The Retina Clinic London is proud to announce the launch of its dedicated Ocular Oncology Service, led by internationally recognised Consultant Ophthalmologist and Ocular Oncologist Professor Bertil Damato, whose career has helped advance the diagnosis and treatment of eye tumours worldwide.
The new service brings specialist ocular oncology expertise into the clinic’s established multidisciplinary team, combining advanced ophthalmic imaging, onsite surgical facilities and access to experienced vitreoretinal surgeons.
Patients benefit from prompt specialist assessment, selected treatments performed onsite and coordinated access to external treatments where required, alongside ongoing monitoring and continuity of care.
An International Career in Ocular Oncology
Professor Damato began specialising in ocular oncology in 1984, following his medical education at the University of Malta and postgraduate ophthalmic training in Glasgow.
In 1993, he established the Ocular Oncology Service at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, serving as its Director for 20 years and developing an internationally recognised centre for the assessment and treatment of eye tumours.
He subsequently became Professor of Ophthalmology and Radiation Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he also directed the Ocular Oncology Service.
Throughout his career, Professor Damato has combined clinical practice with surgical innovation, academic research and international collaboration, making significant contributions to the management of ocular cancers, particularly uveal melanoma.
His expertise encompasses benign and malignant ocular tumours, including suspicious choroidal naevi (eye moles), choroidal melanoma, iris and ciliary body tumours and other complex ocular lesions.
Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Tumours
Professor Damato has pioneered important developments in ocular tumour assessment, treatment and prognostic evaluation.
Among his notable contributions is the MOLES scoring system, which helps clinicians assess suspicious pigmented lesions within the eye using five characteristics: Mushroom shape, Orange pigment, Large size, Enlargement and Subretinal fluid.
He also contributed to the development of LUMPO (Liverpool Uveal Melanoma Prognosticator Online), a tool supporting individualised prognostic assessment for patients with uveal melanoma.
His surgical research has included eye-conserving techniques, tumour biopsy and local tumour resection, contributing to advances in the treatment of ocular cancers.
Professor Damato has held leadership positions within international ophthalmic organisations and received numerous honours, including the Stallard Award from the International Society of Ocular Oncology in 2024 and Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in 2025.
Specialist Ocular Oncology Care at The Retina Clinic London
The launch of the Ocular Oncology Service in 2026 represents an important expansion of The Retina Clinic London’s specialist ophthalmic services, offering patients access to comprehensive private ocular oncology care in London’s Harley Street medical district.
Led by Professor Damato as an integral member of the clinic’s consultant team, the service provides assessment, investigation, treatment planning and ongoing monitoring for patients with suspected or established ocular tumours.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
The service benefits from the clinic’s investment in some of the latest ophthalmic imaging technologies, including ultra-widefield retinal imaging, high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence and OCT angiography.
These technologies support detailed assessment of ocular lesions and allow changes to be documented and monitored over time, informing clinical decisions and personalised treatment planning.
Onsite Treatment and Specialist Surgical Expertise
The Retina Clinic London’s dedicated onsite operating theatre and specialist ophthalmic treatment facilities allow selected ocular tumour procedures to be performed within the clinic.
Professor Damato also works alongside the clinic’s experienced vitreoretinal surgeons, providing access to additional surgical expertise where tumour-related retinal procedures or associated interventions are required.
When specialist radiotherapy or other treatments unavailable onsite are indicated, the clinic can coordinate care with appropriate external specialist centres.
Prompt Access and Continuity of Care
The clinic aims to provide appointments promptly, minimising unnecessary delays between specialist consultation, diagnostic investigations and treatment planning, subject to clinical urgency and availability.
Importantly, patients are not routinely discharged following their initial assessment or treatment. The Retina Clinic London offers continuing specialist follow-up and long-term monitoring where clinically indicated, including after procedures performed at external centres.
This approach enables patients to remain under the care of a familiar consultant-led team, with continuity of clinical records, imaging and specialist oversight throughout their journey.
A New Chapter in Specialist Eye Care
Professor Damato’s appointment strengthens The Retina Clinic London’s commitment to combining internationally recognised expertise with advanced technology and highly personalised ophthalmic care.
For patients requiring assessment of a suspicious eye mole, investigation of an ocular tumour, a specialist second opinion or ongoing monitoring following treatment, the new Ocular Oncology Service offers a comprehensive and coordinated approach within a dedicated private clinical setting.
Learn More About Our Ocular Oncology Service
For further information about Professor Damato and the specialist Ocular Oncology Service, visit his consultant profile.
To enquire about a private consultation, please call +44 (0)20 4548 5310 or visit The Retina Clinic London.
Our team will be pleased to guide you through the next steps.