The Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University issued a press statement regarding the Eye Tumor Unit affiliated with the Ophthalmology Department, located in Section 12 at the Menoufia University Hospital.

The faculty explained that the unit has undergone continuous upgrades including the establishment of a digital system (Comrec) to accurately store patient data for easy access, and the purchase of the latest medical devices such as the ultrasound device (Sonomed Vupad), anterior eye camera (Optimed Aurora), and color and dye fundus camera (Eidon FA). Additionally, advanced lenses, fundus examination devices, surgical supplies, radioactive plaques using Ruthenium isotope coordinated with the Atomic Energy Authority, intraocular chemotherapy drugs, thermal laser devices, and nitrogen cylinders for cryotherapy were provided.

Currently, contracts are underway to acquire new devices such as a photo-slit lamp with camera and wide-field OCT to enhance the unit’s efficiency. The unit receives all suspected eye tumor cases from various governorates and some Arab countries and examines them free of charge.

The unit offers a comprehensive package of services including diagnosis, examinations, therapeutic decision-making according to the latest global recommendations, and continuous follow-up after treatment. It is distinguished by treating eye tumors using radioactive plaques (Nuclear Plaques) free of charge, being one of the few centers providing this costly service, in addition to treatment with thermal laser, cryotherapy, local injections, gamma knife radiotherapy, and surgical excision when necessary.

A special department was established to handle children with retinoblastoma, coordinating fully with radiology and oncology departments at Kasr Al-Ainy and the National Cancer Institute to provide integrated diagnosis and treatment.

Over the past three years, the unit received more than 550 new suspected cases, conducted over 1500 ultrasound examinations, 1000 fundus photographs, and 100 retinal OCT scans. It treated 515 advanced and various eye tumor cases, including 192 cases treated entirely with radioactive plaques free of charge. The unit also treated 182 cases of malignant choroidal melanoma, including 77 with radioactive plaques and 80 with surgical excision and implantation of cosmetic artificial eyes. Additionally, 217 retinoblastoma cases in children were treated using systemic and local chemotherapy, radioactive plaques, and laser, with comprehensive examinations under general anesthesia for all cases. The unit also diagnosed and treated 45 cases of ocular surface tumors, 96 cases of vascular tumors, and other tumors using the latest technologies.

The unit’s role extends beyond treatment to scientific research, having published three prestigious international papers with eight more pending publication. It has participated excellently in global conferences such as ARVO, registered two PhD theses and three master’s theses, organized workshops and training courses for ophthalmologists in Egypt to transfer expertise and develop skills, sent training missions to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and invited foreign experts for scientific collaboration.