Friedman, Trattler and Kaiser present the fourth edition of Review of Ophthalmology; an easily approachable textbook aimed at medical students and ophthalmology trainees which is optimally designed to promote knowledge recall. The contents of the book are broadly divided into the following colour-coded chapters:
- Optics
- Pharmacology
- Embryology / Pathology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Pediatrics / Strabismus
- Orbits / Lids / Adnexa
- Cornea / External Disease
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Anterior segment
- Posterior segment.
Each chapter is further subdivided into clear subsections to easily guide learning and revision. Content within the book is presented in a concise format, focusing particularly on the most important aspects of each subtopic. Key trials and studies are effectively summarised throughout the book and are divided into objectives, methods, results and conclusions, where relevant, to convey relevant findings in an easy-to-understand manner.
The chapters conclude with a series of very approachable multiple-choice, single best answer review questions which are effective for consolidating the knowledge covered in the chapter. The enhanced digital version, which can be accessed using the activation code provided in the hard copy, provides an interactive version of the review questions for those who’d prefer not to flick to the back of the book for the answers.
Each chapter also provides suggested reading which directs to key materials for anyone wanting further information on the topic. The neuro-ophthalmology chapter, in particular, incorporates detailed, clearly labelled, colour images to demonstrate concepts in an easy-to-visualise format which enhances understanding.
The fourth edition of the book retains the original format of previous editions but incorporates many new multiple-choice questions and has also updated management strategies based on up-to-date treatment guidelines.
Overall, Review of Ophthalmology comprehensively covers common topics and acts as a useful review tool for anyone wishing to pursue a career in ophthalmology. For medical students and those new to ophthalmology, I would, however, recommend starting with a more narrative text to establish a foundation and use Review of Ophthalmology to complement and expand on this.
