building a community of hope, advocacy, and change that brings the world one step closer to awareness, early detection, and a cure.

Published by © Ocular Melanoma Society

OcularMelanomaSociety.org