Bernard Ho, St George's, University of London

(This review is based on the 3rd edition (2009).) There are not many textbooks out there for medical students on such a specialized medical field - ophthalmology. This book is, in my opinion, the perfect book for any medical student that want to know a little bit more than 'just enough' in the field. I found the clinical pictures in this book very useful and better than some of the 'crash course' books out there in the market. I like how the book covers from the basics to ophthalmology (i.e History and examination, drugs, and microbiology) to the diseases in ophthalmology. I love the section at the end of the book called 'clinical decision making' and it helps bring all aspects of the book together - allowing medical students to start thinking clinically in ophthalmology.

Posted 11th Oct 2011

David Miller, University of Glasgow

The excellent 2 page spread layout of the Illustrated Colour Texts definitely lends itself to storming through the disease of the eye very well. The information is simple, accessible and mixed in with diagrams and pictures. The book successfully manages to cover ophthalmic history and examination, front of the eye disease, retinal diseases, orbital trauma and diseases and the systemic inflammatory conditions which are of significance in eyes. On the downside the book is designed for simple level knowledge of quite and extensive range of eye diseases. The section on diabetic retinopathy is a little shallow on the ground and will need to be supplemented with some fundoscopy pictures of diabetic eyes but there are a number of good review articles available in the journals which will complement this well. Surprisingly for a book of its size there are case studies included to provide self assessment. They are very basic but common and so particularly well suited to exactly what would be expected of undergraduates to recognise and refer possibly even diagnose. This book more than suffices for providing all the ophthalmology history, examination and coverage of common diseases required at undergraduate level. It doesn’t spin off into too much detail and is well layed out in two page spreads with a good mix of pictures and diagrams.

Posted 28th Dec 2008

Jorgen Nordskar, University of Trondheim

This is the book for the ones who are tired of heavy, difficult to read and unorganised medical literature. An Illustrated Colour Text has concentrated each theme to a double spread A4 page. The themes are presented through short text, pictures, drawings and tables and a frame with the most important elements a student must know. This “key elements” frame is good for using both as an introduction to each theme and for summing up/repetition.
In the back of the book there are 8 double pages with flow sheets and pictures representing the 8 most important causes for seeking medical assistance in ophthalmology. These pages are built up as case histories with questions and answers. These pages are very informative and are recommended.

Posted 1st Jul 2008