A 76-year-old man had noted failing visual acuity in the left eye for three to five years. At the time of examination, the visual acuity of this eye was reduced to ½/60. Fundoscopy revealed a spherical, highly vascularized tumor at the temporal margin of the optic papilla. The diameter of this tumor was nearly equal to that of the disc. A few small hemorrhages were seen on the tumor and in the adjacent retina. No retinal exudates were found. The visual acuity of the right eye was 20/20; its fundus showed no anomalies. Past medical history and review of systems were unremarkable. A careful investigation of the family's medical history brought no additional information. The latter investigation was performed when the true nature of the tumor had become known by histological examination.
The patient was seen in consultation by many ophthalmologists. A great deal of uncertainty remained as to the