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Clinical Ophthalmology - A Systematic Approach

5th edition

 

By Jack J. Kanski

733 pp.
Published by Butterworth-Heinemann, 2003

ISBN: 0750655410

Reviewed by Tarney Spencer in 2004

 

This excellent text, first published in 1984, is well known to all ophthalmologists and ophthalmology registrars. It is often the first ophthalmology text in a new registrar's library, and the first book instinctively picked up when reviewing almost any clinical problem. So, how has this book changed in its fifth incarnation?

Clinical ophthalmology - a systematic approach has been given a major overhaul by Dr Jay Menon, with the appearance of four new chapters, an appealing clarified layout, and many new photos, angiograms and technical drawings. It is perhaps the ease of use of the new colour coded layout, with its larger headings, and clearly labeled subheadings which first grabs your attention. Ophthalmic conditions are described succinctly under the headings of presentation, signs and treatment; making study and revision a breeze.

The new chapters are:

  • The dry eye
  • Corneal and refractive surgery
  • Episclera and sclera
  • Cornea

Separating cornea from sclera has given greater clarity to both areas, particularly with regard to diagnosis, differentials and management. The old chapters have all been overhauled, not just with regard to layout, but content as well. Greater emphasis has been placed on genetics and newer treatments and diagnostic modalities.

The book does not quote major studies, though it does use various statistics from them. The distinct lack of a bibliography makes identifying important and pivotal studies and other sub-specialty texts frustratingly difficult, though this detracts little from the book as a useable source of general ophthalmic knowledge.

Overall, the fifth edition of Clinical ophthalmology - a systematic approach is an essential part of every general ophthalmologist's library, and an excellent clear introduction to all ophthalmic sub-specialties.

Dr Tarney Spencer (MBBS (Hons.))
Second year ophthalmology registrar RVEEH


This is available for purchase through the Library's Bookshop Service, or available for loan through the library. Contact the library for more details.

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