Health disparities in ocular oncology

Social determinants of health (SDH) play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes. Few studies have explored the impact of SDH in ocular oncology, looking at differences in disease presentation, treatment choices, and outcomes based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and insurance status. Retinoblastoma exhibits disparities in survival, with lower-income countries experiencing substantially lower rates compared to high-income countries. In the U.S., racial and SES disparities exist, impacting treatment choices and outcomes in children with retinoblastoma. Disparities in treatment modalities based on race and SES have been reported in uveal melanoma, with non-White and economically disadvantaged patients more likely to undergo primary enucleation. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) exhibits racial and socioeconomic disparities in treatment outcomes. Black patients with OSSN face higher mortality, independent of tumor size, eye laterality, or tumor behavior. Given the rarity, there is no data on disparities in vitreoretinal lymphoma management. When using primary central nervous system lymphoma as a surrogate, management and survival outcomes vary based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and insurance status. This article aims to review current literature on disparities in ocular oncology, highlighting the need for granular data to better understand existing gaps in care within ocular oncology.