At the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Elaine Binkley is leading groundbreaking research that could change how ocular tumors are treated and managed. Specializing in ocular oncology, Dr. Binkley focuses on developing more effective, vision-preserving treatments for patients with intraocular tumors—including those with rare genetic conditions and metastatic disease.
“I conduct research in the field of ocular oncology with specific interests in improving brachytherapy techniques and outcomes for patients with posterior uveal melanoma, reducing vision loss from radiation retinopathy, improving visual outcomes for patients with heritable tumor predisposition syndromes with ocular tumors, and treating choroidal metastatic lesions,” said Dr. Binkley.
Her work is multidisciplinary in nature and spans both translational and clinical research, with key collaborations through the University of Iowa’s Institute for Vision Research and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Binkley also co-advises Medical Scientist Training Program student Lola Lozano, whose work has been integral to several projects investigating retinal hemangioblastomas in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and MEK-inhibitor retinopathy in patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
Beyond Iowa, Dr. Binkley contributes to national and international efforts in ocular oncology. “I work with collaborators outside the institution on projects including the DRCR Network radiation retinopathy clinical trial (protocol AL),” she noted. “I am an active member of the International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO) and am a member of its Young Ocular Oncologists Group core leadership team which aims to promote research and educational collaborations for ocular oncologists throughout the world.”
Looking to the future, Dr. Binkley envisions an even more integrated and impactful research program. “We hope to continue/complete collaborative projects studying uveal melanoma and identify the mechanisms behind von Hippel-Lindau retinal hemangioblastomas, radiation retinopathy, and MEK-inhibitor retinopathy,” she said. “Our goal is to use the information from these translational studies and clinical trials to develop targeted therapies to treat ocular tumors while reducing vision loss and risk for metastasis.”
The potential impact of this work is significant. “The field of ocular oncology is expanding and evolving with new treatments in development that aim to treat ocular tumors while preserving vision for patients who would have previously been blinded by their tumors,” Dr. Binkley explained.
Her research also draws on the unique strengths of Iowa’s clinical programs. “Being able to apply vitreoretinal surgical techniques and treatments to ocular oncology-related projects and patient care is a unique aspect of our program,” she said. “Developing our research program and being able to offer patients participation in clinical trials and research projects aimed at improving their outcomes is vital to maintaining our ocular oncology center of excellence.”
Ultimately, the goal is not just academic advancement—it’s better care and better lives. “We hope that our work can improve outcomes and quality of life for both our patients and patients around the world with ocular tumors,” said Dr. Binkley. “Our primary goal is to provide Iowans with access to high-quality ocular oncology care.”