Media Type: Atlas/Reference Book

Synopsis: While there are several quick reference books targeted at oculoplastics and orbital disease, the Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Institute: Oculoplastics, 2 ^nd edition, is the only one that has access to its text and images online. Much emphasis is placed on the visual recognition of conditions, using numerous photographs and radiographs to illustrate concepts. This book encompasses all areas of oculoplastics and orbital disease. It serves as a useful source for primary care physicians as well as experts in the field, depending on how the reader uses its information.

Target Audience: Ophthalmologists

Review: The author serves as the Director of the Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery service at Wills Eye Institute, where he has been on staff since 1990. Well-versed in the clinical and surgical management of oculoplastic conditions, Dr Penne lends his expertise to create well organized, practice guidelines. He is the author of numerous manuscripts and recipient of several resident and medical student teaching awards.

This book is one of a 7-book series covering each ophthalmic subspecialty, all of which emphasize visual recognition of eye diseases. The book divides 15 chapters into three sections: eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, and the orbit. The goal of this book is to help physicians (ophthalmologists and non-ophthalmologists) diagnose frequently encountered oculoplastic diseases with the aid of visual findings. The full scope of oculoplastic and orbital disorders are discussed, including benign and malignant tumors, trauma, inflammatory conditions, lacrimal dysfunctions, and congenital abnormalities. The book is very well-organized discussing each condition’s: epidemiology and etiology, clinical history, exam findings, differential diagnoses to be considered, tests to be performed, treatment, and prognosis. A similar outline format is present in all of the books within this series. This book emphasizes visual recognition of each disease based on distinguishing, characteristic findings, using numerous color photographs and radiographs. A notable feature of this second edition is a password-accessible, online text with e-book features and a downloadable image bank. The reader will likely find this very helpful for presentations and remote access to the material.

The information is a compilation of the author’s clinical and surgical experience at Wills Eye Institute and vast knowledge of the subject matter. Care is taken to ensure that all information is up-to-date and in agreement with accepted practice patterns. The author also recognizes contributions from his colleagues, which give the content a more balanced perspective.

The reader should realize that this book’s goal is not to cover every detail of each oculoplastic and orbital condition, rather to highlight salient features. The listing of diseases, of course, is not comprehensive; yet, the book focuses on the most common conditions encountered by an oculoplastic and orbital specialist. However, this book will serve as a valuable quick-reference resource to any physician encountering oculoplastic or orbital diseases.

While there are other quick reference oculoplastic and orbital books available, this book offers an additional feature of an online access to the book in electronic format, which is text searchable. Moreover, the author has graciously created an image bank that allows the reader to access for study or future use in educational presentations. This book would be useful to a healthcare provider unfamiliar with eye disease, yet it will be a valued staple to the seasoned oculoplastic and orbital specialist as well.