Friedman and Kaiser present the third edition of Case Reviews in Ophthalmology, a uniquely formatted textbook presenting 165 cases in a simple, clear to understand format. Clinical scenarios presented in the text cover a wide range of ophthalmic topics including:
- Optics / Refraction
- Neuro-ophthalmology / Orbit
- Pediatric ophthalmology / Strabismus
- External disease / Adnexa
- Anterior segment
- Posterior segment
The textbook begins by presenting a comprehensive list of commonly encountered abbreviations, which is a useful resource for medical students and those new to ophthalmology.
Each of the six chapters includes case-based scenarios, accompanied by an image and relevant questions. The answers to the cases are conveniently provided on the following page, eliminating the need to flip to the back of the book.
Cases are presented with a brief summary which highlights key clinical findings that trainees are expected to recognise and understand. Each summary is followed by a series of relevant questions that encourage recall of key knowledge. The concise nature of these case-based scenarios ensures that the most critical aspects are emphasised and hence conveys what information should be prioritised.
Certain scenarios are supplemented by additional information followed by a series of further questions. This format serves as an effective tool to mimic real life scenarios where patients contribute further information throughout the course of a consultation, allowing differentials to be narrowed into a diagnosis.
Relative to the previous edition, the third edition contains 19 new cases spanning across all topics. Moreover, this edition has incorporated additional figures into original questions to enhance understanding.
Overall, Case Reviews in Ophthalmology acts as an excellent resource for consolidation of knowledge and in preparation for encountering real scenarios. The case-based approach used by the text provides an excellent introduction to common clinical scenarios that are encountered and highlights the most critical aspects that need to be prioritised. For medical students and those new to ophthalmology, this text serves as an effective consolidation tool following review of core material.
