ON THE NET

Site contains information and features useful for patients and physicians.

Eyecancer.com

Started in 1998 by Paul T. Finger, M.D., director of the New York Eye Cancer Center, eyecancer.com has quickly become the definitive worldwide resource for information on all types of ocular tumors, eye cancers and orbital diseases.

The comprehensive, easy-to-navigate site has evolved into an international web community for both patients and professionals, attracting 1,500 visitors each day.

Patients and their families can use the site's "Physician Finder" feature to find an eye cancer specialist in their area. They can also learn about a variety of eye tumors/cancers and possible treatment options. And they can participate in a global support group that facilitates patient-to-patient communication.

Physicians find eyecancer.com helpful in diagnosing and treating conditions that they may see only rarely in their everyday practice.

"A general ophthalmologist can visit the site to look at various types of eyelid tumors, or for information that will help him differentiate between a benign choroidal nevus and a malignant choroidal melanoma," notes Dr. Finger. "And if an ophthalmologist has a difficult case, he can submit it to our International Tumor Board, which is made up of 300 specialists around the world. We will post the case on the site and invite responses."

Eyecancer.com is a labor of love for Dr. Finger, who spends up to 2 hours each day updating the site with new information.

"Because eye cancers are rare, we need to pool our efforts on a worldwide scale to share the information and data that will enable us to develop effective treatments," concludes Dr. Finger. "The Internet is the perfect vehicle for this effort."

Visit www.eyecancer.com

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com or call him at (215) 643-8013.