Dr. Bertil Damato
Areas of Expertise
About Me
Dr. Bertil E. Damato is an internationally recognized ocular oncologist who cares for adults and children with eye tumors. Trained in Malta and Glasgow, he later helped build and lead one of the world’s foremost ocular oncology programs in Liverpool before bringing his expertise to the Bay Area. Patients see him for comprehensive evaluation and treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma, retinoblastoma, and other rare intraocular cancers, with an emphasis on preserving vision whenever safely possible.Dr. Damato offers evidence-based, eye-sparing therapies such as plaque brachytherapy and collaborates closely with radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, and genetics to personalize care and surveillance plans. He is widely published and has contributed to international guidelines in ocular melanoma. Patients appreciate his clear explanations, thoughtful counseling about prognosis, and shared decision-making that balances tumor control, vision, and quality of life.
Training
Ph.D
1987University of Glasgow
Masters / PhDSurgery/Medicine
1979Glasgow Royal Infirmary
ResidencyM.D
1977University of Malta
Medical School
Awards & Honors
Wings of Hope Award
2016CURE Ocular Melanoma
Achievement Award
2015American Academy of Ophthalmology
Ashton Medal
2012Royal College of Ophthalmologists (UK)
Watson Medal
2012Cambridge Ophthalmological Symposium
Jerry Shields Award
2012Asia-Pacific Society of Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Publications & Press
Inadvertent Scleral Perforation During Choroidal Melanoma Surgeries: Incidence, Risk Factors, Management, and Outcomes
American Journal of Ophthalmology•2025Posterior uveal biopsy and the trans-scleral Essen forceps biopsy technique
Eye (Lond)•2025Prognostic Biopsy of Choroidal Melanoma Before and After Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy: Impact on Success of Cytogenetic Analysis
Cancers (Basel)•2025Uveal Melanoma UK national guidelines: 2023 update
European Journal of Cancer•2025Improved Staging of Ciliary Body and Choroidal Melanomas Based on Estimation of Tumor Volume and Competing Risk Analyses
Ophthalmology•2024
Certifications & Licensure
- Licensed In
- CA
- License Numbers
- SFP24
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Dr. Bertil Damato
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