Ocular Melanoma Campaign 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare form of adult eye cancer; with Ireland having one of the highest rates of disease worldwide. Our #OpenYourEyesToUM campaign ran in conjunction with melanoma awareness month in May 2021. The aim of our month-long campaign was to raise awareness of this rare cancer to the wider public, harnessing the power of social media to spread our message. In collaboration with ICON plc., together with clinicians, patient advocates and charity partners, we developed an (opens in a new window)accessible 5-minute UM animation video outlining all aspects of UM - from diagnosis to treatment. In addition, we ran a “Design Your Own Eyepatch Competition” to stand in solidarity and normalize the use of eyepatches by UM patients following treatment. We also ran questionnaire polls on social media relating to UM epidemiology, symptoms, and outcomes.

This campaign allowed us to successfully raise awareness of UM globally through the use of social media. We have expanded our network by engaging with other UM research groups/patient advocates resulting in the initiation of new collaborations.