David A Plager, Edward G Buckley, Michael X Repka and M Edward Wilson

Publication Date: 5 August 2004 Price:£48.00,

Hardback ISBN 0-19-517023-7

This is a multiauthor book written by four well-known paediatric ophthalmologists with invited contributions from two internationally renowned strabismus surgeons, Marshall M Parks and Gunter K von Noorden. It is of medium length (194 pages) and is divided into eight chapters (Esotropic Deviations, Exotropic Deviations, Oblique Muscle Dysfunction, Dissociated Deviations, Paralytic Strabismus, Restrictive Strabismus, Nystagmus Surgery, Re-operation Strategies).

It is not intended to be an all inclusive scientific reference work on strabismus. Rather, it deals primarily with current therapeutic and surgical strategies and examination techniques that facilitate the management of common strabismus entities.

This book is not aimed at the beginner strabismus surgeon. It warrants a working knowledge of strabismus. As such it will be a ‘good read’ for the general ophthalmologist with a strabismus interest, the subspecialist, orthoptists and surgeons in training who may wish to pursue a career in strabismus.

Each chapter has a rather unique format. It is written by one of the authors and the recommendations within it (including pertinent examination tips, therapeutic and operative strategies, and expected outcomes) are shaped by that author's own preferences and by his experiences.

Within every chapter are pertinent commentaries from some of the other authors expressing their viewpoints and recommendations. I believe readers will find this particular format insightful and a good way of understanding the differing approaches to the treatment of various strabismus disorders.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who practices strabismus. It is immensely readable, current and thought provoking, and provides each reader with much to consider as we strive to improve our practice of strabismus.