Resources

‘Resources for ophthalmologists’ comprises a dictionary of eponymous syndromes with significant ophthalmic features, web addresses for many ophthalmic and other medical societies, funding organizations, and ophthalmic journals, and a list of reference ranges for a wide range of tests on blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.

Surgery: theatre notes

‘Ophthalmic surgery: theatre notes’ introduces a number of key concepts to prepare the trainee for ophthalmic theatre. These areas include suture materials and needle types, common surgical instruments (with illustrations), and important supportive issues such as sterilization services and hand hygiene.

Aids to diagnosis

‘Aids to diagnosis’ provides the reader with tools that will assist in identifying differential diagnoses according to either the clinical presentation or the clinical sign.

Uveitis

‘Uveitis’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of this group of intraocular inflammatory conditions. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of the uveal tract, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations of uveitic diseases before discussing each syndrome in more detail. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition. Emphasis is given to the association of some forms of uveitis with systemic disease, and the need for appropriate investigation.

Lens

‘Lens’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of lens-related disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter discusses the key clinical features, investigations and surgical options for cataract and other disorders of the lens. There is an extended discussion around phacoemulsification, intraocular lens options and the potential complications of cataract surgery.

Sclera

‘Sclera’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of scleral disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from scleral disease, notably episcleritis, anterior scleritis and posterior scleritis. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition. Emphasis is given to the possible association with systemic disease, and the need for appropriate investigation.

Investigations and their interpretation

‘Investigations and their interpretation’ introduces the reader to both standard and emerging technologies that enable assessment of the structure or function of the eye and visual system. Starting with visual field testing, the chapter covers automated and Goldmann perimetry, novel protocols and progression analysis. Anterior segment imaging covers keratometry, topography and OCT. Posterior segment imaging includes angiographic techniques, novel blood flow quantification methods, OCT, and adaptive optics. Electrodiagnostic tests are introduced including multifocal techniques. Finally ophthalmic ultrasonography and radiology are supported by clinical strategies and examples to support the practice and interpretation of these techniques.

Vitreoretinal

‘Vitreoretinal’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of vitreoretinal disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of the relevant structures, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from vitreoretinal disease, notably peripheral retinal degenerations, retinal breaks, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal detachment (rhegmatogenous, tractional and exudative), retinoschisis, epiretinal membranes, macular holes and a wide range of rarer conditions. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.

Evidence-based ophthalmology

‘Evidence-based ophthalmology’ introduces the reader to key concepts which support an evidence-based practice. Areas covered include study design, critical appraisal, hierarchical levels of evidence, clinical guidelines, Cochrane reviews, healthcare economics, investigations, and patient-reported outcomes. Additionally, there is an introduction to relevant statistical concepts, including common tests, relative risk, odds ratios, approaches to the 'two-eye problem', and Bayesian versus frequentist issues.

Therapeutics

‘Therapeutics’ introduces the principles and delivery of ocular drugs, and practical advice about safe injection techniques, before moving on to the core of the chapter that comprises tabular summaries of topical and systemic medications commonly used in ophthalmology. Key areas include advice on the safe use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics.