Cape Town Ocular Oncology Service Claremont

Cape Town Ocular Oncology Service – Expert Eye Cancer Care in Claremont

About Us

The Cape Town Ocular Oncology Service is a leading provider of specialised eye cancer treatment, offering decades of expertise and innovation. Our foundation lies in the pioneering efforts of ophthalmologists and radiation oncologists at Groote Schuur Hospital.

A Legacy of Excellence

The service began under Professor Rosall Sealy in the early 1970s, a world leader in radiation-based eye tumour treatments. His advancements in brachytherapy, using low-energy isotopes, significantly improved treatment precision while protecting sensitive eye structures. His philosophy of collaboration set the foundation for a multidisciplinary approach.

Building on this work, Professor Clare Stannard refined custom radiation implants, making treatments more effective and accessible. She was particularly dedicated to retinoblastoma treatment, working closely with ophthalmologists to ensure the highest standard of care.

Following her, Dr Karin Lecuona led the unit, introducing intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy for retinoblastoma and establishing national treatment protocols. Her work expanded the unit into a centre of excellence, ensuring both life-saving and vision-preserving treatments for patients.

Today, a highly specialised team continues to uphold this legacy, offering the latest advancements in ocular oncology.

Our Services

We provide comprehensive eye cancer care, ensuring early diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and patient-focused support.

Adult Eye Tumours

We diagnose and treat a wide range of adult ocular cancers, including:

• Choroidal Melanoma – The most common adult eye cancer, managed with precision radiation and surgery.
• Lymphoma of the Eye – Treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
• Conjunctival Tumours – Includes squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, treated using surgery, cryotherapy, and targeted therapies.

Childhood Eye Tumours

Our service is a leader in paediatric ocular oncology, with a strong focus on retinoblastoma, the most common childhood eye cancer. We offer:

• Intra-arterial chemotherapy – A targeted approach delivering medication directly to the tumour.
• Intravitreal chemotherapy – Used to control cancer that has spread inside the eye.
• Brachytherapy – A localised radiation therapy that minimises damage to healthy tissue.

Procedures & Treatments

Brachytherapy

A form of radiation therapy using custom-designed iodine plaques to precisely target tumours. This technique is effective for both adult and paediatric eye cancers, reducing collateral damage to surrounding tissue.

External Beam Radiotherapy

Used for tumours that cannot be treated with brachytherapy, delivering controlled doses of radiation to shrink or eliminate cancer cells.

Surgical Interventions

For certain cases, surgical removal of the tumour may be necessary, performed by our highly skilled ophthalmic surgeons.

Meet Our Expert Team

Our dedicated team of ophthalmologists and radiation oncologists work collaboratively to provide the best possible care.

Ophthalmologists

• Dr Steven Lapere – Specialist in ocular oncology and retinal diseases, trained at the University of Alberta, Canada.
• Dr Raoul Scholtz – An expert in choroidal melanoma management, practising since 1992.
• Dr Hamzah Mustak – A consultant at Groote Schuur Hospital, specialising in orbital tumours and oculoplastic surgery.

Radiation Oncology Team

• Dr Julie Wetter – Heads the ocular brachytherapy unit, overseeing radiation treatment planning and implementation.

Why Choose Cape Town Ocular Oncology Service?

• Decades of expertise – A history of pioneering eye cancer treatments.
• Multidisciplinary approach – Ophthalmologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and technicians collaborate for the best outcomes.
• Advanced treatments – Access to cutting-edge therapies, including custom brachytherapy and intra-arterial chemotherapy.
• Patient-centred care – Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan designed for both effectiveness and quality of life.