"Essentials in Ophthalmology" is a new review series covering all of ophthalmology categorized in eight subspecialties. It will be published quarterly, thus each subspecialty will be reviewed biannually.
Given the multiplicity of medical publications already available, why is a new series needed? Consider that the half-life of medical knowledge is estimated to be around 5 years. Moreover, it can be as long as 8 years between the first description of a medical innovation in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and publication in a medical textbook. A series that narrows this time span between journal and textbook would provide a more rapid and efficient transfer of medical knowledge into clinical practice, and enhance care of our patients.
From the reviews:
"This is an interesting and well-illustrated book dealing with many contemporary issues in ophthalmology ? . The book is one of the excellent series by Springer: Essentials in Ophthalmology. ? It combines some excellent laboratory science and contemporary imaging techniques with up-to-date clinical material. Certainly it will be of great interest to anyone involved in the management of cornea and external eye disease ? . I would recommend this as a must for corneal surgeons and any departmental library." (Charles NJ McGhee, Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, Vol. 35, 2007)
"Essentials in Ophthalmology is a review series covering all of ophthalmology categorized in eight subspecialties. Each subspecialty is reviewed biannually. ? The book is aimed at clinicians and trainees specialising in cornea. ? The layout is excellent throughout. The chapter selection has been good and covers the use of autologous serum eyedrops ? . Confocal microscopy is excellently summarised with clear pictures. The book makes an interesting read and is essential for the practicing corneal specialists and trainees in the field of cornea." (Senthil Maharajan, Eye News, April/May, 2007)
"The present book entitled Cornea and External Eye Disease appears as the final of an 8-volume set in the series Essentials in Ophthalmology ? . All in all, a welcome and successfully written monograph that fulfills the interested reader's expectations by supplying him or her with a comprehensive overview of the most important advances emerging for the subfield 'cornea and external eye disease'. The book is recommended reading for colleagues in a hospital setting or ophthalmologic practice as well as for advanced assistant physicians." (C. Meltendorf, Ophthalmologica, Vol. 221 (4), 2007)
"This 229-page book contains 14 chapters written by experienced researchers and clinicians. ? All tables, graphics and pictures are ofhigh quality. ? style of all chapters is easy to understand. The illustrations are clear and appropriate. All addressed topics are represented in detail. ? This book is to be recommended to ophthalmologists who want to acquire specific knowledge of any of the subjects addressed. It belongs in every ophthalmologic library and provides the reader with access to the most important publications in its field." (K.-P. Steuhl, Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, Vol. 245, 2007)
