Stallard Lecture: Stallard’s Contribution to Uveal Melanoma Treatment

Background: Hyla (“Henry”) Bristow Stallard (1901–1973) was an English ophthalmologist who made a significant contribution to ophthalmology and to ocular oncology. Summary: Stallard achieved international fame as an athlete during his early years, breaking several records and winning a medal in the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. He served as Consultant Surgeon and Pathologist at Moorfields and St. Bartholomew’s Hospitals. During his training, he wrote a thesis entitled “Radiant Energy as (a) a pathogenic and (b) a therapeutic agent in ophthalmic disorders”, for which he was awarded the Gifford Edmonds Prize Essay in 1932. In 1946, he published his influential textbook on eye surgery, which ran to six editions. In the introduction to this book, he highlighted the requirements of a good surgeon, which are as valid today as they were in his time. He published numerous scientific articles and delivered many eponymous lectures in several countries, receiving a large number of prestigious awards. In 1972, he was elected President of the Ophthalmological Society of the UK. One of Stallard’s great achievements was the development of plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanomas, which involved designing the applicator, determining the required radiation dosimetry, and publishing long-term outcome studies. This was at a time when these tumours were widely considered to be untreatable with radiotherapy because they are so radio-resistant. He also pioneered iris melanoma brachytherapy, trans-retinal and trans-scleral tumour biopsy, partial choroidectomy, iridocyclectomy, and iridectomy, orbital surgery, retinoblastoma treatment, and he invented or designed several instruments. Key Messages: Stallard’s legacy extends beyond specific therapeutic techniques by inspiring ophthalmologists to teach, perform research, and publish their findings and innovations for the benefit of future patients around the world. This review focuses on Stallard’s contribution to the treatment of uveal melanoma.