The Division of Ocular Oncology was established after more than two decades of providing exceptional eye cancer treatment at Duke University. Under the leadership of Miguel Materin, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Radiation Oncology, the division offers specialized, full-time care for both children and adults battling benign and malignant eye tumors.

Originally part of the retina division, the demand for ocular cancer treatment has grown significantly in recent years. The division now manages over 500 patients monthly, with numbers steadily increasing. 

To address the rising need for ocular oncology care at Duke Eye Center and nationwide, the division hosts a thriving training program, including a one-year Ophthalmic Oncology Fellowship. This fellowship adopts a multidisciplinary approach to the medical and surgical management of various ophthalmic cancers and includes a robust research component.

Since 2017, Duke University has welcomed ocular oncology fellows from both national and international backgrounds, all under the mentorship of Dr. Materin, Duke Pathology, and Duke Radiation Oncology.

Upon completing the fellowship program, 2023 graduate Arpita Maniar, MBBS, MD—an accomplished oculofacial plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist—joined the Ocular Oncology Division as a full-time attending physician and faculty member at Duke. Together, they actively train ophthalmology residents, provide direct patient care, and advance research efforts.

Pioneering Treatments

In June 2023, Duke became one of only two treatment centers in the U.S. certified to use the innovative high dose-rate (HDR) Yttrium-90 (Y-90) brachytherapy procedure. Cleared by the FDA for episcleral brachytherapy of ocular tumors and benign growths, the Y-90 procedure involves placing an applicator with a Yttrium-90 disc directly over the eye's surface. This method effectively treats small lesions from various conditions, including ocular surface tumors and posterior (intraocular) tumors, with most procedures completed in under 10 minutes.

In collaboration with the Duke Department of Radiation Oncology, Junzo Chino, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Director of Brachytherapy, has worked with the division to successfully perform the Y-90 procedure and other radiation treatments.

Expanding Capabilities 

Central to the Ocular Oncology Division’s ability to train the next generation of practitioners and deliver essential patient care is its collaboration with the Duke Cancer Center and other nationally recognized treatment facilities. By working with distinguished specialists in pediatric oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and other fields, they ensure the highest standard of care for patients battling the spread of disease.