LIVING with Ocular Melanoma: Thoughts from JULIAN WHARAM

Today on Eye Connect, Joanne is joined by teacher, broadcaster and fellow podcast host Julian Wharam for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about life with ocular melanoma. Julian shares the moment everything changed — from suddenly seeing lightning flashes while teaching a classroom full of students, to hearing the words “choroidal melanoma” for the very first time. What followed was a whirlwind of scans, referrals, proton beam therapy, uncertainty and learning to navigate a world that suddenly looked very different. Together, Joanne and Julian talk openly about: • The early symptoms that led to diagnosis • Proton beam therapy and treatment in Liverpool • Living with changing vision and radiation retinopathy• Scanxiety and the emotional toll of ongoing surveillance • Continuing to work and broadcast while adapting to sight loss• The exhaustion of “binocular fusion” and visual overload • Why humour, communication and community matter so much • Accessing psychological support through Ocular Melanoma UK• Learning to ask for help — and accepting support. Julian also reflects on how ocular melanoma has changed the way he communicates, connects with others and tells stories — both professionally and personally. This episode is warm, thoughtful and incredibly human — a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person trying to adapt, process and continue living life fully in the face of uncertainty. 💛 A Conversation About More Than Cancer This is not just a conversation about ocular melanoma. It’s about identity, resilience, fear, adaptation, family, work, visibility and invisible disability and finding connection in a rare cancer community. 🔗 Support & Resources If you or someone you love has been affected by ocular melanoma, support is available through Ocular Melanoma UK: Bringing together people and stories.