Projects >> Technology

Ocular Prosthetic

The Miracle Foundation is supporting the development for a design of a prototype for a new, innovative ocular prosthetic which will drastically improve the cosmetic appearance and replace the grossly- inadequate prosthetics currently now used. This research is being spearheaded by world-renowned oncologist, Dr. David Abramson, Chief, Ophthalmic Oncology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This revolutionary prosthetic device will greatly benefit the lives of retinoblastoma patients.

Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina that can present itself in a variety of ways. In a majority of cases, this form of cancer is diagnosed in children under 5 years old. The majority of patients will have a white pupil reflex instead of a normal, healthy, black
pupil, or red reflux. The abnormal, white reflex is sometimes referred to as a cat’s eye reflex. Many times the parent is the first to notice the cat’s eye reflex either by looking at the eye or when a photograph is taken. The crossed eye is the second most common manner. Retinoblastoma is commonly treated with the removal of the affected eye in combination with chemotherapy.