Can Ocular Melanoma Be Hereditary? Danny Powell’s Story & the BAP1 Gene | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode, we interview Danny Powell, an ocular melanoma (OM) patient whose tumor was identified early thanks to his eye doctor noticing a change and acting quickly. Danny explains his diagnosis, his treatment with brachytherapy, and how he later discovered that his grandmother also had OM—an extremely rare family connection. This prompted genetic testing, which revealed that Danny carries a BAP1 gene mutation. He discusses what that means for his ongoing care, his decision to join a clinical study, and the importance of regular surveillance scans. Whether you're an OM patient, caregiver, or medical professional, this episode provides practical insight into early detection, genetic risk factors, and patient involvement in research.